MARGAO
Goa’s rising football talents Pearl Fernandes and Valaina Fernandes, both forwards from Sesa Football Academy, have been named in the 23-member India squad for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026.
The Indian U-17 women’s team arrived in Suzhou on Monday, April 27, following a preparatory camp in Gurugram. The tournament marks a historic return for India, who have qualified after a gap of 21 years.
India will begin their Group B campaign against Australia on May 2, followed by matches against Japan on May 5 and Lebanon on May 8. All matches will be played at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre.
The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. The four semi-finalists will secure qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026.
India’s squad
Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam
Defenders: Abhista Basnett, Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam
Midfielders: Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Thandamoni Baskey
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Joya, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes
