The India Under-17 women’s football team has arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with an important phase of its Asian Cup qualification preparation now underway. The Young Tigresses will face Uzbekistan twice on August 27 and 30, using the two international friendlies to test their progress before the competitive campaign begins in October.
Head coach Joakim Alexandersson has travelled with a 23-player squad for the closed-door fixtures. The team had been training in Bengaluru since July 16, making the Tashkent camp the next major step in a preparation programme designed to expose the players to stronger international competition.
Two Tests, One Bigger Objective
Both matches will be played at the UFA National Football Centre in Tashkent, with kick-off scheduled for 10:30 AM IST.
August 27: Uzbekistan vs India
August 30: Uzbekistan vs India
Venue: UFA National Football Centre, Tashkent
Status: Closed-door friendlies
There are no competitive points or official match records at stake in these games. Instead, the fixtures offer Alexandersson an opportunity to assess combinations, player development and tactical options against familiar Asian opposition.
India’s 23-Player Squad
The squad features a blend of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards, including several players who were part of India’s recent youth-level campaign.
Goalkeepers: Munni, Sanatombi Devi Irengbam, Sonam Ghosh
Defenders: Abhista Basnett, Ambalika Chanu Khundongbam, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Sharvari Mane, Taniya Devi Tonambam
Midfielders: Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Monika Devi Wairokpam, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Silky Devi Sorokhaibam, Thandamoni Baskey, Yashica Haribabu
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Deepika Kumari, Joya, Nidhi, Nira Chanu Longjam
Why Uzbekistan Matters
The timing of the double-header is significant. India are preparing for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 5 to 11.
India have been placed in Group E alongside Iraq, Syria and hosts Malaysia. With qualification approaching, the Uzbekistan matches provide the coaching staff with valuable competitive minutes and a chance to identify areas that still need improvement.
The Young Tigresses also have positive momentum to build on. India qualified for the previous AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup on merit and subsequently reached the quarter-finals, their best-ever finish in the competition. The next target is therefore not simply qualification, but taking another step forward on the continental stage.
Scores and Records
Upcoming result: No score yet — first friendly scheduled for August 27
Second friendly: August 30
Number of friendlies: 2
India squad: 23 players
Venue: UFA National Football Centre, Tashkent
Asian Cup Qualifiers: October 5–11, Kuala Lumpur
India’s qualifying group: Group E — Iraq, Syria, Malaysia
Recent benchmark: Quarter-final appearance at the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup
The Bigger Picture
For India’s young players, these matches are about more than two results. Uzbekistan offers a competitive environment in which Alexandersson can examine his squad before the pressure of qualification arrives.
The objective is clear: arrive in Kuala Lumpur with a settled team, greater international experience and the confidence to challenge for another Asian Cup appearance.
The Tashkent double-header could therefore become an important checkpoint in India’s journey — two games without points on the line, but with plenty at stake for the future of the Young Tigresses.
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