Shillong, Jul 11: Two footballers from Meghalaya – Fragrancy Riwan and Ribansi Jamu (pictured left and right) – have been selected in the Indian U-20 women’s squad that is travelling to Uzbekistan for two friendlies in the Central Asian nation.
Both matches will take place in the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent, on 13th and 16th July. India is undertaking the friendlies as part of preparations for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, which will be held in August in Myanmar.
The 24-member squad departed Bangalore, where they had been undergoing a camp, yesterday.
Both Fragrancy and Ribansi currently play their club football for Delhi-based Garhwal United FC. They were two of seven Meghalaya players who were instrumental in the club winning the Indian Women’s League 2nd Division (IWL 2) title earlier this year.
India, led by Swedish coach Joakim Alexandersson, will face Indonesia (6th August), Turkmenistan (8th August) and hosts Myanmar (10th August) in Yangon in the AFC U-20 qualifiers. The group winners and three best runners-up across all eight groups will qualify for the final tournament in Thailand next year.
The squad for the Uzbekistan trip includes goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, who was part of the senior team that secured a historic qualification to the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand last week where she made one appearance.
Melody Chanu Keisham, Shubhangi Singh, Viksit Bara, Sulanjana Raul and Cindy Remruatpuii Colney also trained with the senior team during their camp, which is part of the broader AIFF vision to provide more exposure to players from a younger age.
India U-20 women’s squad for Uzbekistan friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu
Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Fragrancy Riwan, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Viksit Bara
Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Khushbu Kashiram Saroj, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja
Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul
Support staff: Joakim Alexandersson (head coach), Paromita Sit (assistant coach), Hameed KK (goalkeeping coach), Karan Mane (strength and conditioning coach)
Fixtures:
Uzbekistan vs India, 13th July, 8:30PM IST
Uzbekistan vs India, 16th July, 8:30PM IST
