Shillong, Apr 8: Sanfida Nongrum (pictured centre) and the rest of the Indian senior women’s football team have landed in Nairobi ahead of the FIFA Series 2026 Kenya, scheduled for the April FIFA international women’s match window.
The Blue Tigresses will take on hosts Kenya on 11th April at 8:30PM India time, while Australia and Malawi will play earlier on the same day at 4:30PM India time. The two winners will clash in the final, while the losers will compete in the third place playoff respectively on 15th April. All matches will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Crispin Chettri has been re-appointed as the head coach of the Indian women’s national team, following the experiment of Amelia Valverde for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where India lost all three matches. Chettri has named a 22-member squad for the friendly tournament, including Meghalaya’s Sanfida Nongrum. Sujata Kar, who won the AIFF Women’s Coach of the Year award in 2025, has been appointed as the assistant coach. Fysal K Bapu has been appointed as the goalkeeping coach.
Meanwhile, it was also announced yesterday that the India U-17 women’s team are in Sochi for three friendly matches against Russia on 11th, 14th and 17th April. Head coach Pamela Conti has named a 23-member squad for the tour, which includes Meghalaya’s Alisha Lyngdoh (pictured left) and Bonifilia Shullai (right).
All three matches will be played at the Matsesta Football Centre in Sochi and will kick off at 2:30PM India time.
The Young Tigresses, who are preparing for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, reached Sochi late on Monday night. Last month, they travelled to Yangon to play two friendly matches against the hosts, winning both (2-0 and 3-2). Following their return, Conti’s side continued their training camp in Bengaluru.
In the Asian Cup India will take on Australia (2nd May), Japan (5th May) and Lebanon (8th May) in Group B.
India’s squad for FIFA Series 2026 Kenya:
Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, Shreya Hooda
Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sarita Yumnam
Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Shilky Devi Hemam
Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar
Support staff: Crispin Chettri (head coach), Sujata Kar (assistant coach), Fysal K Bapu (goalkeeping coach)
India U17 women’s 23-member squad for Russia friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Munni, Surajmuni Kumari, Tamphasana Devi Konjengbam
Defenders: Alena Devi Sarangthem, Alisha Lyngdoh, Divyani Linda, Elizabed Lakra, Joyshini Chanu Huidrom, Ritu Badaik, Taniya Devi Tonambam
Midfielders: Abhista Basnett, Alva Devi Senjam, Bonifilia Shullai, Julan Nongmaithem, Pritika Barman, Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Thandamoni Baskey
Forwards: Anushka Kumari, Anwita Raghuraman, Joya, Olivia Chanu Ningthoujam, Pearl Fernandes, Valaina Fernandes
Support staff: Pamela Conti (head coach), Vincenzo Conti & Nivetha Ramadoss (assistant coaches), Mario Aguiar (goalkeeping coach), Amit Yadav (strength & conditioning coach)
(File photos)
