Shillong Aug 1: Ribansi Jamu has been retained by coach Joakim Alexandersson in the India squad for the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, which will be held in a few days from now.
The goalkeeper travelled to Uzbekistan last month for two friendlies that India played against the Central Asian nation. However, she didn’t get any game time there.
One other Meghalayan – Fragrancy Riwan – had also travelled to Uzbekistan and did feature in the second friendly but she hasn’t been included in the squad that will play in the 6th to 10th August qualifiers.
Alexandersson named the team on Thursday.
The Young Tigresses are in Group D and will face Indonesia on 6th August, Turkmenistan on 8th August and hosts Myanmar on 10th August. The group winners and the three best second-placed teams across all eight groups will qualify for the tournament that will be held in Thailand in April 2026. The first two matches will be at 6PM India time, with the third one at 3PM.
The Indian team continued their camp in Bangalore after returning from Uzbekistan. They left for Myanmar on Thursday night and are scheduled to arrive on Friday morning, five days before their first game.
India U-20 women’s squad for AFC qualifiers:
Goalkeepers: Melody Chanu Keisham, Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Ribansi Jamu
Defenders: Alina Chingakham, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Juhi Singh, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Viksit Bara
Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja
Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Khushbu Kashiram Saroj, 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)
(File photo)
