India U17 Women Head to Sochi for Three Russia Friendlies in April
India U17 Women Fly to Sochi for Three Russia Friendlies
India’s Under-17 women’s football team has landed in Sochi, ready for a three-match friendly series against Russia that will sharpen their preparations for the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup.
The Young Tigresses arrived late on April 6 and play their three fixtures on April 11, 14, and 17 at the Matsesta Football Centre, with each match kicking off at 14:30 IST.
Head coach Pamela Conti has selected a 23-member squad for the tour. The Russia games come at exactly the right time — India face Australia, Japan, and Lebanon in Group B of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup in Suzhou, China in May. All three are demanding opponents.
India have qualified for the continental competition, a significant achievement in itself. The Sochi friendlies give Conti the chance to test combinations, build team chemistry, and identify players who can handle pressure before the tournament begins.
Russia at home, on a full-size pitch, will provide a genuine test. That is exactly what India need right now.