India’s U20 women’s football team played their third friendlies match against Swedish club Enskede IK Dam on February 26, at the Boson National Sports Centre in Lidingo, Sweden. The Young Tigresses have tied the series at 1-1. In their first match against Hammarby IF, India went down by 0-6. However, they made a strong comeback in the second one against Taby FK which they won by 4-0.
In the match against Enskede IK Dam, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam scored the first goal for India in the 44th minute but Enskede levelled the score at the later half. After their first match loss against Hammarby IF, the Young Tigresses head coach Joakim Alexandersson brought in some changes to the starting 11 that helped them in their victory against Taby FK.
In that match, the India team scored two goals one from Babita Kumari and the other was done by Lhingdeikim. Babita went on to add her second, while Neha added the fourth in the 80th minute.
The Young Tigresses have one more friendly match remaining to play against Karlbergs BK which is scheduled on February 28. This friendlies serves as part of their preparation for the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Thailand.
The 12th edition of the U-20 Women’s Asia Cup is set to be held from April 1 to 16. India will make its first appearance since 2006 after receiving their qualification from the Qualifiers held last year in August. The team finished in top spot of the Group D division after defeating Indonesia, Myanmar and Turkmenistan.
The tournament will feature twelve teams divided into three groups of four each. From there only the top two teams from each group and the two best teams finishing in third place will then progress into the quarter-finals. Only four semi-finalists will then earn their place for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.
The Young Tigresses have been placed in Group C of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup. They will begin their campaign against Japan on April 2, followed by their matches against Australia on April 5, and then against Chinese Taipei on April 8.
India U20 Women squad:
Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), Nishima Kumari (Remi Thokchom 60′), Thoinbisana Chanu Toijam, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Shubhangi Singh, Pooja, Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam (Bhumika Devi Khumukcham 60′), Lhingdeikim, Sulanjana Raul, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam (Neha 60′), Babita Kumari (Deepika Pal 46′, Shilji Shaji 88′)
