NEW DELHI (India): Indian U17 women’s team will participate in a three-nation tournament 2019 that starts at Mumbai Football Arena on Decemeber 13.
The tournament, which will also feature Sweden and Thailand, is orgainsed as part of Indian team’s preparation for next year’s FIFA U17 World Cup, the AIFF said on their website on Sunday.
Fixtures:
Dece 13: India vs Sweden
Dec 15: Sweden vs Thailand
Dec 17: Thailand vs India
Dec 19: Final
The tournament being organized under UEFA Assist in collaboration with AFC comes right after the recently-concluded U17 Women’s Championship in Kalyani last month.
The preparation tournament in Bengal featured a total 73 players divided into four teams as the Alex Ambrose-coached Lionesses emerged victorious.
“It’s the first time an international tournament for girls in being hosted in India. With the FIFA World Cup coming next year, this will be a great opportunity for the Indian girls to prepare,” said AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das .
India U-17 World Cup coach Thomas Dennerby said the tournament will benefit the team.
“It’s very important to play international friendlies against strong opponents. It’ll help us to learn more about decision making in crunch situations,” said the Swede, who joined last month.
“The players and all the staff are very much looking forward to the tournament. It is an acid test which was very much needed.”
Sweden ranks as one of the top teams in women’s football, with their senior side finishing third in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 in France.
