Joakim Alexandersson of Sweden will continue as the head coach of the Indian women’s U20 football team for their continental campaign later this year. This decision comes despite changes in the coaching
staff of the senior and U17 national teams.
In an unusual scenario, three Indian women’s teams — seniors, U20, and U17 — will compete in their respective categories at this year’s continental showpiece. With FIFA World Cup qualifications at stake, the AIFF has made changes in the top coaching hierarchy.
Amelia Valverde from Costa Rica, who led her nation to the FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2023, has been appointed as the mentor for the senior women’s team during the AFC Asian Cup, scheduled to be held from March 1 to 12 in Australia.
Similarly, former Italian international Pamela Conti is set to lead the national U17 women’s team for the AFC Asian Cup in China from April 30 to May 17.
“Mutual agreement is finalised (with her) but yet to sign the contract,” a well-placed source in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was quoted as saying to PTI.
The U17 team was previously under Alexandersson during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The Swede also coached the national U20 team during their AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
What About U-17 And Senior Sides?
With the U17 team now set to have a new head coach, Alexandersson will lead the U20 team in their AFC Asian Cup in Thailand from April 1 to 18.
“Alexandersson will be there for the U20 team,” the source said regarding any possibility of change of guard of the U20 side.
As for Amelia Valverde, the AIFF has already finalised her contract.
“She is scheduled to join the team at Turkey today,” the source added.
The Indian senior women’s team is currently in Turkey, participating in friendly matches as part of their preparations for the continental showpiece.
(With inputs from Agencies)
