Goa’s Pearl and Valaina named in the squad for SAFF U-19 opener
Nepal: Goa’s Pearl Fernandes and Valaina Fernandes are included in the 23-member India U-17 women’s football squad and will begin their SAFF U-19 Women’s Championship campaign against hosts Nepal today.
Coached by Pamela Conti in her first tournament with the Young Tigresses, the Indian side is using the higher age-group competition as preparation for the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup scheduled later this year in China. The opening match will be played at the Pokhara Rangasala Stadium.
Despite being an U-17 outfit competing at U-19 level, the Indian camp is confident. A majority of the squad featured in last year’s AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, and the team has an average age of just over 16 years.
For Goa, Pearl Fernandes and Valaina Fernandes’ inclusion adds local interest, with both players expected to gain valuable international exposure against strong regional opposition, starting with the hosts on Saturday. “The first game is always important, Conti said at the pre-match press conference.
