Kolkata : Indian Head Coach has opened up about the players that impressed him the most in Indian U17 team that qualified for AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 and can have a good future in senior women’s team.
India scripted history by qualifying for 2nd consecutive AFC U17 Asian Cup, becoming first team ever in Women’s category to achieve this feat.
Crispin kept a close look at Joakim Alexanderson’s U17 team that smashed 20 goals in 3 games and marched into the marquee event that is to be held in China next year’s March – April.
Crispin pointed out few players that caught his attention from the dominant campaign – like Munni Bhoma Ram, Julan, Thandamoni Baskey, captain Abhista Basnett, who according to him showed great character and bravery.
“There are 3-4 players for instance Munni -she has got good size and composure , Abhista , Julan are doing good, Thanda has been brave. For me right now it is not only about talent but how brave they are. Thanda has shown great character”, Crispin stated.
The Indian head coach stated his aim to have 4-5 players from U17 pool in next Senior camp and notice how they cope up with pressure. And this will form strength of the squad with return of main players like Manisha Kalyan, Aveka Singh.
“4-5 players , I got this pool, maybe next camp I will get 4-5 from there (U17) and see how can they cope up with pressure like this So by another year we have a core group of 30 players including Manisha , Aveka and rest”, added Crispin.
India qualified for knockouts in 2026 edition in a group comprising of Japan, Australia, Lebanon but fell short in Quarter Final losing to China 3-0. Before heading to China for next edition, Crispin belives that this team will perform much better than 2026.
He said, “They have been doing good and hopefully they will do better than what they did in AFC this year”.
India defeated Iraq 14-0 in first game before crushing Syria 2-0. Yesterday they hammered host Malaysia 4-0 before writing their name in Qualifying list topping Group E of Qualifiers. Anushka Kumari too impressed with 8 out of 20 goals that India scored, and the talent pool, competitiveness in India are going to next level, and as Crispin stated last time, he wants to see such an environment as Indian Women’s team head coach.
