Crispin Chettri returns as Indian women’s head coach ahead of the FIFA series in Kenya

Crispin Chettri returned to the helm of the Indian senior women’s team when it arrived in Nairobi on Tuesday ahead of the 2026 Kenya FIFA Series scheduled for April’s FIFA International Women’s Match Window.

Chettri replaces Amelia Valverde, whose contract lasted until the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, where the Blue Tigresses failed to progress past the group stage.

The Blue Tigers will face hosts Kenya in the semi-final on April 11, while Australia and Malawi will play the other semi-final earlier on the same day. The winners and losers of the semi-finals will meet in the final and third place play-off respectively on April 15. All matches will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Indian squad for FIFA Series 2026 Kenya:

Goalkeepers: Adrija Sarkhel, Linthoingambi Devi Maibam, Shreya Hooda.

Defenders: Astam Oraon, Juli Kishan, Martina Thokchom, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, Purnima Kumari, Sarita Yumnam.

Midfielders: Aveka Singh, Babina Devi Lisham, Jasoda Munda, Priyadharshini Selladurai, Priyangka Devi Naorem, Sanfida Nongrum, Shilky Devi Hemam.

Forwards: Karishma Shirvoikar, Kaviya Pakkirisamy, Lynda Kom Serto, Malavika P, Pyari Xaxa, Rimpa Haldar.

FIFA Series 2026 Kenya match schedule:

Semi-final 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM IST, April 11: Australia vs Malawi

Semi-final 2 – 8:30 PM IST, April 11: Kenya vs India

Third Place Match — 4:30 PM IST, April 15

Final – 8:30 PM IST, April 15

Published on April 7, 2026