The Indian Women’s national team will leave for Bahrain tonight to play two friendly matches in the Gulf country en route to the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Palestine.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has named a 23-member squad for the two friendly matches and the qualifiers. The players were selected from the 36 probables who were called-up to the probables camp held in Pune from April 1 [+ read more].

Head coach Anadi Barua has appointed experienced defender Tuli Goon as the team captain, while midfielder Sasmita Mallick will be the vice-captain.

India will face Bahrain on May 14 and 16 before the team proceed to Palestine for the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The Indian Women’s team will take on Myanmar (May 21), Chinese Taipei (May 23) and hosts Palestine (May 25) in Group D of the qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be played at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in the West Bank.

INDIA WOMEN’S SQUAD

Goalkeepers
Okram Roshini Devi, Tikina Samal, Usha Rani Das

Defenders
Ashem Romi Devi [Captain], Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, Suprava Samal, Gurumayum Radharani Devi, Tuli Goon, Lako Phuti Bhutia, Ansha

Midfielders
Yumnam Kamal Devi, Yumlembam Premi Devi, Supriya Routray, Amoolya Kamal, Dangmei Grace, Oinam Bembem Devi, Sasmita Mallick [Vice-Captain], Paromita Sit

Forwards
Irom Prameshwori Devi, Salam Rinaroy Devi, Jyoti Ann Burrett, Ngangom Bala Devi, Pinky Bompal Magar

Officials
Anadi Barua (Coach), Surmala Chanu (Assistant Coach), Chitra Gangadharan (Goalkeeping Coach), Dimple Jitesh Maniar (Physio), Indu Choudhary (Manager)