Anthony Andrews, who led Gokulam Kerala FC to back-to-back Indian Women’s League (IWL) titles in the last two seasons, has been recommended by the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) technical committee as the new head coach of the national women’s team. With an AFC ‘A’ License, Andrews is one of the youngest coaches in India. Gokulam Kerala emerged as champions under his guidance in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 IWL seasons.
The AIFF’s technical committee, headed by IM Vijayan, virtually met and unanimously suggested Andrews for the position that had been vacant since the departure of Thomas Dennerby. Andrews already has a connection with several players in the national team roster as they were part of Gokulam Kerala during his coaching tenure.
The senior Indian women’s team, currently ranked 60th in the world, will be competing in the AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 from October 26 to November 1. India has been grouped with Japan, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan. Matches against Japan, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan are scheduled for October 26, October 29, and November 1, respectively. The top two teams from each group will progress to the third round, and the two finalists will qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In addition, Ishfaq Ahmed, a former player for Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, has been recommended as the head coach of the national U-16 men’s team. The committee also suggested Rajan Mani and Feroz Sharif as assistant coach and goalkeeper coach, respectively, for the U-16 team. The decision to appoint Andrews and Ahmed highlights a fresh start for the senior women’s and U-16 national teams, and IM Vijayan expressed confidence in the coaches recommended to lead their respective teams forward. The senior women’s team will participate in the crucial AFC Olympic Qualifiers Round 2, while the U-16 team has the SAFF U-16 Championship in Bhutan from September 1 to 11.
