Pathum Thani, April 3: The Indian U-20 women’s national team suffered a heavy defeat in their opening match of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, losing 0-6 to Japan in Pathum Thani, Thailand.
The match, held at Thammasat Stadium, saw Japan, a six-time champion, take an early lead thanks to an own goal by Thoibisana Chanu Toijam in the 12th minute. Japan further asserted their dominance in the second half, with goals from Miki Kimura (54’), Noa Fukushima (57’), Natsumi Taigo (75’), Miyu Matsunaga (81’), and Yura Honda (87’).
This was India’s first Asian Cup match in 20 years. The team started strong, with Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul creating a promising opportunity for Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam. However, Sibani’s low pass was intercepted.
Japan quickly countered, and just two minutes later, Kimura’s powerful shot hit the crossbar. They secured the early lead, aided by a bit of luck when Fukushima’s precise free-kick deflected off Indian defender Mitsuki Ota’s head, changing direction and finding the net after hitting Chanu’s feet.
Despite the clear gap in skill levels, India remained hopeful and continued to seek a way back into the match. In the 21st minute, Monalisa made a fantastic save against Enon Tsuda’s shot, while Sulanjana made a great run down the left flank. She delivered a low cross, but it narrowly missed Lhingdeikim’s feet.
As the first half progressed, the Young Tigresses started to find their footing. Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam’s free-kick in the 24th minute hit Thoibisana’s head inside Japan’s box, but she was ruled offside.
Though India performed well in the first half, Japan tightened their grip on the game after the break. Just five minutes into the second half, Fukushima took a powerful shot from a free-kick that struck the goalpost.
Four minutes later, their lead doubled when Haruko Suzuki’s cross from the left found Kimura on the right. The winger cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot that deflected off Indian goalkeeper Monalisa Devi Moirangthem and into the net. Japan scored their third goal in the 57th minute when Fukushima received the ball inside the box and pushed it past the Indian goalkeeper, making the score 3-0.
Joakim Alexandersson’s team appeared completely overwhelmed. Substitute Taigo scored a long-range shot from outside the box that struck the inside of the goalpost and went in, extending the score to 4-0.
In the final moments of the match, Matsunaga and Honda added two more goals, sealing a comprehensive victory for Japan. With this result, the Young Nadeshiko team tops Group C of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, while India finds itself at the bottom.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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