India U17 Women's Team Faces Defeat Against Japan in AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup

In a challenging match at the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup, the India U17 women's national team lost 0-3 to Japan. After a scoreless first half, Japan took control with goals from Yumi Hayashi and Yuzuha Ikeda. This defeat leaves India at the bottom of Group B, still searching for their first points. The Young Tigresses will look to bounce back in their final group match against Lebanon. Read on for a detailed match analysis and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 6, 2026, 02:15 IST

Match Overview

Suzhou [China], May 5: In their AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Group B encounter, the India U17 women's national team suffered a 0-3 defeat to Japan at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 4 on Tuesday.

The first half ended without any goals, but India conceded shortly after the hour mark when Yumi Hayashi scored in the 59th minute. Yuzuha Ikeda then added two more goals in the 76th and 81st minutes, securing Japan's second victory in the group stage.

This result places Japan at the top of Group B with six points from two matches, while India remains at the bottom without any points after two games, following Lebanon's 1-1 draw with Australia earlier in the day.

Game Dynamics

From the outset, Japan dictated the pace of the match, utilizing the flanks through Mashiro Yamaji and Futaba Noda to deliver early crosses. India responded with a solid defensive formation, with captain Abhista Basnett and Elizabed Lakra effectively managing the central defense.

Japan's persistent pressure kept India confined to their half, compelling the Young Tigresses to crowd the central areas to limit the Japanese forwards' space. Despite the Japanese duo of Nanami Kurita and Asuka Tanaka's attempts to combine in the final third, India's defense held firm, with Thandamoni Baskey providing additional support.

Goalkeeper Munni demonstrated excellent timing and awareness, stepping off her line to claim crosses and alleviate pressure. India maintained their defensive discipline while seeking opportunities to advance. Japan's first shot on target came in the 20th minute, but Munni handled it comfortably.

Second Half Action

Japan resumed the match with renewed vigor, continuing to press forward. In the 49th minute, Kurita attempted a long-range shot, which Munni expertly saved. Kurita had another chance in the 53rd minute, but her shot went over the bar.

India began to show more intent in their transitions, launching long balls into the Japanese half. Alva Devi Senjam and Pritika Barman tried to engage the Japanese defense, but clear chances remained scarce. Japan continued to threaten, with Noda hitting the side-netting in the 58th minute.

The breakthrough for Japan came just before the hour mark when Hayashi found space in the box and finished from a Tanaka assist. They extended their lead in the 76th minute from a set-piece, with Ikeda converting from close range after a delivery from Wara Shimizu.

Ikeda scored again within five minutes, heading in another cross from Shimizu to complete her brace.

Conclusion

Despite conceding late goals, India maintained their structure for significant portions of the match and managed to apply pressure against a formidable opponent that had previously scored 13 goals against Lebanon.

Japan had a few more attempts through Runa Sumiya and Maho Kubota, but neither required Munni's intervention. The Young Tigresses are set to face Lebanon in their final Group B match at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch 8 on Friday.

India U-17 Women: Munni (GK), Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda, Thandamoni Baskey, Julan Nongmaithem (Olivia Ningthoujam 65'), Pearl Fernandes (Joya 52'), Ritu Badaik (Alisha Lyngdoh 65'), Pritika Barman (Valaina Fernandes 79'), Redima Devi Chingkhamayum (Anushka Kumari 79'), Abhista Basnett (C), Alva Devi Senjam.