India's Women Face Heavy Defeat Against Japan in AFC Women's Asian Cup

The Indian women's national football team endured a crushing 0-11 defeat to Japan in their AFC Women's Asian Cup match. Despite the heavy loss, India still has a chance to advance to the quarter-finals if they secure a win against Chinese Taipei in their next match. The game showcased Japan's dominance, with multiple players scoring, including hat-tricks from Hinata Miyazawa and Riko Ueki. As the Blue Tigresses prepare for their final group stage match, the pressure is on to turn their fortunes around.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 20:46 IST

Match Overview

In a disappointing performance, the Indian senior women's national football team was defeated 0-11 by Japan during their second Group C encounter at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, held at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on March 7, 2026. Japan, former champions of both the World Cup and Asian Cup, dominated the match, leading 5-0 at halftime. Hinata Miyazawa and Riko Ueki each scored a hat-trick, with Kiko Seike contributing two goals and Yuzuki Yamamoto, Yui Hasegawa, and Maya Hijikata each adding one.

Currently, the Blue Tigresses sit at the bottom of Group C with no points and a goal difference of -12. However, there remains a glimmer of hope; if India secures a win against Chinese Taipei by at least two goals in their final group match on March 10, they could still advance to the quarter-finals.

Head coach Amelia Valverde made three adjustments to the starting lineup, introducing Juli Kishan, along with newcomers Aveka Singh and Sarita Yumnam, replacing Grace Dangmei, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, and Shilky Devi Hemam.

Japan quickly established their dominance, scoring in the fourth minute with a stunning curler from Yamamoto, who skillfully cut inside from the right. India struggled to break out of their defensive setup, with Manisha Kalyan isolated as the sole forward, attempting to capitalize on any loose balls.

Japan doubled their lead in the 13th minute when Yamamoto assisted Hasegawa, who scored from close range. Hasegawa then set up Miyazawa for Japan's third goal in the 20th minute, further pinning India back.

Despite the pressure, India's defenders, including Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Juli Kishan, and Martina Thokchom, fought hard, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam made several crucial saves. However, Japan's tactical play continued to create opportunities, leading to a fourth goal by Miyazawa in the 35th minute.

Just before halftime, Japan was awarded a penalty after a foul by Sweety on Saki Kumagai, which Seike converted confidently.

The second half saw little change, with Ueki scoring twice shortly after the break, followed by Seike's tap-in for the eighth goal. Hijikata added the ninth with a header, and Ueki completed her hat-trick in the 65th minute. Miyazawa rounded off the scoring with her third goal, exploiting gaps in the Indian defense.

India's lineup included: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK), Sweety Devi Ngangbam (C), Juli Kishan, Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth (Kaviya Pakkirisamy 73’), Sanju (Astam Oraon 73’), Pyari Xaxa (Grace Dangmei 57’), Martina Thokchom, Manisha (Lynda Kom Serto 88’), Aveka Singh (Babina Devi Lisham 57’), Sarita Yumnam.