Japan Dominates India in AFC Women's Asian Cup Clash

In a challenging match at the AFC Women's Asian Cup, the Indian women's national team suffered a staggering 0-11 defeat against Japan. With Japan's players showcasing exceptional skill, including hat-tricks from Hinata Miyazawa and Riko Ueki, India now faces an uphill battle to advance in the tournament. Despite the heavy loss, there remains a slim chance for India to progress if they secure a win against Chinese Taipei in their next match. This article delves into the match highlights and the implications for India's future in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 02:12 IST

India Faces Heavy Defeat Against Japan

In a disappointing match on March 7, 2026, the Indian senior women's national football team experienced a staggering 0-11 defeat to Japan during their second Group C encounter at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026, held at the Perth Rectangular Stadium. Japan, former champions of both the World Cup and Asian Cup, established a commanding lead by scoring five goals before halftime.

Hinata Miyazawa and Riko Ueki each netted a hat-trick, with Miyazawa scoring in the 20th, 35th, and 81st minutes, while Ueki found the net in the 47th, 50th, and 65th minutes. Kiko Seike contributed two goals, and Yuzuki Yamamoto, Yui Hasegawa, and Maya Hijikata each added one, as reported by the All India Football Federation.

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 for India; a win against Chinese Taipei by two goals in their final group match on March 10, along with a Japan victory over Vietnam, could see India advance to the quarter-finals.

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

Japan quickly took control of the match, scoring their first goal just four minutes in, thanks to a stunning curler from Yamamoto, who skillfully cut inside from the right and placed the ball into the top corner with her left foot.

India struggled to break out of their defensive setup, with five defenders on the field and Manisha Kalyan as the sole forward, attempting to capitalize on any loose balls. The Japanese defense effectively thwarted any potential Indian attacks throughout the match.

The world’s eighth-ranked team doubled their lead in the 13th minute when Yamamoto assisted Hasegawa, who scored from inside the box. Hasegawa then set up Miyazawa for Japan's third goal in the 20th minute.

Despite the relentless pressure, Indian defenders Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Juli Kishan, and Martina Thokchom fought valiantly, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam made several crucial saves to limit the damage.

Japan's combination of wingers and midfielders effectively isolated India's wing-backs, creating numerous scoring opportunities, particularly down the flanks. In the 35th minute, Hayashi slipped a pass to Miyazawa, who scored the fourth goal at the near post.

Just before halftime, Japan was awarded a penalty after a foul by Sweety on Saki Kumagai, which Seike converted, sending Panthoi the wrong way.

The second half saw little change, with Ueki scoring two quick goals after coming on as a substitute, 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 also secured her hat-trick with a tap-in, showcasing Japan's superior wing play that exploited 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.