India's U20 Women's Team Faces Heavy Defeat Against Japan in AFC Cup Opener
India's Challenging Start in AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Pathum Thani [Thailand], April 2 (News Media): In their first match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, the Indian U20 women's national team experienced a tough loss, falling 0-6 to Japan at Thammasat Stadium on April 2, 2026. The Young Nadeshiko led 1-0 at the halftime break.
As reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Japan, a six-time champion, took an early lead thanks to an own goal by Thoibisana Chanu Toijam in the 12th minute. The second half saw Japan capitalize on their advantage, with goals from Miki Kimura (54'), Noa Fukushima (57'), Natsumi Tago (75'), Miyu Matsunaga (81'), and Yura Honda (87').
India, marking their first appearance in the Asian Cup in two decades, started positively with Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul working well together on the left flank, attempting to set up Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, but their effort was thwarted.
Japan quickly responded, with Kimura hitting the crossbar just two minutes later.
The opening goal came from a free-kick by Fukushima, which found defender Mitsuki Ota. The ball deflected off Thoibisana's foot, changing direction and resulting in an own goal.
Despite the evident gap in skill, India remained determined, with Monalisha making a crucial save against Anon Tsuda in the 21st minute. Sulanjana's run down the left led to a low cross that narrowly missed Lhingdeikim.
As the half progressed, India began to find their rhythm, with a free-kick from Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam reaching Thoibisana, who was unfortunately flagged offside.
While India showed promise in the first half, Japan took control after the break. Just five minutes in, Fukushima hit the woodwork again from a free-kick.
Japan doubled their lead shortly after, with a cross from Haruko Suzuki finding Kimura, whose shot deflected off goalkeeper Monalisha before entering the net.
Fukushima scored the third goal in the 57th minute, pushing the ball past the Indian keeper to make it 3-0.
Substitute Tago added a fourth with a long-range shot that found the back of the net after hitting the inside of the post.
In the final minutes, Matsunaga and Honda scored two more goals, sealing a dominant victory for Japan. With this win, Japan tops Group C in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, while India sits at the bottom.
Earlier, Australia secured a 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei, placing them second in the group. The top two teams, along with two of the best third-place teams from all groups, will advance to the knockout stage. India’s next matches are against Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST.