India U20 Women's Team Faces Heavy Defeat Against Japan in AFC Cup Opener
Match Overview
The Indian U20 women's national football team experienced a challenging start to their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 campaign, suffering a significant 0-6 loss to Japan at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand, on April 2, 2026. The Young Nadeshiko took control early, leading 1-0 at halftime.
Japan, a six-time champion, opened the scoring with an own goal from Thoibisana Chanu Toijam in the 12th minute. The second half saw Japan dominate, with Miki Kimura (54’), Noa Fukushima (57’), Natsumi Tago (75’), Miyu Matsunaga (81’), and Yura Honda (87’) each adding to the scoreline.
India, competing in their first Asian Cup match in two decades, began with promise as Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul worked well together on the left flank, setting up Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, whose low cross was intercepted.
Japan quickly responded, with Kimura hitting the crossbar just two minutes later. The opening goal came from a free-kick by Fukushima that deflected off Thoibisana, changing direction and finding the net.
Despite the scoreline, India continued to push for a comeback. Monalisha made a crucial save against Anon Tsuda in the 21st minute, and Sulanjana's run down the left almost led to a goal, but Lhingdeikim was just out of reach.
As the first half progressed, India showed resilience, with a free-kick from Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam finding Thoibisana, who was ruled offside.
However, Japan's dominance became evident in the second half. Just five minutes in, Fukushima struck the woodwork again from a free-kick. They doubled their lead shortly after when Kimura scored following a cross from Haruko Suzuki.
Fukushima then scored again in the 57th minute, pushing the score to 3-0. A long-range shot from substitute Tago made it 4-0, and Matsunaga and Honda added two more goals in the final minutes, sealing a comprehensive victory for Japan.
With this result, Japan sits at the top of Group C, while India finds themselves at the bottom. Australia, who won 5-0 against Chinese Taipei earlier, is in second place, with Chinese Taipei in third. The top two teams and two of the best third-place teams will advance to the knockout stage. India’s next matches are against Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8.
India U20 Women’s Lineup: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem (GK), Thoibisana Chanu Toijam, Pooja (Neha 61’), Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Lhingdeikim (Shilji Shaji 84’), Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Remi Thokchom, Shubhangi Singh (C) (Shruti Kumari 61’), Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam (Arina Devi Nameirakpam 69’), Sulanjana Raul, Cindy Remruatpuii Colney.