Pathum Thani [Thailand], April 2 (ANI): The Indian U20 ladies’s nationwide crew suffered a 0-6 defeat by the hands of Japan of their opening match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 on the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand, on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The Young Nadeshiko led 1-0 at half-time.
According to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Six-time champions Japan acquired the lead early on by an personal objective by Thoibisana Chanu Toijam (12′ og). However, it was not till the second half that they actually managed to start out hurting the Young Tigresses, with Miki Kimura (54′), Noa Fukushima (57′), Natsumi Tago (75′), Miyu Matsunaga (81′), and Yura Honda (87′) netting one every.
India, enjoying their first Asian Cup match in 20 years, had a very good begin early on, with Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul combining effectively on the left to set Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam by. The latter’s low cutback, nevertheless, was intercepted.
Japan, nevertheless, have been fast to reply, and two minutes later, Kimura thudded the crossbar along with her left-footed effort.
They acquired the early lead that they needed, although luck might have been on their facet for the opening objective. Fukushima’s correct free-kick from the suitable flank discovered the top of Japan defender Mitsuki Ota contained in the Indian field. While it was considerably of a glancing header, it struck India centre-back Thoibisana’s toes earlier than completely altering path and moving into.
While the gulf in high quality was there to see, India didn’t lose hope and saved probing for a manner again into the match. Monalisha made a wise Twenty first-minute save off of Anon Tsuda, earlier than Sulanjana made a wonderful run down the left on the different finish. The latter drilled in a low cross, nevertheless it was inches from Lhingdeikim’s toes.
The Young Tigresses started to develop into the sport because the half-hour mark approached, and a Twenty fourth-minute free-kick by Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam discovered the top of Thoibisana contained in the Japan field, however the centre-back was flagged offside.
While India gave a very good account of themselves within the first half, Japan tightened their grip on the sport after the change of ends. Five minutes into the restart, Fukushima struck the woodwork from a free-kick.
Four minutes later, their lead was doubled when Haruko Suzuki’s cross from the left evaded every person, earlier than discovering Kimura on the suitable. The winger minimize in and unleashed a left-footer that struck India goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem’s palm, earlier than moving into.
Japan scored their third within the 57th minute when Fukushima, performed into the field, pushed it previous the Indian keeper, making it 3-0.
Joakim Alexandersson’s facet effectively and really seemed out of types, and a long-range grounded shot from exterior the field by substitute Tago made it 4-0, hitting the within of the upright on its manner in.
Matsunaga and Honda scored two extra within the closing levels to finish the proceedings, as Japan ran away with the large win. The Young Nadeshiko, with this consequence, sit atop Group C within the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, whereas India are backside.
Australia, which defeated Chinese Taipei 5-0 earlier within the day, are second, whereas the latter are third within the group. The prime two groups, together with two of the most effective third-place finishers throughout the three teams, will progress to the knockout stage. India will subsequent play Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST. (ANI)