Pathum Thani [Thailand], April 1 (ANI): The Indian U20 ladies’s nationwide crew are set to kick off their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 marketing campaign in opposition to Japan on Thursday, April 2, because the Young Tigresses finish their 20-year wait to play within the match.
The match will kick off at 18:30 IST on the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, and will likely be streamed stay on FanCode, in line with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
For India, that is extra than simply a gap fixture. It is the start of a journey that has been rigorously constructed over months, throughout continents, and with a transparent id in thoughts.
After qualifying for the match for the primary time in 20 years, India are approaching the Asian Cup as a crew intent on competing.
Head coach Joakim Alexandersson emphasised each realism and ambition forward of the opener.
‘We are very a lot conscious that we’re new to this scene proper now with the India crew. We know we face powerful opponents and we now have respect for them,’ mentioned the Swede, as quoted by AIFF.
‘But additionally, we now have a mindset that we need to make it via this group and qualify for the World Cup. That could be unbelievable for the entire nation,’ he added.
India’s preparation for the match has been intensive and methodical. From pleasant matches in Kazakhstan to a month-long coaching camp in Sweden, the main focus has been on growing a squad able to dealing with the calls for of elite competitors.
‘We have been collectively repeatedly for 3 months,’ Alexandersson mentioned. ‘Before that, we had pleasant video games in Kazakhstan. We have been to Sweden for a one-month camp, and we invited Uzbekistan to India as effectively.
‘So the preparation has been good. I believe we’re prepared for this match in a great way. Since the qualifiers in Myanmar, we now have had some very centered work. We have developed significantly — technically, tactically, and in addition mentally as a gaggle. We are assured that our preparation has put us in the most effective place attainable,’ Alexandersson defined.
Standing in India’s means within the opening match is likely one of the world’s most formidable sides.
Japan, file six-time champions of the U20 Asian Cup, arrive as one of many favourites, with a long-standing repute for technical excellence and consistency on the youth stage. The Young Nadeshiko have been additionally world champions in 2018.
Head coach Akira Ijiri made his facet’s ambitions clear. ‘Our objective is obvious. We need to break via the group stage and win the World Cup. We will do our greatest to realize this objective.’
For India, the problem is plain. But the strategy stays grounded in perception. They perceive the extent of opposition, and on the identical time, recognise the chance.
Placed in a aggressive Group C alongside Japan, Australia (April 5), and Chinese Taipei (April 8), India’s path to the knockout stage is demanding.
The high two groups, together with the 2 greatest third-placed sides throughout three teams, will advance to the quarter-finals, the place a spot within the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 awaits the ultimate 4. (ANI)