India’s return to the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup after a 20-year absence proved to be a stern examination, as the Young Tigresses suffered a 0-6 defeat against six-time champions Japan in their Group C opener at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand.
While the final scoreline reflected Japan’s dominance, the contest told a more nuanced story—one where India showed early promise and defensive resilience before being overwhelmed by a relentless second-half surge from one of Asia’s most technically accomplished sides.
Early intent but cruel setback
India began the match with encouraging energy, showing intent in possession and looking to build from the flanks. The combination play between Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul on the left created an early opening, with Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam nearly finding space inside the box. Though the move did not culminate in a shot, it signalled India’s willingness to take the game to their opponents.
Japan, however, responded quickly and underlined their threat almost immediately. Miki Kimura rattled the crossbar just minutes later, a warning sign of the pressure that would follow.
The breakthrough came in the 12th minute under unfortunate circumstances for India. A well-delivered free-kick from Noa Fukushima found Mitsuki Ota inside the box, and while her header was not particularly forceful, it deflected off Indian defender Thoibisana Chanu Toijam and wrong-footed goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem to result in an own goal.
Despite conceding early, India did not retreat into their shell. Instead, they continued to press forward in phases, looking to exploit transitions. Monalisha produced a sharp save in the 21st minute to deny Anon Tsuda, keeping India within touching distance.
At the other end, Sulanjana Raul’s pace and direct running created another promising moment, as her low cross narrowly missed connecting with Lhingdeikim inside the six-yard box. India also threatened from set-pieces, with Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam delivering a dangerous free-kick that found Thoibisana, though the effort was ruled out for offside.
For much of the first half, India managed to stay organised, limiting Japan to a narrow lead despite the visible gap in technical quality.
The game shifted decisively after the restart, as Japan raised both intensity and precision. Within minutes of the second half, Fukushima once again tested the Indian defence with a free-kick that struck the woodwork, signalling a period of sustained pressure.
Japan doubled their lead in the 54th minute through Kimura. A cross from the left by Haruko Suzuki evaded defenders and fell kindly to the winger, who cut inside and fired a left-footed shot that beat Monalisha despite getting a hand to it. Just three minutes later, Fukushima extended the lead further. Played into the box, she showed composure to slot past the goalkeeper, making it 3-0 and effectively taking the game beyond India’s reach.
From that point on, Japan’s control became absolute. Their ability to circulate possession, exploit spaces, and maintain attacking width began to stretch the Indian defence, which struggled to cope with the increasing tempo.
Late goals underline Japan’s dominance
As fatigue set in, Japan continued to capitalise. Substitute Natsumi Tago added the fourth goal in the 75th minute with a low, long-range effort that found the inside of the post. The strike reflected both technical quality and confidence, hallmarks of Japan’s attacking play.
Miyu Matsunaga and Yura Honda then added two more goals in the 81st and 87th minutes respectively, completing a comprehensive victory. The late goals emphasised the depth in Japan’s squad, with substitutes maintaining the same level of intensity and execution.
For India, the final phase of the match exposed defensive lapses and the physical demands of competing at this level. While the team showed effort throughout, the inability to maintain concentration against sustained pressure proved costly.
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Despite the heavy defeat, the match offered valuable lessons for a relatively inexperienced Indian squad making its return to continental competition. The first-half performance, in particular, demonstrated that India can compete in phases, especially when structured defensively and disciplined in transitions.
However, the second half highlighted the gap that still exists in terms of game management, consistency, and the ability to sustain performance over 90 minutes against top-tier opposition.
Head coach Joakim Alexandersson’s preparations spanning international friendlies and training camps have laid a foundation, but matches of this intensity provide a different level of exposure. The challenge now lies in translating those learnings into improved performances in the upcoming fixtures.
Group scenario and the road ahead
With this result, Japan sit at the top of Group C, while Australia occupy second place following their 5-0 win over Chinese Taipei. India find themselves at the bottom of the group, with two crucial matches remaining. The qualification format allows the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, to advance to the knockout stage. While the path has become more challenging, India still have opportunities to compete and improve.
Their next match against Australia on April 5 will be a critical test, followed by a clash against Chinese Taipei on April 8. Both fixtures will require sharper execution, improved defensive organisation, and greater composure in key moments.
For the Young Tigresses, this campaign is as much about development as it is about results. The opening defeat against Japan serves as a stark reminder of the standards at the continental level but also as a benchmark for where Indian women’s football aspires to reach.
