India 0-6 Japan, AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026: Young Tigresses Outclassed By Nadeshiko

India were handed a heavy 6-0 loss to six-time champions Japan in their opening Group C match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand, on Thursday, April 2.

An early own goal from Thoibisana Chanu Toijam in the 12th minute handed Japan the lead. The Young Nadeshiko then took control after the break, with goals from Miki Kimura (54’), Noa Fukushima (57’), Natsumi Tago (75’), Miyu Matsunaga (81’), and Yura Honda (87’).

Japan Punish India Early

India, playing their first Asian Cup match in 20 years, started with positive intent. However, Japan took control quickly, with Kimura striking the crossbar. The breakthrough came via a set-piece, with Fukushima’s free-kick being deflected by Thoibisana into her own net.

Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem made a sharp save in the 21st minute, while Sulanjana Raul’s cross narrowly missed Lhingdeikim Kipgen. A free-kick from Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam found Thoibisana, but the defender was flagged offside.

Second-Half Collapse

Japan were a different team after the interval, with Fukushima hitting the woodwork early on. Kimura then doubled the lead in the 54th minute, cutting in from the right and scoring despite a touch from Monalisha.

Three minutes later, Fukushima made it 3-0 after being played through into the box. Substitute Natsumi Tago added a fourth with a long-range strike that went in off the upright. Miyu Matsunaga and Yura Honda compounded India’s misery with late strikes.

What Next For India

With the win, Japan went top of Group C. Australia, who beat Chinese Taipei 5-0 earlier, are second, while Chinese Taipei are third. India sit bottom of the group. The top two teams, along with the two best third-placed sides, will move into the knockout stage.

India will next face Australia on April 5 at 2:30 PM IST, followed by Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 2:30 PM IST.