Published: April 3, 2026 at 8:32 pm
Japan asserted their credentials as they thrashed India 6-0 at the AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Japan led 1-0 at half-time.
While the gulf in quality was there to see, India did not lose hope and kept probing and pushing their rivals but they were unable to make a dent.
Six-time champions Japan got the lead early on through an own goal by Thoibisana Chanu Toijam (12’ og). However, it was not until the second half that they really managed to start hurting India, with Miki Kimura (54’), Noa Fukushima (57’), Natsumi Tago (75’), Miyu Matsunaga (81’), and Yura Honda (87’) netting one each.
India, playing their first Asian Cup match in 20 years, had a good start early on, with Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul combining well on the left to set Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam through. The latter’s low cutback, however, was intercepted.
India began to grow into the game as the half-hour mark approached, and a 24th-minute free-kick by Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam found the head of Thoibisana inside the Japan box, but the centre-back was flagged offside. Pics: AIFF
Japan, however, were quick to respond, and two minutes later, Kimura thudded the crossbar with her left-footed effort.
They got the early lead that they wanted, though luck may have been on their side for the opening goal. Fukushima’s accurate free-kick from the right flank found the head of Japan defender Mitsuki Ota inside the Indian box. While it was somewhat of a glancing header, it struck India centre-back Thoibisana’s feet before totally changing direction and going in.
Monalisha made a smart 21st-minute save off of Anon Tsuda, before Sulanjana made a fine run down the left at the other end. The latter drilled in a low cross, but it was inches from Lhingdeikim’s feet.
India began to grow into the game as the half-hour mark approached, and a 24th-minute free-kick by Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam found the head of Thoibisana inside the Japan box, but the centre-back was flagged offside.
India give a good account of themselves
While India gave a good account of themselves in the first half, Japan tightened their grip on the game 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 one and all, before finding Kimura on the right. The winger cut in and unleashed a left-footer that struck India goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem’s palm, before going in.
India and Japan players shake hands after their match of the AFC Under-20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026 at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, Thailand
Japan scored their third in the 57th minute when Fukushima, played into the box, pushed it past the Indian keeper, making it 3-0. Joakim Alexandersson’s side well and truly looked out of sorts, and a long-range grounded shot from outside the box by substitute Tago made it 4-0, hitting the inside of the upright on its way in.
Matsunaga and Honda scored two more in the closing stages to complete the proceedings, as Japan ran away with the big win. Japan, with this result, sit atop Group C in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026, while India are bottom.
Australia, who defeated Chinese Taipei 5-0 earlier in the day, are second, while the latter are third in the group. The top two teams, along with two of the best third-place finishers across the three groups, will progress to the knockout stage. India will next play Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8.
Result: Japan 6 (Thoibisana Chanu Toijam 12’ (og), Miki Kimura 54’, Noa Fukushima 57’, Natsumi Tago 75’, Miyu Matsunaga 81’, Yura Honda 87’) beat India 0.
