AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup: India fall 0-3 to Japan - Highlights
Highlights from India vs Japan in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup LIVE: India vs Japan (Photo credit: AIFF)
India went down 0-3 to Japan in their second Group B match of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Suzhou on Tuesday, as the Young Tigresses struggled to contain a dominant second-half performance from one of the tournament favourites.
India began the match with discipline and structure, staying compact at the back despite Japan controlling possession for most of the first half. The Young Tigresses defended resolutely, limiting clear-cut chances and going into the break level at 0-0, a positive sign against a side that had scored 13 goals in their opening match.
However, the pressure eventually told after the restart. Yumi Hayashi broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with a well-taken finish, giving Japan the breakthrough they had been pushing for. Once ahead, Japan grew in confidence and began to find more spaces in the Indian defence.
Yuzuha Ikeda then extended the lead with two goals in quick succession in the 76th and 81st minutes, effectively putting the game beyond India’s reach. The late goals reflected Japan’s sustained attacking intensity and clinical finishing in the final third.
Despite the result, India showed resilience, particularly in the first half, and will look to take those positives forward.
With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the Young Tigresses will now aim to regroup and deliver a stronger performance in their next outing.
Highlights:
The final whistle blows in Suzhou as Japan secure a convincing win after a strong second-half display. Yumi Hayashi opened the scoring in the 59th minute, before Yuzuha Ikeda added two more in the 76th and 81st minutes to seal the result.
India showed great discipline in the first half to keep Japan at bay, but the pressure eventually told after the break.
India 0 - 3 Japan
Japan add a third as they continue to dominate proceedings, finishing off another attacking move with precision. India are struggling to contain the relentless pressure in the closing stages.
India 0 - 3 Japan
Japan double their advantage with another composed finish, capitalising on their control of the game. The pressure finally tells as they extend their lead in the second half.
India 0 - 2 Japan
Japan finally find the breakthrough after sustained pressure, finishing clinically to beat the Indian defence. A well-worked move gives them the lead in the second half.
India 0 - 1 Japan
A sharp attacking move from Japan ends with an acrobatic effort inside the box, but the attempt goes just wide of the target. A warning sign early in the second half.
India 0 - 0 Japan
Back underway in Suzhou as India restart the game. The Young Tigresses will look to maintain their defensive discipline while trying to create opportunities going forward against a dominant Japanese side.
India 0 - 0 Japan
The referee brings the first half to a close with India holding firm under sustained Japanese pressure. Despite Japan’s dominance in possession, the Young Tigresses have stayed compact, disciplined, and resilient at the back to keep the scoreline level.
India 0 - 0 Japan
Japan continue to push forward and dominate possession, but the Indian defence remains organised and composed. The attacks haven’t been too threatening so far, with India doing well to hold their shape and keep them at bay.
India 0 - 0 Japan
Japan work a throw-in into the box, and the ball lingers in a crowded area for a few moments. India stay alert at the back and eventually clear their lines to relieve the pressure.
India 0 - 0 Japan
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