Football
AFC U20 Asian Cup: India lose to Japan in opener โ Highlights
Catch all the highlights from the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup clash between India and Japan.
Indian women's U20 team to kickstart the 2026 Asian Cup against Japan. (Photo Credits: AIFF)
The Indian women's u20 football team began their 2026 AFC U20 Asian Cup campaign with a tough match against Japan in Thailand on Thursday.
The Indian team, led by Shubhangi Singh, had its task cut out against the six-time champions, facing a massive 0-6 defeat despite having just a 1-goal deficit at half-time.
The Indians have spent months training together in training camps, played multiple international friendlies and had exposure tours to ready themselves for this moment.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 2 April 2026 6:42 PM IST
10' Japan scored the first goal via an own goal on a free kick deflection
India 0-1 Japan
Japan finds the opening goal via an unlucky deflection from Thoibisana's foot on Ota's off-target low header on a looping free-kick.
- 2 April 2026 6:10 PM IST
Here is the Indian lineup for this opening fixture
Star defender Shubhangi Singh will lead the side, while Monalisha Moirangthem will be the goalkeeper for the side. Lhingdeikm, Sibani and Sulanjana Raul will be leading the Indian attack.
- 2 April 2026 6:00 PM IST
Hello and welcome to the live coverage of 2026 AFC U20 Asian Cup
India Women will take on the heavyweights Japan in the opening fixture of the tournament.
