Football
AFC Women's Asian Cup: Japan hammer India 11–0 - Highlights
India takes on Japan in a crucial AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Group C clash in Perth.
India vs Japan LIVE (Photo credit: AIFF)
India faces a stern test in Group C as the Blue Tigresses take on Asian powerhouse Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Saturday at 4:30 PM IST.
India currently sits fourth in the group after suffering a narrow 1-2 defeat against Vietnam in their opening match. Meanwhile, Japan began their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei and currently leads the group with three points from one match.
Chinese Taipei and Vietnam both have three points from two matches, making India’s clash against Japan an important opportunity to stay in contention in the group.
Historically, Japan have enjoyed a dominant record against India. The most recent meeting came during the Olympic qualifiers in 2023, where Japan secured a 7-0 victory.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 7 March 2026 5:24 PM IST
Half-time!
The referee brings the first half to a close with Japan firmly in control of the contest. Nadeshiko Japan have dominated possession and carved open the Indian defence multiple times, heading into the break with a commanding five-goal lead.
India 0 – 5 Japan
- 7 March 2026 5:21 PM IST
48’ Goal! Japan score from the spot!
A big moment early in the half. Elangbam Panthoi Chanu initially produces a stunning save to deny Japan, but VAR intervenes and awards a penalty after Sweety Devi is judged to have pushed a Japanese player inside the box during the play. Kiko Seike steps up and calmly converts from the spot.
India 0 – 5 Japan
- 7 March 2026 5:14 PM IST
40’ Match stats so far!
Japan have completely controlled the game in the first 40 minutes, dominating possession with 79% of the ball compared to India’s 21%. The Nadeshiko have also won 57.1% of duels and earned two corners, while India are yet to win a corner in the match so far.
India 0 – 4 Japan
- 7 March 2026 5:08 PM IST
34’ Goal! Stunning team move from Japan
A superb flowing move from Nadeshiko Japan. Kiko Seike starts it in midfield with a sharp forward pass to Mina Tanaka, who quickly links the play and releases Hinata Miyazawa into the box. Miyazawa bursts past the Indian defence and calmly slots it into the net as Japan cut through the backline with ease.
India 0 – 4 Japan
- 7 March 2026 5:02 PM IST
29’ Japan in complete control!
India are not necessarily playing worse than they did in the opening match, but Japan’s quality is clearly showing. The Nadeshiko are moving as a cohesive unit, constantly interchanging positions and building neat passing sequences. India’s left flank is being targeted repeatedly, and it could easily have been 5–0 already if not for a crucial saves from Elangbam Panthoi Chanu.
India 0 – 3 Japan
- 7 March 2026 4:53 PM IST
20’ Goal! Japan add a third!
Japan extend their lead with their third goal of the night, finished by the Japan number 7 inside the box. There appeared to be a possible handball from Sanju in the build-up which could have resulted in a penalty, but after a quick check, VAR allows play to continue and the goal stands.
India 0 – 3 Japan
- 7 March 2026 4:45 PM IST
12’ Goal! Japan double the lead!
Japan strike again with a well-worked move down the right flank. Yuzuki Yamamoto delivers a low ball into the box which finds Yui Hasegawa, and she calmly slots a grounded finish past Elangbam Panthoi Chanu.
India 0 – 2 Japan
- 7 March 2026 4:36 PM IST
4’ Goal! Japan take the lead!
What a strike from Yuzuki Yamamoto! The Japan number 16 unleashes a brilliant curling effort from just inside the box that flies into the top corner, leaving Elangbam Panthoi Chanu with absolutely no chance. A stunning finish and Yamamoto’s first senior international goal give Nadeshiko Japan the early advantage.
India 0 – 1 Japan
- 7 March 2026 4:33 PM IST
1’ Kick-off!
We are underway in Perth as Nadeshiko Japan get the match started. Japan, dressed in white and black, take the first touch, while India in their all-blue kit begin the game attacking from left to right.
India 0 – 0 Japan
- 7 March 2026 4:26 PM IST
National anthems underway!
The teams are out on the pitch at the Perth Rectangular Stadium as we approach kick-off. The national anthems are being played, with captains now preparing for the coin toss ahead of this Group C clash in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
