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In a disappointing performance, the Indian senior women's national team was defeated 0-11 by Japan during their second Group C match at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026, held at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on March 7, 2026. Japan, former champions of both the World Cup and Asian Cup, established a commanding lead with five goals by halftime.

Key Players for Japan

Hinata Miyazawa and Riko Ueki each scored a hat-trick, netting goals at the 20th, 35th, and 81st minutes for Miyazawa, while Ueki scored at the 47th, 50th, and 65th minutes. Kiko Seike contributed two goals (45+5', 55'), and Yuzuki Yamamoto (4'), Yui Hasegawa (13'), and Maya Hijikata (62') each added one goal, as reported by the All India Football Federation.

India's Quest for Quarter-Finals

Currently, the Blue Tigresses sit at the bottom of Group C with no points and a goal difference of -12. Despite this heavy loss, India still has a chance to advance to the quarter-finals. They must secure a two-goal victory against Chinese Taipei in their final group match on March 10, 2026, while hoping for Japan to defeat Vietnam.

Japan's First-Half Control

India's head coach Amelia Valverde made three changes to the starting lineup, introducing Juli Kishan, along with debutants Aveka Singh and Sarita Yumnam, replacing Grace Dangmei, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam, and Shilky Devi Hemam. Japan quickly took control of the match, scoring their first goal in the fourth minute through a curling shot from Yamamoto, who skillfully cut inside from the right.

India struggled to break out of their defensive setup, with five defenders on the field and Manisha Kalyan as the sole forward, attempting to capitalize on any clearances. Japan's defense effectively thwarted any potential Indian attacks throughout the match.

The world’s eighth-ranked team doubled their lead in the 13th minute when Yamamoto assisted Hasegawa, who scored from inside the box. Hasegawa later set up Miyazawa for Japan's third goal in the 20th minute.

Despite the pressure, Indian defenders Sweety Devi Ngangbam, Juli Kishan, and Martina Thokchom fought hard, while goalkeeper Panthoi Chanu Elangbam made several crucial saves. However, Japan's combination play allowed them to exploit the flanks and create numerous scoring opportunities.

In the 35th minute, midfielder Honoka Hayashi delivered a pass to Miyazawa, who scored the fourth goal at the near post. Just before halftime, Japan was awarded a penalty after a foul by Sweety on Saki Kumagai, which Seike converted.

Continued Pressure in the Second Half

The second half saw little change, with Ueki scoring two quick goals after coming on as a substitute. Seike added the eighth goal with a simple tap-in. Hijikata scored the ninth with a header, and Ueki completed her hat-trick in the 65th minute with another header.

Miyazawa also completed her hat-trick with a tap-in, showcasing Japan's superior wing play that consistently broke down the Indian defense.

India's Squad

India's lineup included: Panthoi Chanu Elangbam (GK), Sweety Devi Ngangbam (C), Juli Kishan, Sangita Basfore, Soumya Guguloth (Kaviya Pakkirisamy 73'), Sanju (Astam Oraon 73'), Pyari Xaxa (Grace Dangmei 57'), Martina Thokchom, Manisha (Lynda Kom Serto 88'), Aveka Singh (Babina Devi Lisham 57'), Sarita Yumnam.