Shillong, Mar 7: The Indian senior women’s national team suffered a 11-0 loss at the hands of Japan in their second Group C match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth on Saturday.
The former World Cup and Asian Cup champions scored through Hinata Miyazawa (20’, 35’, 81’), Riko Ueki (47’, 50’, 65’), Kiko Seike (45+5’P, 55’), while Yuzuki Yamamoto (4’), Yui Hasegawa (13’) and Maya Hijikata (62’).
The Blue Tigresses are currently bottom of Group C with zero points and a -12 goal difference. However, the result is not a killer blow for India, as a victory against Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) by a two-goal margin in their final group stage match on Tuesday, coupled with a Japan victory against Vietnam, will see India finish second in the group and progress to the quarterfinals.
India head coach Amelia Valverde made three changes to the starting XI, bringing in Juli Kishan, along with debutants Aveka Singh and Sarita Yumnam, in place of Grace Dangmei, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam and Shilky Devi Hemam.
Meghalaya’s Sanfida Nongrum wasn’t utilised in this match despite being a very successful substitute in the game versus Vietnam three days ago.
The game against Chinese Taipei will take place in Sydney on 10th March at 2:30PM India time.
(All India Football Federation photo)