Indian U17 women's team eye improved show against strong Japan in AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup 2026

India’s U17 women qualified for the first time on merit.

Following a 2-0 defeat to Australia in their opening fixture, the India U-17 women’s team now face another stern test as they prepare to take on Japan in their second match of the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 PM IST on 5th May 2026, at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre, China.

India are featuring in the competition for the first time in 20 years, while Japan entered the tournament as runners-up from the previous edition. That alone underlines the scale of the challenge that awaits the young Blue Tigresses against the young Nadeshiko.

Japan also heads into the contest brimming with confidence after a commanding 13-0 victory over Lebanon in their opening game. For India, taking something from the match would be a major ask, and the realistic task may instead be to avoid a heavy defeat, even if the result ultimately does not go their way.

The Stakes:

India U-17

In their opening game of the tournament, India went down 2-0 to Australia U-17. Although there was limited attacking threat from the Blue Tigresses, the team performed admirably as a defensive unit and ensured that the margin of defeat remained manageable.

Pamela Conti’s side also showed glimpses of promise in possession. Rather than simply clearing the ball whenever they regained it, India looked to build from the back and string together passages of play. The issue, however, was sustaining that approach consistently throughout the ninety minutes. Against Japan, Conti will hope her side can retain possession for longer periods while reducing the opposition’s attacking momentum.

Given Japan’s superiority in both quality and ranking, a win would be an enormous challenge for India. The main priority, therefore, should be to stay compact defensively and remain alert for any attacking opportunities that may arise on counter attacks.

Even if India are unable to hold onto a draw, it will be crucial to keep the goal difference intact. Avoiding a heavy loss could prove decisive heading into the final group-stage match against Lebanon, where India will still hope to keep their knockout chances alive.

Japan U-17

Japan, on the other side, arrive after a stunning 13-0 win over Lebanon in their opening fixture of the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup. The runners-up from the previous edition completely dominated the contest, with Lebanon offering little fight throughout.

Defensively, Japan were rarely tested and spent almost the entire game playing in the attacking third. Whether through set-pieces, crosses, or open-play, they looked dangerous in every phase of attack. Most importantly, they were ruthless in front of goal and took complete advantage of the chances they created.

Against India, head coach Sadayoshi Shirai will expect another similar commanding performance. Given the difference in quality even on paper, Japan will back themselves strongly to take all three points if they execute the basics well.

Team News:

There are no major injury concerns in either camp, and both head coaches are expected to have fully fit squads available for selection once again.

Head-to-Head Record:

Both these sides have never faced each other at the U-17 level earlier and this will be their first meeting in a competitive tournament.

Predicted Lineups:

India U-17 (4-5-1):

Munni Bhambhu (GK), Ritu Badaik, Abhista Basnett, Elizabed Lakra, Divyani Linda; Alva Devi, Thandamoni Baskey, Redima Devi, Joya, Pritika Barman; Julan Nongmaithem;

Japan U-17 (4-5-1):

Ayaka Miyaji (GK), Anri Ito, Rei Kitamura, Keiko Kitajima, Maho Kubota; Mei Hanashiro Runa Sumiya, Harura Matsushita, Rara Higuchi, Mino Tamamura; Yuzuha Ikeda;

Players to Watchout:

India U-17 – Abhista Basnett

Abhista Basnet endured an unfortunate moment when she scored an own goal against Australia. But judging her performance to that single incident would be unfair, as the young center-back was otherwise outstanding against the Australian attack throughout the game.

Abhista finished the match with 13 clearances and 2 interceptions, many of them coming inside her own penalty area to deny dangerous scoring opportunities from the opposition. Pamela Conti will be hoping for another resolute display from Abhista as India look to keep the goal difference as low as possible before facing Lebanon in the final game of the tournament.

Japan U-17 – Rara Higuchi

For Japan, Rara Higuchi is most likely to be their biggest threat in attack. The youngster produced a sensational performance against Lebanon, scoring a hat-trick, registering 4 assists, and creating 13 chances overall while having six shots on target.

She was a constant menace inside the penalty area, timing her runs brilliantly to get on the end of crosses inside the six-yard box. India struggled to deal with both low and aerial crosses against Australia, and Higuchi will no doubt look to exploit that very weakness once again.

Telecast Details

India’s second match in the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup against Japan will take place on 5th May 2026, at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre, China.

The match will kick off at 17:00 PM IST. Fans can catch the live action of the match on the official AFC Asian Cup YouTube Channel in India.

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