Another big test awaits India U-20 against Australia in AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup 2026

India lost to Japan in their first game of the campaign

The Indian U-20 side made an awful start to the 2026 AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup, losing 6-0 against Japan in their first game. They will face Australia next, with the match scheduled for April 5th, 2026, in Pathum Thani Stadium.

Australia’s first game against Chinese Taipei ended in a crushing 5-0 victory. Unless Joakim Alexandersson’s team shows up and pulls off an extraordinary feat, the young Matildas are anticipated to repeat a similar outcome.

The Stakes

India U-20

In their first game of the 2026 U-20 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, India’s U-20 team was humiliated 6-0 by Japan U-20. While the first half was rather reasonable in terms of scoreboard, the Blue Tigresses’ heads went down totally in the second half, as they conceded five goals in just 45 minutes.

Looking back, there not many positives for India to be pleased of in their performance that night. They were both badly outplayed and struggled defensively, notably in their attempts to block crosses and close spaces for the midfielders.

Joakim Alexandersson will be looking to address these issues before the match against Australia. While it will take something extraordinary for India to get anything out of this game, it is critical that they avoid conceding too many goals, since goal difference will be useful if India wins their last game against Chinese Taipei.

Australia U-20

Australia, who finished third in the 2024 AFC U-20 Asian Cup, began their campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Chinese Taipei. They dominated the game, with the youthful Matildas always on the attack and doing virtually nothing defensively.

From the defenders to the forwards, everyone appeared to be confident and on top of their game in their last game. While India has struggled to deal with crosses, Australia has scored a few goals from crosses into the box and will want to do so again in the forthcoming match between the two teams.

On paper, Alexander Epakis’ team is the clear favorite for this game, and the outcome on the field is anticipated to be the same unless India pulls something out of the bag.

Team News

Both teams are likely to have a completely fit squad for the match, with no new injury worries reported in their respective camps.

Australia may choose to rest a few players against a weaker India team before facing Japan in the final group stage game.

Head-to-Head Record

The Indian U-20 women’s national team suffered its heaviest defeat in history against Australia in the AFC U-19 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in 2008, losing 18-0.

Matches Played – 1

India U-20 Women wins – 0

Australia U-20 Women wins – 1

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineups

India U-20 (4-4-2):

Monalisha Devi (GK), Shubhangi Singh, Cindy Colney, Thoibisana Chanu, Remi Thokchom; Neha Sillay, Bhumika Devi, Anju Chanu, Pooja; Lhingdeikim Kipgen, Sulanjana Raul

Australia U-20 (4-4-2):

Ilona Melegh (GK), Alexia Apostolaki, Emma Dundas, Rubi Sullivan, Tegan Bertolissio; Tiana Fuller, Zara Kruger, Avaani Prakash, Peta Trimis; Skye Halmarick, Talia Younis

Players to Watchout

India U-20 – Thoibisana Chanu

When a team concedes six goals in a game and loses in the manner that India did, it is difficult to see any positive performance, especially in defense. Thoibisana was unfortunate to score an own goal early in the first half against Japan.

However, she eventually produced a number of key clearances and blocks to keep the scoreline from getting any worse.

Coming up against a big strong striker like Skye Halmarick, who attacks every cross and 50/50 inside the box, it is important for India that Thoibisana maintains her focus for the full 90 minutes and keeps the Australian striker quiet.

Australia U-20 – Peta Trimis

Peta Trimis, who started on the right wing for Australia U-20 in the last game, had a 10/10 performance from the flanks. She delivered many dangerous crosses into the box and also posed a threat with her dribbling. Peta finished with an assist and two goals to round off her outstanding performance.

With the Indian team unable to deal with crosses, as seen in their first match against Japan, Peta Trimis will be trying to create all sorts of danger from the right flank against Shubhangi Singh, who was not up to pace in the last game.

Telecast Details

India’s second match in the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup against Australia will take place on 5 April 2026 at the Pathum Thani Stadium.

The match will kick off at 14:30 PM IST.

Fans can watch the action live on the FanCode app.

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