Pathum Thani: India suffered a 0-6 defeat at the hands of formidable Japan in their opening match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup at the Thammasat Stadium here on Thursday.
Six-time champions Japan got the lead early on through an own goal by Thoibisana Chanu Toijam (12th minute).
However, it was not until the second half that Japan really managed to start hurting the Young Tigresses, with Miki Kimura (54th), Noa Fukushima (57th), Natsumi Tago (75th), Miyu Matsunaga (81st) and Yura Honda (87th) netting one each.
India, playing their first Asian Cup match in 20 years, had a good start early on, with Shubhangi Singh and Sulanjana Raul combining well on the left to set Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam through. The latter’s low cutback, however, was intercepted.
Japan, however, were quick to respond, and two minutes later, Kimura thudded the crossbar with her left-footed effort.
They got the early lead that they wanted, though luck may have been on their side for the opening goal. Fukushima’s accurate free-kick from the right flank found the head of Japan defender Mitsuki Ota inside the Indian box. While it was somewhat of a glancing header, it struck India centre-back Thoibisana’s feet before totally changing direction and going in.
While the gulf in quality was there to see, India did not lose hope and kept probing for a way back into the match.
Monalisha made a smart 21st-minute save off Anon Tsuda, before Sulanjana made a fine run down the left at the other end.
The latter drilled in a low cross, but it was inches from Lhingdeikim’s feet.
The Young Tigresses began to grow into the game as the half-hour mark approached, and a 24th-minute free-kick by Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam found the head of Thoibisana inside the Japan box, but the centre-back was flagged offside.
While India gave a good account of themselves in the first half, Japan tightened their grip on the game after the change of ends. agencies