India’s U17 women’s team faced a 0-3 defeat against Japan in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2026, but their chance to advance to the knockout stage remains. The team is now focusing on their upcoming match against Lebanon, with a win potentially securing a historic quarter-final spot.
Despite two winless matches, India’s campaign is still promising. The team’s goal difference puts them in contention for a third-place finish, with Philippines and Chinese Taipei as main rivals in Group C. India’s defensive strategy against Japan was evident, limiting clear opportunities for the opponents.
Coach Conti praised the team’s defensive performance against Japan, acknowledging the challenges posed by the former world champions. The Indian backline showcased strong organization and communication, preventing significant threats on goal during the first half. The team’s young talent, like center-back Abhista Basnett, also demonstrated resilience and teamwork on the field.
Conti emphasized the importance of maintaining defensive solidity and minimizing goals conceded. Despite Japan’s second-half dominance leading to goals, India’s overall performance was commendable. The coach highlighted the team’s efforts and acknowledged areas for improvement, showing satisfaction with the team’s display against a formidable opponent.
