India U20 started brightly, showing intent in the early exchanges with quick transitions and attacking movement. Sulanjana Raul and Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam were instrumental on the flanks, while Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam was involved in promising build-up play in the final third.

Australia U20, however, took control late in the first half. Skye Halmarick opened the scoring from the penalty spot before adding a second goal within a minute, shifting the momentum firmly in their favour heading into the break.

The second half saw Australia U20 extend their advantage, with Halmarick completing her hat-trick soon after the restart. Danella Brutus added a fourth, as India U20 continued to show resilience despite the scoreline. Goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem produced several important saves to keep her side in the contest.

India U20 continued to push forward and nearly found a breakthrough late on when Bhumika Devi Khumukcham delivered a precise cross into the box, but the chance went narrowly wide. Australia U20 eventually added a fifth in stoppage time through Daisy Brown to round off the result.

The defeat leaves India U20 at the bottom of Group C, but qualification hopes remain intact. A win in the final group-stage encounter against Chinese Taipei women’s national under-20 football team could still secure progression to the knockout stage.

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India will begin their journey against Japan on April 2, followed by clashes against Australia on April 5 and Chinese Taipei on April 8. With a spot in the quarter-finals and potential qualification to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 on the line, the team will look to make the most of this opportunity.

The preparations have been extensive, starting with a camp in Bengaluru, followed by a month-long exposure tour in Sweden where the team faced senior club opposition. After returning, the squad continued training in Kolkata before arriving in Bangkok on March 20 to adapt to conditions ahead of the tournament.

India’s 23-member squad for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026:

Goalkeepers: Monalisha Devi Moirangthem, Nandini, Ribansi Jamu.

Defenders: Cindy Remruatpuii Colney, Nishima Kumari, Remi Thokchom, Ruchi Yadav, Sahena TH, Shubhangi Singh, Thoibisana Chanu Toijam.

Midfielders: Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam, Arina Devi Nameirakpam, Bhumika Devi Khumukcham, Monisha Singha, Neha, Pooja, Shruti Kumari.

Forwards: Babita Kumari, Deepika Pal, Lhingdeikim, Shilji Shaji, Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, Sulanjana Raul.

With a well-balanced squad and solid preparation behind them, the Young Tigresses will aim to compete strongly in the group stage and push for a place in the knockout rounds.

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