India crash out early after tough AFC Women’s Asian Cup campaign

Sydney: The Indian women’s football team’s campaign at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 ended in disappointment, as they bowed out at the group stage following three consecutive defeats. Despite arriving in Australia with renewed hope after qualifying on merit, India struggled to match the intensity and quality of Asia’s top sides.

Placed in a challenging Group C alongside heavyweights Japan, Vietnam and Chinese Taipei, India faced an uphill task from the outset. Their campaign began with a narrow 1–2 loss to Vietnam, a match that offered early signs of promise but ultimately ended in heartbreak after conceding late.

However, the scale of the challenge became evident in their second match, where India suffered a heavy 0–11 defeat against Japan, one of Asia’s strongest teams. The loss exposed significant gaps in defensive organisation and overall tactical readiness, as India struggled to cope with Japan’s pace, movement, and technical superiority.

India’s final group match against Chinese Taipei ended in a 1–3 defeat, confirming their elimination from the tournament without a single point. Over the course of the campaign, India scored just two goals while conceding heavily, underlining the gulf that still exists between them and the continent’s elite teams.

Despite the disappointing results, there were a few positives for the Indian side. Young forward Sanfida Nongrum made a notable impact by scoring on her debut, while Manisha Kalyan showcased flashes of creativity and attacking intent, particularly in the final group match. These individual performances offered glimpses of potential for the future.

India had entered the tournament on the back of encouraging results in preparatory matches in Australia, where they registered convincing wins against local club sides. However, the transition from club-level opposition to top-tier international competition proved far more demanding. The lack of regular exposure to elite teams appeared to hinder their ability to adapt during high-pressure situations.

Defensively, India looked vulnerable throughout the tournament. Repeated lapses in marking, difficulty in handling quick transitions, and an inability to maintain shape under sustained pressure contributed to their struggles. The midfield, too, found it difficult to retain possession against faster and more physically dominant opponents.

The campaign also highlighted broader structural challenges within Indian women’s football. Limited international match practice, an inconsistent domestic calendar, and gaps in tactical development were evident against well-drilled teams like Japan and Vietnam. In contrast, leading nations in Asia benefit from professional leagues, stronger grassroots systems, and regular high-level competition.

The tournament itself, hosted in Australia, demonstrated the rising standards of women’s football in the region. With top teams displaying speed, discipline, and technical excellence, the benchmark for success continues to climb.

For India, the early exit serves as a reality check rather than a setback without value. The experience of competing against Asia’s best is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future preparations. The focus now shifts to rebuilding, with an emphasis on improving defensive organisation, enhancing fitness levels, and increasing exposure to stronger international opponents.

While the results in Australia fell short of expectations, the campaign has underscored both the challenges and opportunities ahead. For a team in transition, the lessons learned from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 could prove vital in their journey towards becoming more competitive on the continental stage.

Tags : Football, India, Women, Asia Cup, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Japan