AFC Asia Cup: Blue Tigers aim to bounce back against gritty Uzbekistan
The Uzbeks, who have emerged as one of the leading teams in Central Asia in recent times, are placed far higher than the Blue Tigers but 43 places behind Australia.
India’s U20 women’s team endured a heavy 0-5 defeat against Australia in their Group C fixture of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 at Pathum Thani Stadium, Thailand, on Sunday.
A dominant performance from Australia was headlined by Skye Halmarick, who netted a hat-trick (38’ pen, 39’, 48’). Danella Brutus (54’) and Daisy Brown (90+4’) added to the tally, leaving India at the bottom of the group standings without a point after two matches.
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Despite the scoreline, the Young Tigresses showed early promise and began the match on the front foot. Sulanjana Raul made an impressive run down the left in the fourth minute, cutting past her marker before delivering a low cross towards Sibani Devi Nongmeikapam, who was forced into a tight angle and lost possession. Soon after, Anju Chanu Kayenpaibam attempted a cross from the right, but it was intercepted.
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Australia gradually grew into the contest, with Avaani Prakash creating the first real chance. Her shot from the right was well saved by India goalkeeper Monalisha Devi Moirangthem. India responded with a long-range free-kick from Anju, but it sailed over the bar.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Cindy Colney fouled Brutus inside the box, conceding a penalty. Halmarick converted from the spot before doubling the lead just a minute later with a header from Peta Trimis’ cross.
Australia carried their momentum into the second half, with Halmarick completing her hat-trick in the 48th minute via a deflected strike. Brutus then turned scorer in the 54th minute, capitalising on a driving run into the box to make it 4-0.
India continued to push for a response, with Monalisha making crucial saves to deny further damage. The Young Tigresses came closest in the 85th minute when Bhumika Devi Khumukcham delivered a precise cross to Sibani, whose header went wide.
Remi Thokchom produced a vital goal-line clearance moments later, but Australia sealed the result deep into injury time. Substitute Daisy Brown capitalised on a defensive lapse, dispossessing Thoibisana Chanu Toijam before calmly finishing to complete the rout.
India will now look to bounce back in their final group-stage match against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, where a win could still keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage alive.
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