Desire to be excellent driving Japan's Fukushima

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026

Desire to be excellent driving Japan's Fukushima

Thammasat: Noa Fukushima’s blend of passion and attacking intelligence was on full display as Japan opened their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ campaign with a commanding 6-0 win over India on Thursday.

A skilful wide midfielder, Fukushima thrives in pockets of space - timing her runs into the box and influencing play in the final third. Her dexterity with both feet proved decisive against India.

https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_u20_womens_asian_cup.html/video/u20wac-|-group-c-japan-6-0-india

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Ijiri stays grounded despite dominant Japan show

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026

Ijiri stays grounded despite dominant Japan show

Thammasat: Head coach Akira Ijiri was measured in his assessment following Japan’s 6-0 victory over India in the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ on Thursday.

Japan, who led through a Thoibisana Chanu own goal in the first half, stepped up the intensity after the break, producing a five-star second-half display to underline their dominance.

Epakis’ Australia show their intent

Thu, 02 Apr, 2026

Epakis’ Australia show their intent

Pathum Thani: Head coach Alex Epakis believes Australia’s dominance in their opening AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Group C match sets a foundation they can grow into over the course of the continental showpiece.

Australia overwhelmed Chinese Taipei 5-0 on Thursday, with Skye Halmarick and Peta Trimis both scoring twice and Triana Fuller adding to the tally in an encounter the Young Matildas controlled from the start.

Captain’s armband makes me feel more responsible, says Korea Republic’s Hye-young

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026

Captain’s armband makes me feel more responsible, says Korea Republic’s Hye-young

Nonthaburi: As Korea Republic notched their first win in Thursday’s Group B tie against Uzbekistan, captain Cho Hye-young hopes it marks the beginning of a strong campaign at the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™.

A perennial threat to the Uzbekistan defence, Hye-young believes that donning the captain’s armband has brought with it an added sense of responsibility.

Han: Best yet to come from DPR Korea

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026

Han: Best yet to come from DPR Korea

Pathum Thani:  DPR Korea head coach Han Chol Hak was not at all surprised by his side’s performance against Jordan in their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ Group B opener on Thursday.

The defending champions proved a class above with hat-trick hero Kang Ryu Mi and her teammates consigning the West Asian side to an 8-0 defeat.

Win doesn't satisfy Korea Republic’s Park; Panov hails Uzbekistan’s spirit

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026

Win doesn't satisfy Korea Republic’s Park; Panov hails Uzbekistan’s spirit

Nonthaburi: Despite beginning their AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Thailand 2026™ campaign on a winning note, Korea Republic head coach Park Youn Jeong felt her side left much to be desired in their Group B match against Uzbekistan on Thursday.

The two-time champions were made to work hard for their 2-0 win, with Park admitting that significant improvement is needed for their match against Jordan on Sunday.