Japan qualified for the quarterfinals of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup with a 3-0 win against India at the Suzhou Taihu Football Sports Centre Pitch on Tuesday. A spirited India did well to hold the four-time champions goalless in the opening half, but Japan proved too strong in the second with goals from Yumi Hayashi (’59) and substitute Yuzuha Ikeda (‘76, ’81). The loss, India’s second in the group, left them at the bottom of the pool after debutants Lebanon sprang a major surprise by holding Australia 1-1. Lebanon now need full points against India on Friday to confirm qualification, while a win in the last group-stage game could potentially be enough for India to seal a quarter-final berth as one of the best third-placed teams, thanks to their superior goal difference (-5) over both Group C sides — Philippines (-13) and Chinese Taipei (-14). Japan made several changes to the side that started in the 13-0 win against Lebanon in the opener and found the going tough against India, who were seeking to rebound from their 2-0 defeat to Australia. Goalkeeper Munni Bhambhu was busy in the opening half as she made several saves to keep India in the hunt. At the other end, Mikan Yamanaka had to make a save of her own to deny Alva Devi Senjam, who struck tamely into her path. Japan scored their first goal at the hour mark when Hayashi sidestepped her marker inside the box and slammed the ball home. Second-half substitute Ikeda then hammered home from close and her glancing header late in the game completed a comfortable win for the former champions.
