India vs Japan, AFC Women's Asian Cup, Today Match Prediction

India vs Japan Match Prediction & Analysis

India face a stern test against Japan in the final Matchday 2 clash at HBF Park, Perth on Saturday (4:30 PM IST). After winning their opener, Japan can secure a quarterfinal spot with another victory. For India, who began the tournament with a defeat, the stakes are far higher—making this a must-win encounter to keep their hopes alive.

Current Standings: Japan tops the group with three points, while India is third with no points.

Head-to-head Record: It is going to be the first time that the teams play each other in a AFC Asian Cup match.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

India Preview

Under new head coach Amelia Valverde, India began their AFC campaign with a narrow defeat to a much higher-ranked Vietnam side. The Blue Tigresses showed resilience, fighting back through substitute Sanfida Nongrum’s 52nd-minute equaliser after trailing at halftime. 

Just when a valuable point seemed within reach, a stoppage-time goal turned the game against them. Still, there were positives—India played with intent, produced four shots on target, and looked the stronger side in the early parts of econd half. 

Key Players

Elangbam Chanu was India’s standout performer in the last match, with the 30-year-old goalkeeper making five crucial saves to keep her side in the contest. She will once again need to be at her very best on Saturday if India are to remain competitive against Japan.

India Probable Starting Lineup - Elangbam Chanu (GK); Sanju Yadav, Sweety Devi, Shilky Devi, Astam Oraon, Sangita Basfore, Babina Devi, Martina Thokchom, Grace Dangmei, Pyari Xaxa, Manisha Kalyan.  

Japan Preview

Tournament favourites Japan began their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei, though the scoreline hardly reflected their dominance. The Nadeshiko fired 30 shots but had to wait until the second half to find the breakthrough, prompting coach Nils Nielsen to call for sharper finishing in the post match press conference. 

Also it didn't help that Chinese Taipei had no interest going forward, managing just 9.3% possession and no shots, yet Japan eventually made their control count with goals from Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike in the second half of the game. 

Key Players

Momoko Tanikawa has emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2025/26 season, scoring 10 goals for Bayern Munich to lead the competition. She also opened her AFC Asian Cup account in the first match, and given her form, there is every chance she could add more goals in the tournament. 

Japan Probable Starting Lineup - ​Ayaka Yamashita (GK); Risa Shimizu, Saki Kumagai, Moeka Minami, Hikaru Kitagawa, Yui Hasegawa, Fuka Nagano, Momoko Tanikawa, Aoba Fujino, Mina Tanaka, Hinata Miyazawa.

INDIA vs JAPAN
Winning Prediction

The two sides have met only once in a competitive match, and it ended in a dominant 7–0 victory for Japan. Another commanding display from the Japanese is widely expected, though India showed encouraging resilience in their previous outing and will aim to stay competitive for as long as possible. The bookmakers reflect the gulf between the teams, with Japan heavily favoured at 1.01 for the win, while India are priced at 51.00 and a draw stands at 21.00.  

Japan to win (3-0)

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW