India Secures Victory Against Japan in AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India, 20 December 2025 — The Indian U-23 football team secured a crucial victory against Japan in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers, held on Sunday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi. The match concluded with a 2-1 scoreline in favor of India, marking a significant step forward in their quest for qualification.

Striker Vikram Pratap Singh opened the scoring for India in the 23rd minute, demonstrating sharp attacking prowess. Japan equalized shortly before halftime through a well-placed header by their forward, Takashi Ito. However, India regained the lead in the 68th minute with a decisive goal from midfielder Amarjit Singh Kiyam.

The victory places India in a strong position within their qualifying group, and they are now within reach of securing a spot in the next stage of the tournament. Head coach Igor Stimac praised the team's resilience and tactical discipline, noting that the win reflects the hard work and dedication of the players.

The AFC U-23 Asian Cup serves as a vital platform for young talent to showcase their skills on an international stage, and India's performance has been closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The tournament is part of a broader effort to enhance the development of football in the country.

With the next match against South Korea scheduled for later this week, the Indian team remains focused on maintaining their momentum and achieving their goal of qualification. The ongoing qualifiers will determine the teams advancing to the final tournament in Qatar next year.