India fought hard without conceding a goal in the first half against formidable Japan but eventually lost 0-3 in their second group match of the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup here on Tuesday.

After a goalless first half, Japan took the lead just before the hour mark through Yumi Hayashi (59th minute) and Yuzuha Ikeda (76th, 81st) then struck twice to hand the four-time champions their second win in Group B.