TASHKENT, Sept 9: India secured their place at the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 with a convincing 3 – 0 win over Bangladesh in their final Group B qualifier at the Do’stlik Stadium on Sunday, ending a 20-year wait for a return to the continental tournament.
Danny Meitei Laishram gave India the lead in the 25th minute before Vishal Yadav doubled the advantage with an acrobatic finish in the 60th. Substitute Md Arbash completed the scoring in the 79th minute with a powerful left-footed strike.
The victory took India to six points from three matches and second place in the final Group B standings. Hosts Uzbekistan topped the group with nine points after defeating Syria, while Syria finished third with three points. Bangladesh ended bottom after losing all three matches.
India qualified for the AFC U20 Asian Cup as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight qualifying groups.
The result also keeps alive India’s hopes of reaching the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027, with the top four finishers at the AFC U20 Asian Cup set to qualify for the global tournament. The Asian Cup is scheduled to be held in China from March 24 to April 10, 2027.
India take control after early battle
The match began evenly, with neither side able to establish sustained control during the opening exchanges. India broke the deadlock in the 25th minute following a spell of coordinated pressing. Danny Meitei Laishram put Bangladesh defender Md Abdul Riyad Fahim under pressure, forcing him into conceding possession to Hateem Ali.
Hateem then carried the ball forward and drew two defenders before finding the unmarked Danny inside the penalty area. Danny kept his composure to finish the move and put India ahead.
The goal gave India greater confidence as they began controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Danny came close to adding a second in the 34th minute when his looping free-kick dipped towards goal, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury reacted well to make the save.
India continued to apply pressure after the restart and were rewarded again in the 60th minute. A long throw into the Bangladesh box was flicked on by Rishikanta towards Vishal Yadav, who produced an acrobatic finish to beat Chowdhury and double India’s lead.
Bangladesh responded by increasing the intensity of their attack, but India remained organised defensively and managed to contain their opponents without conceding a clear route back into the contest.
Arbash seals qualification
India head coach Mahesh Gawali made a double substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Md Arbash and Prashan Jajo for Danny and Vishal.
Arbash made an immediate impact, scoring seven minutes after his introduction to put the result beyond doubt.
Yaipharemba Chingakham initiated the move before India combined with a series of passes to open up the Bangladesh defence. Arbash finished the attack with a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net to make it 3–0.
Gawali made three more changes in the closing stages, sending on Aniket Yadav, Omang Dodum and Daniyal Makakmayum as India comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
The emphatic victory confirmed India’s return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup after two decades and secured a place at the 2027 continental finals.
India U20 Squad:
Suraj Singh Aheibam (GK); Yaipharemba Chingakham, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum (C), Shami Singamayum (Daniyal Makakmayum 88’), Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Danny Meitei Laishram (Md Arbash 72’), Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Vishal Yadav (Prashan Jajo 72’), Rishikanta Meitei Laishram (Aniket Yadav 85’), Hateem Ali (Omang Dodum 85’).
