India blank Bangladesh 3-0, seal AFC U20 Asian Cup qualification after 20 years

India finally ended their long wait to participate in the AFC U20 Asian Cup as the Blue Colts produced a strong performance to beat Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifier in Tashkent on Sunday.

Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav and substitute Md Arbash found the net as India secured their second win in qualifying and finished second in Group B to book their place at the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup China.

It was a result that ended India’s 20-year wait to return to the continental tournament.

The Blue Colts finished with six points from three games behind group winners Uzbekistan, who collected nine points after defeating Syria. India qualified as one of the top seven runners-up in the eight qualifying groups.

The match started evenly, with neither side able to create much in the opening stages. But India grew into the game and took the lead in the 25th minute.

Danny Meitei Laishram pressured Bangladesh defender Md Abdul Riyad Fahim and forced him to pass the ball to Hateem Ali. The India striker then took on two defenders before playing the ball to an unmarked Danny inside the box.

Danny kept his cool and finished to give India the lead.

The goal put India in control of the game and they came close to extending their lead in the 34th minute. Danny’s looping free-kick was headed for goal but Bangladesh keeper Raj Chowdhury made the save.

India picked up where they left off after the break and doubled their lead in the 60th minute.

A long throw into the box was taken by Rishikanta towards Vishal who beat Chowdhury with an acrobatic finish to make it 2-0.

Bangladesh went ahead after conceding the second goal, but India dealt with their attacks and prevented the visitors from creating a clear chance.

India head coach Mahesh Gawali made two changes in the 72nd minute, bringing on Md Arbash and Prashan Jajo for Danny and Vishal.

Arbash needed just seven minutes to make an impact. Yaipharemba Chingakham started the move before India worked the ball through the Bangladesh defence. Arbash finished with a powerful left-footed strike into the net to make it 3-0.

Gawali made three more changes in the closing stages with Aniket Yadav, Omang Dodum and Daniyal Makakmayum coming on as India comfortably saw out victory.

The AFC U20 China 2027 Asian Cup will be held from 24 March to 10 April 2027. The top four teams will qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

06 Sep 2026 22:15 IST