Tashkent : Twenty years on, India are back at the AFC U20 Asian Cup. The Blue Colts sealed qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final Group B qualifier at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Danny Meitei Laishram opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Vishal Yadav doubled India’s advantage with an acrobatic finish on the hour mark. Substitute Md Arbash then sealed the contest with a powerful strike in the 79th minute.
The victory took India to six points from their three matches, which placed them second in the final Group B standings. Uzbekistan, who defeated Syria, qualified as the toppers with nine points. Syria finished third with three points, and bottom-placed Bangladesh were relegated to the Development Phase after losing all three games. India qualified as one of the seven best runners-up across all eight groups. The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 will be held from March 24 to April 10, 2027. The top four teams in the Asian Cup will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027.
The match began on an even keel, with neither side able to establish control during the opening exchanges.
India took the lead in the 25th minute through an excellent piece of coordinated pressing and attacking play.
Danny put Md Abdul Riyad Fahim under pressure and forced the Bangladesh defender into conceding possession cheaply to Hateem Ali. The India striker displayed excellent awareness as he took on two defenders before laying the ball off for the unmarked Danny inside the penalty area. Danny kept his composure and applied the finish to put India ahead in the crucial contest.
The goal lifted the Blue Colts, who began dictating the tempo, retaining possession and patiently probing for a second. Danny nearly doubled the advantage in the 34th minute when his looping free-kick dipped dangerously towards goal, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury remained alert and made the save.
India resumed after the interval in the same manner in which they had ended the first half, keeping Bangladesh under pressure and searching for another goal.
The second arrived in the 60th minute. A long throw into the penalty area was flicked on by Rishikanta towards Vishal, who produced an acrobatic finish to beat Chowdhury and stun the Bangladesh defence.
Bangladesh attempted to mount a comeback after falling two goals behind and began playing with greater aggression. India remained organised at the back, though, absorbing the pressure without allowing their opponents a way back into the match.
India head coach Mahesh Gawali introduced Md Arbash and Prashan Jajo in the 72nd minute, replacing Danny and Vishal. The change soon paid off as Arbash put the result beyond doubt seven minutes later.
Yaipharemba Chingakham initiated the move before India exchanged a series of passes to unlock the Bangladesh defence. Arbash completed the attack with a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net, making it 3-0.
Gawali made three further changes during the closing stages, introducing Aniket Yadav, Omang Dodum and Daniyal Makakmayum as India comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
Brief Scorecard –
India : 3 (Danny Meitei Laishram 25’, Vishal Yadav 60’, Md Arbash 79’)
Bangladesh 0.
