2026 AFC U20 Asian Cup: India keep qualification hopes alive with 3-0 win

India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 in their final AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifier to finish their Group B campaign with six points. Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav and Md Arbash scored, but India's qualification depends on the Syria-Uzbekistan result

Hyderabad:  India kept their hopes of qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 alive with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final Group B qualifier at the Do’stlik Stadium here on Sunday.

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 win with a powerful strike in the 79th minute.

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The victory took India to six points from three matches. Their fate, however, depends on the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan encounter later in the evening.

Should Syria fail to defeat hosts Uzbekistan, India will finish second in Group B and qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup after a 20-year absence as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight groups.

The match began on an even footing, with neither side able to establish control in the opening exchanges.

India took the lead in the 25th minute through a well-coordinated pressing move.

Danny pressured Md Abdul Riyad Fahim and forced the Bangladesh defender into conceding possession to Hateem Ali. The India striker showed excellent awareness to take on two defenders before laying the ball off for an unmarked Danny inside the penalty area. Danny kept his composure to finish and put India ahead.

The goal lifted the Blue Colts, who began dictating the tempo, retaining possession and patiently probing for a second.

Danny came close to doubling the lead in the 34th minute when his looping free-kick dipped dangerously towards goal, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury remained alert to make 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 came 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, 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 to make it 3-0.

Having completed their task in emphatic fashion, the Blue Colts must now wait for the result of the Syria-Uzbekistan fixture to discover whether they will finish second and end India’s 20-year absence from the AFC U20 Asian Cup.