India end a 20-year wait to return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup after a commanding 3-0 win over Bangladesh in their final qualifier.
Kolkata, September 6: India have secured their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 after a convincing 3–0 victory over Bangladesh in their final Group B qualifier at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Sunday.
The result marks India’s return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup after a 20-year wait, with the Blue Colts finishing second in Group B and qualifying as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight groups.
Danny Meitei Laishram gave India the lead in the 25th minute before Vishal Yadav doubled the advantage shortly after the hour mark. Substitute Md Arbash completed the scoring in the 79th minute with a powerful strike to secure a comfortable victory for Mahesh Gawali’s side.
India finished the qualification campaign with six points from three matches. Uzbekistan topped the group with nine points after defeating Syria, while Syria ended third with three points. Bangladesh finished at the bottom without a point and were relegated to the Development Phase.
The Blue Colts started the campaign with qualification firmly in their sights and delivered when it mattered most, producing their strongest performance in the decisive final fixture. After taking the lead, India controlled the contest well and maintained their advantage before adding two more goals in the second half.
For head coach Mahesh Gawali, the qualification represents a significant achievement as India return to the continental U20 tournament after two decades.
The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 is scheduled to take place from March 24 to April 10, 2027. The tournament will also provide a pathway to the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027, with the top four teams at the Asian Cup earning qualification for the global tournament.
India are back among Asia’s U20 elite, 20 years later, the Blue Colts have their ticket to China. The return to the continental stage after two decades is a significant moment for the Blue Colts, and the tournament will offer Mahesh Gawali’s side a valuable opportunity to test themselves at the highest level while also chasing a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027.
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