India qualify for AFC Under-20 Asian Cup after 20 years; Shabbir Ali lauds achievement

After two decades, India are back in the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final Group B qualifier at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Sunday. The Indians sealed qualification for the AFC Under-20 Asian Cup China 2027 in style.

“Reminded me of my days in 1974 when we were the joint winners. It was the last big trophy won by India. This is a big day for the Indian team as they qualified after 20 years. It is a significant moment and should propel the game to great heights,” said former India captain and Dhyan Chand awardee Shabbir Ali.

Reminded me of my days in 1974 when we were the joint winners. It was the last big trophy won by India, says Shabbir Ali

“The boys beat Syria and that is quite a significant aspect. Even Bangladesh gave a tough fight, but we were able to do well. I am sure that some of these players will break into the big league soon,” he added. “I am also happy for coach Mahesh Gawali. It takes a lot of pressure off his back. I congratulate the players, manager, coaching and support staff,” Shabbir said.

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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.

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. Pics: AIFF

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 2-0, 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 Under-20 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 Under-20 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 puts India ahead

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 Indians, 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.

Result: India 3 (Danny Meitei Laishram 25’, Vishal Yadav 60’, Md Arbash 79’) beat Bangladesh 0.

Group B placings: 1. Uzbekistan, 2. India, 3. Syria, 4. Bangladesh.