India’s U20 side thumps Bangladesh 3-0, eyes AFC Asian Cup spot

On a breezy evening in Tashkent, the Indian U20 squad delivered a crisp 3‑0 victory over Bangladesh, sealing their second win of the AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign. The win pushed India to six points from three matches, but the party wasn’t over – their qualification still hung on the result of the Syria‑Uzbekistan clash later that night.

It started off pretty evenly, both sides probing each other, neither really dictating the tempo. Then, in the 25th minute, Danny Meitei Laishram got the ball on the edge of the box after a well‑timed press forced a Bangladeshi defender into a mistake. He slipped past two men, laid it off to an unmarked teammate and calmly slotted it home. The crowd’s roar was immediate, and the Blue Colts seemed to find a new energy.

Almost a half‑hour later, Danny nearly doubled the lead with a looping free‑kick that grazed the post, but Bangladesh keeper Raj Chowdhury was quick to the rescue. The Indians kept pushing, and the pressure finally paid off at the hour‑mark. A long throw flicked on by Rishikanta found Vishal Yadav, who, with an acrobatic touch, tucked the ball beneath Chowdhury’s fingertips. The stadium erupted – 2‑0 and the momentum was clearly with India.

Bangladesh tried to claw back, upping their aggression and forcing a few uncomfortable moments for the defence. Yet, the Indian backline held firm, absorbing the pressure without panicking. Coach Mahesh Gawali, perhaps sensing the need to keep the rhythm, made a double substitution in the 72nd minute – bringing on Md Arbash and Prashan Jajo for Danny and Vishal.

Arbash made his presence felt within minutes. A quick give‑and‑go, a slick pass from Yaipharemba Chingakham, and Arbash unleashed a powerful left‑footed strike that rattled the roof of the net. 3‑0, and the result was pretty much written.

Gawali peppered on a few more changes towards the end, handing minutes to Aniket Yadav, Omang Dodum and Daniyal Makakmayum, but the scoreline stayed untouched. The final whistle confirmed a clean sheet and a dominant display, yet the real question lingered: would India slip into the tournament as one of the seven best runners‑up?

If Syria fails to beat Uzbekistan, India will finish second in Group B and likely secure that coveted spot – a return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup after a 20‑year hiatus. For now, the Blue Colts can celebrate a solid win, but the night isn’t over until the other game finishes.