India blank Bangladesh 3-0, seal AFC U20 Asian Cup qualification after 20 years

India ended their 20-year wait to return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup after the Blue Colts beat Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifier at the Do'stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Sunday.AFC U20 Asian Cup: India blank Bangladesh 3-0, end 20-year wait to seal qualification (AIFF Photo)India finally ended their long wait for a place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup, with the Blue Colts putting in a strong performance to beat Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifier in Tashkent on Sunday.Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav and substitute Md Arbash found the net as India secured their second win of the qualifiers and finished runners-up in Group B to seal their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.It was a result that ended India's 20-year wait for a return to the continental tournament.The Blue Colts finished with six points from three matches, behind group winners Uzbekistan, who collected nine points after beating Syria. India qualified as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight qualifying groups. The match started on an even note, with neither side able to create much in the opening stages. India, however, grew into the game and took the lead in the 25th minute.Danny Meitei Laishram pressed Bangladesh defender Md Abdul Riyad Fahim and forced him into giving the ball away to Hateem Ali. The India striker then took on two defenders before playing the ball to an unmarked Danny inside the box. Danny kept his cool and finished to put India ahead.The goal gave India control of the game and they came close to extending their lead in the 34th minute. Danny's looping free-kick dipped towards the goal, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury made the save.India picked up where they left off after the break and doubled their advantage in the 60th minute.A long throw into the box was flicked on by Rishikanta towards Vishal, who produced an acrobatic finish to beat Chowdhury and make it 2-0.Bangladesh pushed forward after conceding the second goal, but India dealt with their attacks and kept the visitors from creating a clear chance.India head coach Mahesh Gawali made two changes in the 72nd minute, bringing on Md Arbash and Prashan Jajo for Danny and Vishal.Arbash needed only seven minutes to make an impact. Yaipharemba Chingakham started the move before India worked the ball through the Bangladesh defence. Arbash finished it off with a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net to make it 3-0.Gawali made three more changes in the closing stages, with Aniket Yadav, Omang Dodum and Daniyal Makakmayum coming on as India saw out the win comfortably.The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 will be held from March 24 to April 10, 2027. The top four teams will qualify for the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027.- EndsPublished By: Saurabh KumarPublished On: Sep 6, 2026 22:15 IST