India Secures 3-0 Victory Over Bangladesh in AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers

India showcased a stellar performance with a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in the AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifiers. Goals from Danny Meitei, Vishal Yadav, and Md Arbash secured the win, putting India in a strong position to qualify for the tournament after a 20-year absence. The outcome now hinges on the result of the Syria-Uzbekistan match, which will determine India's fate in the competition. Read on to find out more about this exciting match and its implications for Indian football.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 00:08 IST

India's Dominant Performance in Tashkent

Tashkent [Uzbekistan], September 6: In a crucial match for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualification, India triumphed over Bangladesh with a convincing 3-0 win at the Do'stlik Stadium on Sunday.

Danny Meitei Laishram initiated the scoring in the 25th minute, followed by Vishal Yadav's stunning acrobatic goal an hour into the match. The final nail in the coffin came from substitute Md Arbash, who scored in the 79th minute, as reported by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

This victory brought India's total to six points from three matches. However, their advancement now hinges on the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan match later that evening. If Syria does not defeat Uzbekistan, the Blue Colts will secure second place in Group B, marking their return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup after a two-decade hiatus as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight groups.

The match commenced with both teams evenly matched, struggling to gain control in the early stages.

India took the lead in the 25th minute through a well-executed pressing strategy. Danny pressured Bangladesh defender Md Abdul Riyad Fahim, forcing a turnover to Hateem Ali. The striker then skillfully maneuvered past two defenders before setting up Danny, who finished calmly to give India the lead in this pivotal match.

This goal energized the Blue Colts, who began to control the game, maintaining possession and looking for a second goal. Danny almost scored again in the 34th minute with a dangerous free-kick that was saved by Bangladesh's goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury.

After halftime, India continued to apply pressure on Bangladesh, seeking another goal.

The second goal came in the 60th minute from a long throw-in, flicked on by Rishikanta to Vishal, who executed an impressive acrobatic finish, leaving Chowdhury stunned.

In response to trailing by two goals, Bangladesh increased their aggression, but India remained solid defensively, preventing any comeback attempts.

India's head coach Mahesh Gawali made strategic substitutions in the 72nd minute, bringing on Md Arbash and Prashan Jajo for Danny and Vishal. This change quickly proved effective, as Arbash scored in the 79th minute, sealing the match with a powerful left-footed shot into the net.

Gawali made additional substitutions in the final minutes, introducing Aniket Yadav, Omang Dodum, and Daniyal Makakmayum, as India comfortably managed the remainder of the game.

With their task accomplished, the Blue Colts now await the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan match to determine if they will finish second and end a 20-year absence from the AFC U20 Asian Cup.