Indian football celebrated a significant milestone on Sunday as the Blue Colts secured their place in the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027, ending a 20-year wait for qualification to the continental tournament.
India produced a convincing performance at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, defeating Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifier.
Danny Meitei Laishram gave India the breakthrough in the 25th minute, putting the Blue Colts in control before Vishal Yadav extended the lead with an impressive acrobatic finish shortly after the hour mark.
Substitute Md Arbash put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute, unleashing a powerful strike to complete a memorable victory for India.
The three points took India to six points from three matches, enough to finish second in Group B. Uzbekistan topped the group with nine points after defeating Syria, while Syria ended third with three points. Bangladesh finished bottom without a point.
Despite missing out on top spot, India qualified as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight groups, securing their return to the AFC U20 Asian Cup after two decades.
The AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 will be held from March 24 to April 10, 2027. The tournament will also carry a major prize, with the top four teams earning qualification for the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027.
For Indian football, the Blue Colts’ qualification marks an important step forward and provides the young generation with an opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in Asian youth football.
India have a proud history in the AFC Youth Championship, having won the tournament in 1974, when the competition was known as the AFC Youth Championship.
India have also reached the quarter-finals on five occasions — in 1966, 1967, 1971, 1977 and 2002.
The Indian team made its exit at the Group Stage in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1997, 1998, 2004 and 2006.
India U20 Men’s Starting XI:
Suraj Singh Aheibam, Yaipharemba Chingakham, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum, Shami Singamayum, Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Danny Meitei Laishram, Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Vishal Yadav, Rishikanta Meitei Laishram, Hateem Ali
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
