Daijiworld Media Network - Tashkent

Tashkent, Sep 6: India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifier on Sunday to strengthen their hopes of qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.

Danny Meitei Laishram, Vishal Yadav and substitute Md Arbash scored for the Blue Colts in a convincing victory at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent.

The win keeps India in contention for their first AFC U20 Asian Cup appearance in 20 years.

India now have six points from three matches in Group B and are currently second. Syria, who have three points from two games, can overtake India with a victory over group leaders Uzbekistan.

If Syria lose or draw against Uzbekistan, India will finish second and could qualify as one of the **seven best runners-up** across the eight groups.

India took the lead in the 25th minute through Danny.

Danny initially applied pressure on Bangladesh defender Md Abdul Riyad Fahim, forcing him into conceding possession to Hateem Ali. The India striker showed good awareness before finding an unmarked Danny inside the box, who made no mistake with the finish.

Danny nearly doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark when his free-kick was heading towards goal, but the Bangladesh goalkeeper reacted quickly to make the save.

India continued to dominate after the break and doubled their advantage around the hour mark.

Rishikanta flicked a long throw into the box, allowing Vishal to produce an acrobatic finish and make it 2-0.

Bangladesh pushed forward aggressively during the final half-hour but failed to breach the Indian defence.

India made two changes in the 72nd minute, bringing on Md Arbash and Prashan Jajo for Danny and Vishal.

Arbash made an immediate impact, scoring in the 79th minute with a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner to give India a 3-0 lead.

The Blue Colts comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to keep their hopes of qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup alive.