Daijiworld Media Network - Tashkent

Tashkent, Sep 7: India secured qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament for the first time in 20 years after defeating Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifying match in Tashkent on Sunday.

Danny Meitei Laishram opened the scoring for India in the 25th minute before Vishal Yadav doubled the lead with an acrobatic finish shortly after the hour mark. Substitute Md Arbash completed the scoring in the 79th minute to seal a convincing victory for India.

The win was India’s second in the qualifiers and took them to six points from three matches. The Blue Colts then had to wait for the result of the other Group B encounter between Syria and Uzbekistan to learn their fate.

Uzbekistan’s 3-0 victory over Syria confirmed India’s qualification as one of the seven best runners-up from the eight qualifying groups. India last featured in the AFC U20 Asian Cup in 2006.

Uzbekistan finished at the top of Group B with nine points, while Syria ended third with three points. Bangladesh, who suffered defeats in all three of their matches, were relegated to the Development Phase.

The AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament is scheduled to be held in China from March 24 to April 10 next year, giving India an opportunity to compete among Asia’s leading youth teams after a two-decade absence.