India Men's U20 Football Team Qualifies for AFC U20 Asian Cup After 20-Year Wait
The Indian men's under-20 football team ended a two-decade absence from the continental championship by securing qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027. Coached by Mahesh Gawali, the Blue Colts registered a decisive 3-0 win over Bangladesh in their final Group B qualifier at the Do'stlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Danny Meitei Laishram opened the scoring in the 25th minute following a high-pressing offensive play. Midfielder Vishal Yadav doubled India's lead on the hour mark with an acrobatic finish, before substitute Md Arbash sealed the triumph with a powerful strike in the 79th minute. The win took India to six points from three matches in Group B, behind group toppers Uzbekistan.
India's qualification was formally confirmed after hosts Uzbekistan defeated Syria 3-0 in the subsequent fixture, securing India a berth as one of the seven best runners-up across all qualifying groups. This marks India's first appearance in the main tournament of the AFC U20 Asian Cup since 2006. The continental championship in China, scheduled for March and April 2027, will also serve as the Asian qualifier for the FIFA U20 World Cup 2027, with the top four teams earning direct spots.
