India blank Bangladesh 3-0, await AFC U20 Asian Cup qualification fate

A dominant India blanked Bangladesh 3-0 in their final group match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers here on Sunday, for their second win of the tournament.

The victory took India to six points from three matches. Their fate, however, now depends on the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan match later on Sunday.  If Syria fail to defeat Uzbekistan, the Blue Colts will finish second in Group B and qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup main tournament after 20 years as one of the seven best runners-up teams across the eight groups.

Danny Meitei Laishram opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Vishal Yadav doubled India’s advantage with an acrobatic finish on the hour mark. Substitute Md Arbash then sealed the contest with a powerful strike in the 79th minute. The match began on an even keel, with neither side able to establish control during the opening exchanges.

India took the lead in the 25th minute through an excellent piece of coordinated pressing and attacking play. Danny put Md Abdul Riyad Fahim under pressure and forced the Bangladesh defender into conceding possession cheaply to Hateem Ali.

The Indian striker displayed excellent awareness as he took on two defenders before laying the ball off for the unmarked Danny inside the penalty area. Danny kept his composure and applied the finish to put India ahead in the crucial contest.