CHENNAI: India have done their bit in their bid to qualify to the AFC U20 Asian Cup, by blanking Bangladesh 3-0 in their final Group B qualifier at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Sunday.
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 victory took India to six points from their three matches. Their fate depended on the outcome of the Syria-Uzbekistan encounter which took later in the evening. Uzbekistan defeated Syria and qualified as the toppers with nine points. Syria finished third with three points. India qualified as one of the seven best runners-up across all eight groups.
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.
The goal lifted the Blue Colts, who began dictating the tempo, retaining possession and patiently probing for a second. Danny nearly doubled the advantage in the 34th minute when his looping free-kick dipped dangerously towards goal, but Bangladesh goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury remained alert and made the save.
The second arrived in the 60th minute. A long throw into the penalty area was flicked on by Rishikanta towards Vishal, who produced an acrobatic finish to beat Chowdhury and stun the Bangladesh defence.
Then, substitute Md Arbash rounded off a comprehensive display with a third goal for his nation. Yaipharemba Chingakham initiated the move before India exchanged a series of passes to unlock the Bangladesh defence. Arbash completed the attack with a powerful left-footed strike into the roof of the net.
More to follow...