The Indian U-20 football team made a dream start to their campaign in the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers as they defeated Syria 1-0 on Monday (August 31) at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, which has put them in the driver’s seat to qualify for the continental showpiece event for the first time in 21 years.
It was a late goal from Singamayum Shami in the 86th minute, which helped the Mahesh Gowli-managed side take all three points.
The winner came from open play as Shami made no mistakes from close range after a fine cutback from Vishal Yadav. Later, the Blue Colts found the back of the net again with Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam scoring, but the linemen adjudged it to be offside.
India’s Upcoming Matches
India will next face hosts Uzbekistan in their second game of Group B on Thursday (September 3) at the same venue as today’s game. The Men in Blue will wrap up their campaign on Sunday (September 6) with a clash against Bangladesh.
For those unversed, the team that finishes first in their group will qualify for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup. Meanwhile, the seven best-ranked second-placed teams from all eight groups will also make the cut.
While calculations will become clear after the second game, one win in their remaining two games should ensure India seal qualification.
India Eye’s First Appearance In 21 Years
The Indian U-20 men’s team has not featured at the tournament for over two decades, with their last appearance coming in 2006, when they hosted the tournament and got knocked out in the group stage. It is a tournament India has a rich history in, as they won it in 1974 (sharing the trophy with Iran after a 2-2 draw in the final). They also played the quarter-finals in 1977 and 2002.
China will host the tournament for the second time in a row next year from March 24 to April 10.