In their second match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, the India U20 men’s football team experienced a significant setback, losing 0-4 to the host nation, Uzbekistan, at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Thursday.
The scoring began with Ulugbek Maratov in the 29th minute, followed by Kuvonchbek Abraev, who extended the lead with a free-kick. Shorakhim Shorakhmedov netted the third goal in the 67th minute, and Nurbek Sersenbaev capped off the scoring in the 90th minute, as reported by the AIFF Media.
Despite this defeat, India remains in second place in Group B based on head-to-head results, thanks to their earlier 1-0 win over Syria. The Blue Colts are determined to break a 20-year absence from the AFC U20 Asian Cup and will face Bangladesh in their final group match on September 6. A win for India, along with a loss for Syria against Uzbekistan, could secure their position as one of the seven best runners-up across the eight groups.
First Half: Uzbekistan Dominates
Uzbekistan started aggressively, nearly scoring in the seventh minute before India could find their rhythm. A corner from Abdulfayz Bobomurodov was headed towards the goal by an unmarked Asilbek Aliev, but it was disallowed due to Maratov’s interference with Indian goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam from an offside position.
The hosts continued to threaten, with Bobomurodov attempting a long-range shot that was saved by Suraj. In the 27th minute, Diyor Ermanov set up Kuvanishbek Saydaliev for a powerful shot that hit the crossbar.
Uzbekistan finally broke the deadlock in the 31st minute from a set-piece. Abraev’s corner found Mukhammadali Dilshodbekov, who headed it back for Ermanov, allowing Maratov to finish with a right-footed shot past the Indian defense.
India conceded again shortly before halftime when Abraev scored from a free-kick, hitting the inside of the post and giving Uzbekistan a two-goal lead.
Second Half: Uzbekistan Seals the Match
In the second half, coach Mahesh Gawali made two substitutions in the 53rd minute, bringing on Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam for Danny Meitei Laishram and Vishal Yadav. However, Uzbekistan maintained their pressure, with Abraev forcing another save from Suraj in the 59th minute.
The third goal came in the 67th minute from a well-executed play, where substitute Behruzjon Kupaysinov assisted Shorakhmedov, who scored with a left-footed shot.
India made further substitutions in search of a comeback, but Uzbekistan added a fourth goal in the dying moments of the match. Bobomurodov’s cross found Sersenbaev, who scored with ease.
India U20 Men’s Lineup
India U20 Men: Suraj Singh Aheibam (GK); Yaipharemba Chingakham, Bungson Singh Takhellambam, Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum (C), Shami Singamayum, Danny Meitei Laishram (Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam 53′), Malemngamba Singh Thokchom, Vishal Yadav (Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam 53′), Rishikanta Meitei Laishram (Md Arbash 78′), Hateem Ali (Omang Dodum 68′), Prashan Jajo (Rohen Singh Chaphamayum 78′).