Uzbekistan and India seal AFC U20 Asian Cup
Uzbekistan finished with a perfect record in Group B of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, defeating Syria 3-0, while India beat Bangladesh by
Uzbekistan defeated Syria 3-0 on Sunday to complete a perfect three-match run in Group B of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
According to the AFC match report, the 2023 champions Uzbekistan will now play in their third successive finals. They finished three points clear of second-placed India in the final group standings.
India's decisive victory
India took control of their match against Bangladesh in Tashkent. Danny Laishram opened the scoring in the 25th minute, sliding the ball through the legs of onrushing goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury after being set up by Hatteem Faruq Ali.
Bangladesh had an early chance through Nazmul Faysal in the 18th minute, but his weak shot was easily collected by Indian custodian Suraj Singh. India doubled their lead on the hour mark. Vishal Yadav's overhead kick zoomed past a slow-to-react Chowdhury and found the left corner of the net.
The match was put beyond Bangladesh's reach in the 79th minute. Safiul Hossain took advantage of a poor clearance by captain Abdul Rihad Fahim, crashing his shot onto the underside of the bar and beyond the lunging keeper.
Uzbekistan's perfect finish
Uzbekistan asserted their dominance early against Syria. Diyor Ermanov put them ahead in the 10th minute, outmuscling Syria striker Ahmad Khalaf to head into the top left corner from a Kuvonchbel Abraev free-kick.
Syrian goalkeeper Hadi Esmail fumbled a ball in the 34th minute, almost allowing Ulugbek Maratov to extend the lead, but he recovered in time. Uzbekistan controlled the first half but could not add to their score.
The Central Asian side continued to push after the break. Abraev, who had provided the assist for the opener, finally got his goal in the 81st minute. He side-stepped defender Amer Ammar and from outside the area neatly placed his shot between a diving Esmail and the left post.
A handball by Syria's Joseph Dalal in injury time conceded a penalty. Davron Tulaganov converted it with ease to seal a 3-0 victory and cap a hard-fought win for the hosts.
The results confirm Uzbekistan as group winners and India as the best-ranked second-placed team from the qualifiers, sending both nations to the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Finals.
