History of the Indian U-20 football team: Mahesh Gawli's squad reaches the AFC U-20 Asian Cup after 20 long years

XtraTime Web Desk

A historic achievement for Indian football! The India U-20 men’s football team have qualified for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals for the first time in 20 years. India sealed their place in the tournament’s main round with a convincing 3-0 victory over Bangladesh in their final qualifying match in Uzbekistan.

The AFC U-20 Asian Cup finals will be held in China from March 24 to April 10, 2027.

India dominated proceedings from the outset and never allowed Bangladesh to settle into the game. Danny Meitei opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Vishal Yadav doubled India’s advantage. Substitute Mohammed Arbash then completed the scoring in the 79th minute to seal a comfortable 3-0 victory for Mahesh Gawli’s side.

Uzbekistan topped the group with a perfect nine points after winning all three of their matches. India finished second with six points. However, their impressive campaign was enough to see them qualify as one of the seven best second-placed teams from the qualifying groups.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, endured a difficult campaign, losing all three of their matches. They will now have to compete in the Development Phase.

India’s qualification for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup is a major boost for the country’s youth football programme. The team will now turn their attention towards the tournament in China, where a much bigger opportunity awaits.

The top four teams at the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup will qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup. With their place in the Asian Cup finals secured, India’s young footballers will now dream of going one step further and earning a place on the world stage.