Uzbekistan Defeats India 4-0 to Top U20 Asian Cup Group

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan secured a 4-0 victory over India to move into first place in Group B of the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 qualifying tournament. Following two rounds of matches, the Uzbek team has collected six points, leaving them needing only a win or a draw in their upcoming Sunday match against Syria to reach the tournament's final stage.

The Uzbek team established an early advantage during the match, opening the scoring in the 29th minute when Ulugbek Maratov scored from close range following goalmouth scramble. Kuvanishbek Saidakiev missed a chance to double the lead shortly after, sending his shot wide of the left post. Uzbekistan scored their second goal in the 34th minute when Kuvonchbek Abraev converted a free kick from roughly 23 meters past Indian goalkeeper Suraj Singh. Singh prevented further damage before halftime by tipping another long-range effort from Abraev over the crossbar.

Uzbekistan continued to create chances in the second half, with Abraev forcing another save from Singh in the 65th minute. Two minutes later, Shorakhim Shorakhmedov capitalized on a defensive error on the right flank, beat a defender, and struck the ball into the top left corner to make it 3-0. Nurbek Sersenbaev set the final score in the 90th minute by running behind the defense and finishing past Singh in one touch.

The 4-0 result moved Uzbekistan to the top of Group B. The team now needs only to avoid defeat against Syria on Sunday to secure qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.

In the group's other match, Syria defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to maintain its qualification hopes. The Syrian team earned its first three points of the tournament ahead of its match against Uzbekistan, while Bangladesh will face India in the final group fixture.

Syria opened the scoring against Bangladesh one minute before halftime when Alam Mamo received a pass from Abdulla Al Najjar at the edge of the penalty area and placed his shot into the right corner. Al Najjar had previously created two scoring opportunities, with his 17th-minute shot saved by goalkeeper Raj Chowdhury and a 22nd-minute effort drifting wide, while Bangladesh captain Abdul Fahim sent a long-range shot off target in the 37th minute. Marios Al Kherek doubled Syria's lead in first-half stoppage time, driving through the center of the box to score past Chowdhury.

Syria maintained pressure after the break, with Chowdhury denying Majd Almeri's curling effort in the 77th minute and stopping Al Hasan Hasan three minutes later. Al Najjar closed the scoring in the 90th minute, driving a low long-range free kick through the Bangladesh defense into the net.