India suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat against host Uzbekistan in its second AFC Under-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers match at the Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent on Thursday, but remains in contention for qualification.
Uzbekistan took control through goals from Ulugbek Maratov, Kuvonchbek Abraev, Shorakhim Shorakhmedov and substitute Nurbek Sersenbaev. The result left India second in Group B on the head-to-head criterion, helped by its 1-0 victory over Syria in the opening fixture.
The Blue Colts will now turn their attention to their final group match against Bangladesh on September 6. India is attempting to return to the AFC U-20 Asian Cup after a 20-year absence.
Mahesh Gawali’s side has a clear route to a second-place finish. A victory against Bangladesh, combined with Syria failing to defeat Uzbekistan, would keep India second and provide a strong opportunity to qualify as one of the seven best runners-up from the eight groups.
Uzbekistan threatened India several times before finally finding the breakthrough in the 29th minute. Kuvonchbek Abraev’s corner from the right reached the unmarked Mukhammadali Dilshodbekov at the far post. His header was directed across goal before Ermanov helped the ball into Maratov’s path. The forward finished calmly with his right foot.
India’s problems from set-pieces continued as Abraev doubled the home side’s lead with an impressive free-kick from around 25 yards. His effort struck the inside of the post and went into the net, leaving goalkeeper Suraj Singh Aheibam unable to stop it. Uzbekistan went into half-time with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The host maintained its attacking pressure after the break and made it 3-0 in the 67th minute. Substitute Behruzjon Kupaysinov created the opportunity from the left, pulling the ball back towards Shorakhmedov. The midfielder moved away from the Indian defenders before scoring with a well-taken left-footed finish.
Uzbekistan completed the scoring in the 90th minute. Bobomurodov delivered a looping ball into the penalty area, allowing Sersenbaev to make a well-timed run behind India’s defence. The substitute kept his composure and placed his finish beyond Suraj to seal a convincing four-goal victory.
Despite the setback, India still has everything to play for when it meets Bangladesh in its decisive final group encounter.
