AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Updated points table after Syria U20 vs India U20
Shami Singamayum’s late strike earns India vital three points
The Do’stlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, hosted the opening encounter of Group B in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers, where the Indian U20 side locked horns with the Syrian U20 side.
India have been drawn alongside hosts Uzbekistan, Bangladesh and Syria in Group B. A top-two finish will almost be enough for Mahesh Gawli’s boys to qualify for the coveted AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 to be held next year in China.
India, who have previously won the competition once, decades ago in 1974, were up against 1994 champions Syria, led by Dutch gaffer Arno Buitenweg. It was a tight game where India had less breathing space.
It took India 86 minutes to finally break the deadlock, and a late goal from Shami Singamayum helped India finally clinch a win in the opening game of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers against a strong Syrian side.
In this article, let us take a closer look at what the points table looks like after India’s 1-0 win over Syria. India has two more games to go, and this goal put India one step ahead in their pursuit of reaching China.
A brief look at the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Group D points table
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Gawli’s boys failed to create chances, but they bounced back strongly in the last quarter of the game. Though it was just a narrow win, this goal can be really crucial for India as we move further ahead in the qualifiers.
A win tonight takes India to the top spot. The table toppers will automatically qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup, alongside the seven second-placed teams from the eight groups. As things stand, three points in the bag and a +1 goal difference have given India a major boost to qualify for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup.
Hosts Uzbekistan are the favourites for the top spot. India tonight managed to beat Syria, who were placed in Pot 2. India are just a win away from qualifying for the AFC U20 Asian Cup. The next game against Uzbekistan is set to be a tough test for India.
A win or draw would be an ideal result. However, even a narrow defeat would not hurt India much, and all eyes will be on the India vs Bangladesh game in the final matchweek, as the winner will take the second spot, given that Bangladesh beats Syria and Uzbekistan wins all of their other games too.
| Pos. | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 2 | Uzbekistan (H) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Syria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0 |
Mahesh Gawli’s men face tough test against hosts Uzbekistan next
If Bangladesh manages to beat Syria by a better margin and avoids a big defeat to Uzbekistan, a draw might then just be enough for the neighbours if it all boils down to India vs Bangladesh.
The next game against Uzbekistan will be a crucial test for Mahesh Gawli’s boys, who had an above-average performance against Syria. There were too many fingers pointed on Mahesh Gawli’s decisions to bring substitutions so late.
With a quality of players on the bench like Gunleiba, Omang and Daniyal, it was pretty shocking to see Gawli using his subs so late in the game. The substitutions injected fresh energy into the team, and India finally went on to win the game 1-0 against Syria.
Which team won in India U-20 vs Syria U-20?
India won against Syria in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers 1-0.
Who is the head coach of India U-20 men’s football team?
Mahesh Gawali is the head coach of India U-20 men’s football team.
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