India face Iran, Mongolia and Laos in Group G challenge in AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers

India will look to qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup.

The draws for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China PR 2025 Qualifiers were held at the AFC House in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

In the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, India were drawn alongside IR Iran, Mongolia and Laos in Group G, which will be hosted by Laos between September 21-29, 2024. In total, 45 teams were divided into 10 groups – five groups of four each and five groups of five.

The 10 group winners and five best second-placed teams among all groups will advance to the Finals, with China PR scheduled to host the tournament between February 6-23, 2025.

India will aim to qualify for the AFC U20 Asian Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2006. Their best result at the tournament was joint champions alongside Iran in 1974.

Before the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, India will participate in the SAFF U20 Championship, to be held in Nepal between August 16-28, 2024.

India has a rich history in the AFC U20 Asian Cup, having emerged as champions alongside Iran in 1974. However, qualification for the finals has proven to be a challenge in recent years. Their last appearance came in 2016, and the team will be aiming to end this drought and return to the continental stage.

The road to qualification won’t be easy. Group G pits India against Iran, Mongolia, and hosts Laos. Iran is a powerhouse in Asian youth football, having won the competition four times.

They are expected to be the group favorites. Mongolia and Laos, on the other hand, present a different challenge. While not considered traditional powerhouses, they cannot be underestimated, especially Laos, who will enjoy home advantage.

India’s success will hinge on a combination of factors. The team will need to be tactically sound and disciplined to counter the attacking threat of Iran. Additionally, exploiting any weaknesses in Mongolia and Laos will be crucial to securing points. Building a strong team spirit and capitalizing on individual brilliance will also play a vital role.

The upcoming SAFF U20 Championship, scheduled for August in Nepal, will serve as a crucial preparation ground for the qualifiers.

AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers 2025 Draw Result:

Group A: Vietnam (H), Syria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Guam

Group B: Uzbekistan, Bahrain, Chinese Taipei (H), Cambodia, Nepal

Group C: Korea Republic, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait (H), Northern Mariana Islands

Group D: Australia, Saudi Arabia (H), Palestine, Afghanistan, Macau

Group E: Tajikistan (H), Oman, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, DPR Korea

Group F: Indonesia (H), Yemen, Timor-Leste, Maldives

Group G: IR Iran, Mongolia, India, Laos (H)

Group H: Iraq, Thailand (H), Philippines, Brunei Darussalam

Group I: Japan, Kyrgyz Republic (H), Myanmar, Turkmenistan

Group J: Jordan, Qatar (H), Singapore, Hong Kong, China

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