India Edge Past Laos 2-0 in AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers, Qualification Hopes Hang in Balance

India emerged victorious in their final Group G match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers, defeating hosts Laos 2-0. Despite dominating the first half and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the Blue Colts remained scoreless until the second half.

Gwgwmsar Goyary broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, capitalizing on a long ball from Manglenthang Kipgen to slot the ball past the Laos goalkeeper. Substitute Thanglalsoun Gangte sealed the victory in the 84th minute, firing home from inside the box.

India's victory secured them second place in the group with six points from three matches, behind Iran with nine points. However, their qualification for the final rounds of the competition remains uncertain, as only the top teams from each group and the five best second-place finishers will advance.

The Blue Colts' performance was marked by missed opportunities in the first half, with Kelvin Singh Taorem and Goyary failing to convert promising chances. Laos, on the other hand, relied on counter-attacks to threaten the Indian goal, but Sahil remained alert to deny their attempts.

India's relentless pressure eventually paid off in the second half, with Goyary and Gangte finding the back of the net to secure a crucial victory. Their fate in the competition now rests on the results of other groups, as they await confirmation of their qualification for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 in China.