India Triumphs with Late Goals Against Laos
India’s U-20 team secured a 2-0 victory over Laos in their final Group G match of the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers. The Blue Colts scored two second-half goals, ensuring they finished second in the group with six points.
A Dominant Yet Frustrating First Half
India dominated possession throughout the first half, constantly pressing the Laos defense. Despite their efforts, they were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities. The Indian team spent most of the half attacking but couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed.
Kelvin Singh Taorem had a golden opportunity to score but surprisingly missed with only the Laos goalkeeper to beat. Kop Lokpathib, the Laos keeper, was under immense pressure, making key saves to keep his team in the game. Goyary also missed a close-range shot, further adding to India’s frustration.
India’s Persistence Pays Off in the Second Half
The second half followed a similar pattern, with India continuing to dominate the attack. Laos, however, managed to create a few counterattacks, testing India’s defense. Sahil, India’s goalkeeper, remained vigilant and made important saves to prevent Laos from scoring.
Despite missing several chances, India’s relentless pursuit finally paid off in the 69th minute. Manglenthang Kipgen launched a long ball into the box, where Gwgwmsar Goyary calmly slotted the ball past the Laos goalkeeper to break the deadlock.
Thanglalsoun Gangte Seals the Win
India didn’t stop after the first goal. In the 84th minute, substitute Thanglalsoun Gangte found the back of the net with a precise shot from inside the box. This second goal gave India a comfortable lead and secured the 2-0 victory over Laos.
India’s Qualification Hopes
With this win, India finished second in Group G, collecting six points from three matches. Iran topped the group with nine points. While India’s performance was strong, their qualification for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2025 is not yet confirmed. The top teams from each of the 10 groups automatically qualify, and the five best second-place finishers also earn a spot in the final tournament. India will need to wait for results from other groups to determine their fate.
India finished the qualifiers with a goal difference of +4, which could play a crucial role in their chances of advancing to the final rounds in China.
A Bright Future for Indian Football
The AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers highlighted the potential of India’s young football talents. Despite missing several chances, the team showed resilience and determination, particularly in the second half. The two late goals reflected their ability to stay focused under pressure.
India’s future in the tournament remains uncertain, but their performance in the qualifiers has provided hope for the next generation of footballers. The Blue Colts demonstrated teamwork, skill, and a strong mentality that will serve them well in future competitions.
Conclusion
India’s 2-0 victory over Laos in the AFC U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers showcased their ability to perform under pressure. Although they missed several chances, the team’s persistence led to a well-deserved win. With six points and a positive goal difference, India now awaits the results from other groups to see if they will secure a place in the final rounds of the tournament. Their performance in this match and throughout the qualifiers hints at a promising future for Indian football. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
