India’s hopes of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup on merit came crashing down as they lost to Uzbekistan in their second group match of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup here on Sunday.

Strikes from Laziz Abduraimov (32nd) and Akhrorbek Ravshanbekov (78th) and an own goal by Indian midfielder Wangkhem Denny Singh (60th) gave Uzbekistan the dominant win in the Group D match.

India needed to win the match on Sunday to qualify for the quarterfinals as well as book a 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup spot.

The Bibiano Fernandes-coached side had lost to Australia 0-4 in their first match on May 6. Only the top two finishers in the group qualify for the quarterfinals and get a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup. India participated in the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup as host country.

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