After a disappointing defeat in their opening match of the third South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship, India returned to form with an empathic 4-0 victory over Afghanistan at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.

India, who suffered a shock 0-1 loss against Pakistan on Friday, made light work of an inexperienced Afghanistan, with
Ashim Biswas and Alvito D'Cunha scoring a brace each.

In another match, Pakistan ensured themselves a berth in the last four stage of the competition with a 2-1 win over Sri
Lanka.

Afghansitan, who returned to international soccer after a long time, struggled to keep the rampaging Indians at bay
despite the presence of four Germany based players in their ranks.

The holders led by a goal in the first-half, in which Afghanistan failed to put up any real resistance.

Ashim Biswas, opened the Indian scoring in the 30th minute, tapping a Jo Paul Ancheri back header from close. It was the first international goal for the young Tollygunje Agragami striker, who made his debut only in the previous match.

The 19-year-old also scored the second goal in the 63rd minute with a spectacular header off a long throw by Abhay
Kumar.

Alvito, coming in as a substitute in the 72nd minute for Venkatesh then scored twice.

The midfielder scored the goals in the 77th and 85th with lethal left foot finishes.

Veteran striker IM Vijayan had a disappointing outing for the second match running. He missed three sitters before
India's under-pressure English coach Stephan Constantine replaced him with Abhishek Yadav when the side was leading 1-0.

But despite the comprehensive victory India still have to draw, if not win, their final group A match against Sri Lanka
on Tuesday, to advance into the semi-finals.

Earlier, Zahid Niaz and Sharfaraz Rasool gave Pakistan a 2-0 lead before S Weerasinghe reduced the margin through a
fine goal in the 89th minute of the match.