India demolished Afghanistan 4-0 to qualify for the last eight stage of the under-17 Asia Cup football tournament.

Needing at least a three-goal margin to top the group ahead of Nepal in the qualifier at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata on Friday, India took a 2-0 lead in the opening session before increasing the tally in the latter half.

With the victory, India booked a place in the pre-quarter-final round to be played in Japan in September, 2004.

B Ralte opened the account for India in the fifth minute. The talented youngster, fed by a O T lepcha inside the rival box, slotted home from close.

Lepcha, who played a stellar role, scored the second goal in the 14th minute. His 20-yarder bulged the net, giving no chance to Afghan custodian Emal Ghariwal.

Ralte set up the third goal in the 68th minute, sending a nice pass to L Vanchhawng, who made no mistake.

Having managed to garner the required three goals to go through, India went on the rampage with renewed enthusiasm and scored the fourth goal in the 87th minute, when Tetea Tlau headed

home a Ralte cross from the left.

India, who finished level with Nepal on four points from two matches, topped the group by virtue of a better goal difference.

Indian coach Jahar Das expressed satisfaction at the performance of his boys, but said his wards will have to work hard to match tougher opponents in Japan.