India took a step towards progressing to the third round of the 2019 Asian Cup qualifiers, defeating Laos 1-0 in the first leg of their play-off round qualifier at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane. Mohun Bagan's Jeje Lalpekhlua scored the only goal of the game in the 54th minute.

In an edgy game, India dominated possession but failed to make it count in a big way with their strikers losing steam in the final third. After a scoreless first half, Lalpekhlua managed to score with a fine assist from Udanta Singh. Laos pressed forward and got a chance in the dying stages of injury time but failed to convert as India managed to come away with an away victory.

The second leg will be played at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on June 7, with India having the home advantage.