India Salvage Point Against Singapore in Dramatic Qualifier

Image Credit: Indian Football(X)

Ten man India battled back to secure a crucial 1-1 draw against Singapore at the National Stadium in Kallang on Wednesday, keeping their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification hopes alive. Substitute Rahim Ali scored his first international goal in the 90' to cancel out Ikhsan Fandi's opener and earn the Blue Tigers a valuable point.

The match began with India showing early promise, pressing Singapore's defense and creating opportunities through set pieces. Their best chance in the opening exchanges came in the 15' when Liston Colaco's free kick found Rahul Bheke, but the defender's header went wide of the target. Singapore gradually took control of proceedings, enjoying 63% possession and testing India's defense. The hosts created several opportunities but were denied by alert defending and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's steady presence between the posts. The breakthrough arrived in first half stoppage time through a well worked move. Captain Hariss Harun launched a precise long ball from midfield to Shawal Anuar, who outpaced Muhammed Uvais down the flank. The winger showed composure to square the ball across goal, allowing Ikhsan Fandi to tap into an empty net and give Singapore a deserved 1-0 lead.

India's task became significantly harder two minutes into the second half when Sandesh Jhingan received his second yellow card for a challenge on Fandi. The defender, who was playing with a face mask after recovering from a cheekbone fracture, had been cautioned earlier for a reckless tackle in the 20'. Playing with a numerical disadvantage, India adopted a defensive approach while Singapore pressed for a second goal. Fandi missed a golden opportunity in the 65', while Gurpreet made crucial saves to keep his team within touching distance. Coach Khalid Jamil made tactical substitutions in the 79', bringing on Udanta Singh and Rahim Ali for Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte. The gamble paid off spectacularly in the dying moments when Jordan Emaviwe's weak backpass was intercepted by Ali, who rounded goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and slotted into the empty net.

The result moves India to third place in Group C with two points from three matches, while Singapore remain top with five points. With qualification requiring victories in their remaining fixtures, India will face Singapore again in the return leg at Goa on October 14.