es India’s road to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup faces a tough test when they take on Singapore. The match comes after a messy build-up, with key players being late to join the national camp.
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Khalid Jamil, India’s head coach, had named 30 players for a camp in Bengaluru starting September 20. But 14 of them, including captain Sunil Chhetri, were not released by their clubs. As a result, many joined only in late September, leaving the team with just about a week together before leaving.
In the earlier two group matches, India earned only one point — a 0-0 draw with Bangladesh — and lost 1-0 to Hong Kong. These weak results place India at the bottom of Group C. Singapore, by contrast, sits at the top with four points from two matches.
Because only the group winners will qualify for the main tournament, India cannot afford any slip. A loss or draw would severely hurt their chances.
A positive development is the return of Sandesh Jhingan, who recovered from a cheekbone fracture suffered during the CAFA Nations Cup. His presence strengthens India’s defense. India’s FIFA ranking is 134, while Singapore’s is 158.
Historically, the two teams have played many close matches. India has won 12 times, Singapore 11, and four ended in draws. Their last meeting ended 1-1 in 2022, when Ashique Kuruniyan equalised after Ikhsan Fandi’s opener. When set in Singapore, the Lions have had the upper hand — eight wins there against India’s six. The last time they won at home vs India was in 2012 in a friendly.
Singapore, too, faces challenges. Their coach Gavin Lee is interim and has yet to win since his appointment in June. Their recent results include a draw with Myanmar and a loss to Malaysia. But they regain strength with the return of captain Hariss Harun, who was injured earlier.
Singapore’s attack will lean on Ikhsan Fandi, who has scored 21 goals in 41 international appearances. He plays for Ratchaburi FC in Thailand’s league. Another rising talent is 19-year-old Jonan Tan, playing for Vizela U23 in Portugal, who is now called up to the senior squad.
Jamil has made 10 changes from the CAFA Nations Cup squad. New inclusions are Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad, Farukh Choudhary, and Liston Colaco, alongside Chhetri.
Jamil advised focusing on one game at a time. He said the match against Singapore is the immediate priority, and they cannot afford to think too far ahead.
After the away game in Singapore on Thursday, India will host Singapore on October 14 in Margao, Goa, for the return leg.
India’s squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Defenders: Anwar Ali, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan.
Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Danish Farooq Bhat, Deepak Tangri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Sahal Abdul Samad, Udanta Singh Kumam.
Forwards: Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.