Singapore’s hopes dented as 10-man India snatches a late equaliser
In a closely watched Group C clash at the National Stadium, Singapore’s bid to make history in Asian Cup qualifiers ran aground after a 1-1 draw with 10-man India on Thursday. Rahim Ali struck late for the visitors, denying the Lions a precious win that could have solidified their position at the top of a tight group that also includes Hong Kong and Bangladesh.
With the result, Singapore sit on five points, while Hong Kong trail with four, India have two, and Bangladesh remain on one. The group’s winner will earn a place in the Asian Cup, heightening the stakes as the campaign progresses toward the finals in 2023.
Key moments and turning points in Singapore’s bid
The hosts controlled much of the first half, testing India’s defense with diagonal balls aimed at Glenn Kweh and Shawal Anuar. Yet conversion eluded Gavin Lee’s side as the Lions squandered several promising openings. An early free-kick by Liston Colaco produced a header for Macarton Nickson, but the effort skimmed wide as Singapore custodian Izwan Mahbud watched on.
Singapore’s best moment of the opening 45 minutes arrived just before the break. A Hariss Harun pass released Shawal Anuar into space, and Ikhsan’s composed finish nudged the Lions ahead with a cool finish into the corner.
India’s hopes took a hit early in the second half when Sandesh Jhingan collected a second yellow card for a foul that halted Ikhsan’s run. The red card appeared to shake India into gear, and they began to press higher up the pitch, exploiting any errors in Singapore’s back line.
From there, a sequence of nervy moments followed for Singapore. Izwan’s misjudged catch and Ryhan Stewart’s misplaced pass nearly handed India a lifeline, while Ilhan Fandi, a fresh substitute, had a golden chance to seal the win. His right-footed strike, however, was kept out by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, leaving the door open for India to strike late.
Late drama seals a bittersweet point for Singapore
With nerves jangling in the closing stages, India capitalised on a misstep in Singapore’s squad. An underhit clearance by Jordan Emawive allowed Rahim Ali to pounce, tapping in the equaliser and silencing the home crowd. The late goal handed India a crucial away point and left Singapore pondering what could have been had the hosts held firm.
Interim head coach Gavin Lee continues to oversee the Lions as the club searches for a permanent successor after Tsutomu Ogura’s departure in June. Singapore’s campaign began with a goalless draw against Hong Kong in March and a 2-1 away win over Bangladesh in June, illustrating both the potential and the fragility of the current squad.
What’s next for Singapore and Group C?
Singapore will travel to Goa to face India again on Tuesday, hoping to reclaim momentum in what remains a tight Group C battle. The match against India at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa represents another critical test in the Lions’ quest to secure a historic Asian Cup appearance on merit.
As things stand, the group leaders will secure progression to the Asian Cup, with Hong Kong’s result against Bangladesh looming as a decisive factor in the race for top spot. The Lions, who have historically struggled to qualify for the tournament, are determined to turn a new page in their Asian Cup qualifying campaign.
Context and historical backdrop
Singapore’s sole Asian Cup appearance remains the 1984 edition when they qualified automatically as hosts. Since then, the national team has yet to advance on merit, underscoring the uphill battle in qualifying campaigns and the high competitive standards across Asia’s football landscape.
India, currently the highest-ranked side in Group C (134th in the world), showed resilience in going a man down and fighting back, a testament to the depth of talent in the squad. The group’s outcome will significantly influence each nation’s trajectory as Asian Cup qualification nears its finale.
With several pivotal fixtures still to come, fans can expect a tense race for a historic Asian Cup berth, where every point could prove crucial in the pursuit of regional football glory.
