Singapore held by 10-man India in Asian Cup qualifiers
The Singapore men’s football team saw their hopes of making a historic run in the Asian Cup qualifiers dented on Thursday, settling for a 1-1 draw against 10-man India at the National Stadium. Rahim Ali’s late strike for the visitors ensured the spoils were shared, leaving Group C in a tight race ahead of pivotal fixtures.
Group C tension builds as the Lions miss a crucial chance
With Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and India also navigating the group, Singapore’s stalemate leaves them on five points, a single point ahead of Hong Kong and two clear of India, while Bangladesh sit on one. The result reinforces how delicate the path to a first Asian Cup appearance on merit could be for the Lions, who have not qualified for the tournament since their 1984 host appearance.
India, currently the top-ranked side in Group C, moved to two points after earning a share of the spoils. The visitors were reduced to ten men midway through the second half when Sandesh Jhingan received his second booking for a questionable foul on Ikhsan. The red card seemingly jolted India into action, as they steadied themselves and began to press Singapore’s fragile moments after the dismissal.
Key moments that defined the night
Singapore controlled much of the opening 45 minutes, showing patience with their build-up play and flashing multiple diagonals aimed at unlocking the Indian defense. Striker Ikhsan Pelp, supported by a roaming Shawal Anuar and the clever movement of Hariss Harun, found opportunities to threaten Gurpreet Singh’s goal, though clear-cut chances remained at a premium.
The home side finally found a breakthrough just before halftime. A precise Hariss Harun pass sent Shawal into space, and the forward calmly tucked the ball past Gurpreet Singh to send the crowd into temporary celebration. The goal highlighted Singapore’s intent to convert possession into meaningful hurdles for India’s back line.
India’s discipline and resilience were tested after the break, and their numerical advantage helped them seize periods of control. The dismissal of Jhingan immediately after the hour mark shifted momentum, but Singapore could not convert their chances into a second goal. Substitutes like Ilhan Fandi looked poised to increase the lead, but Gurpreet Singh produced key saves to keep the scoreline within reach for India.
Late equalizer seals a draw and reshapes the group picture
With the clock winding down, an underhit pass from Jordan Emawive allowed Rahim Ali to pounce, forcing a sharp finish from close range. The Ananthapuri crowd fell silent as the ball sealed a 1-1 result, a outcome that keeps India’s hopes alive while complicating Singapore’s campaign strategy moving forward.
What’s next for Singapore and the Group C contenders?
Singapore now prepare to host or travel for crucial fixtures that could shape who advances to the Asian Cup. Their next assignment is a challenging away game against India at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. The Lions will need to translate this hard-earned point into a winning sequence if they are to strike a historic path to the continental showpiece. The group winner advances, making every match a high-stakes battle as the competition progresses.
Context and background
Historically, Singapore’s only Asian Cup appearance remains their 1984 campaign as hosts, underscoring how difficult it is for the Lions to reach the tournament on merit. The current campaign casts light on the evolving landscape of Southeast Asian football, where Singapore competes alongside teams with varied resources and rankings. India, currently the highest-ranked side in Group C, will be seeking a strong run to outpace their rivals, while Hong Kong and Bangladesh also push for an upset win to stay in contention.
About the teams
Singapore, coached on an interim basis as they search for a permanent head coach after Tsutomu Ogura’s departure in June, have built a foundation of local and foreign-based talent. India, looking to capitalize on their ranking and experience, demonstrated resilience after going a man down and earned a late reward against a stubborn Singapore side.
Singapore’s football calendar remains focused on building consistency and momentum in what is a highly competitive Group C. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the group nears its decisive phase, with the Asian Cup dream hanging in the balance for the Lions.
