India vs Singapore Live: A dramatic 1-1 draw in Singapore’s National Stadium
In a high-stakes Asia Cup qualifying clash, India battled to a 1-1 draw with Singapore at the National Stadium in Singapore. The game featured a red card, a late equaliser, and a testament to the brutal realities of qualification football where every point matters. This result leaves India with two points from three matches, while Singapore stay in the mix in a tightly contested group.
First half: Singapore start clocking tempo; India pressed early but failed to break through
The opening exchanges saw Singapore adopt a controlled tempo, while India attempted to press high and unsettle the hosts. Despite early signs of intent from India, it was Singapore who created the bread-and-butter chances. By the 31st minute, possession stats suggested Singapore controlled the ball more effectively, and India found it difficult to convert pressure into meaningful attacking moments.
A key moment of the half came just before the break when Singapore struck through Anuar after a long-range ball from Hariss Harun found the Indian defence asleep at the back. The forward finished clinically, giving Singapore a half-time lead that reflected their dominance in the first 45 minutes.
Jhingan red card changes the game
India had to endure a major turning point early in the second half as Sandesh Jhingan received a red card for a raising-arm incident. The dismissal forced Khalid Jamil’s side to reorganise on the go, with India adopting a more compact defensive shape and looking to hit on the counter. The numerical disadvantage sharpened Singapore’s urgency, but India managed to stay stubborn at the back for much of the remainder of the match.
Second half: India faces adversity, but the fightback begins
With ten men, India sheltered deep and looked for opportunities to exploit any lapse in Singapore’s backline. The hosts pushed forward with determination, but gaps appeared in front of goal. The goalkeeper’s hands and a few key blocks kept the scoreline intact for a large part of the half, and India’s chances were few but notable when opportunities emerged from set-pieces and quick transitions.
As the clock ticked toward the final stages, India found themselves on the offensive more often, but Singapore remained dangerous on the break. A defining moment arrived in stoppage time when Rahim Ali capitalised on a defensive miscue on the edge of the box, slipping a low finish past the Singapore keeper. The goal restored some parity and offered a glimmer of hope for India’s campaign going forward.
Late drama and the bigger picture for Asia Cup qualification
The late goal not only avoided a loss but also shifted the mathematical landscape of Group standings. India now sit on two points from three games, with a critical home fixture against Singapore to come later this month in Goa. For Singapore, the draw prolongs their aspirations in the group, especially with a future schedule that could feature a repeat encounter against India or other rivals in the qualifier phase.
What’s next for India?
India have three more matches in this third round of the Asian Cup qualifiers. The upcoming home tie against Singapore on October 14 at Fatorda Stadium in Goa will be pivotal. Following that, India travel to Dhaka to face Bangladesh on November 18, before concluding their campaign with a final game against Hong Kong on March 31, 2026. A positive result against Singapore could set the tone for a serious push in the remaining fixtures.
Key takeaways for fans
- India’s defence held strong after the red card, but finishing in the final third remains a challenge.
- The late Rahim Ali goal injects belief that India can still chase a spot in the Asian Cup with momentum from the remaining fixtures.
- Singapore showed initiative despite the setback; they remain a live threat in the group.
