Singapore’s Asian Cup dream dampened by late equaliser from India
The Singapore men’s football team saw their hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup take a hit after a 1-1 draw with 10-man India at the National Stadium on Thursday. As the group stage intensifies, the Lions now sit on five points in Group C, with a tense battle unfolding among Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and India.
In a match that swung on a red card and a late goal, Singapore pressed for a breakthrough in front of their home fans. The Lions controlled possession and created chances in the opening half, with a combination of patient build-up and incisive wing play threatening India’s defense. Glenn Kweh and Shawal Anuar were among the outlets for danger, often finding space with diagonal passes. Yet converting pressure into clear chances proved difficult, and India’s defense remained resolute in the first 45 minutes.
Singapore’s breakthrough arrived just before the interval. A Hariss Harun pass found Shawal in space inside the box, and Ikhsan sent the ball into the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal underscored Singapore’s intent to take control of Group C, where the winner would earn the right to advance to the Asian Cup finals.
Second-half momentum shifts with India’s sending-off
The mood changed early in the second half when India were reduced to 10 men. Sandesh Jhingan picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Ikhsan, leaving India to defend a one-goal deficit with a man less. The numerical disadvantage appeared to sharpen India’s urgency, and they capitalised on a string of errors from Singapore in the ensuing minutes.
The Singaporeans almost doubled their lead moments after the red card, with substitute Ilhan Fandi having a one-on-one chance saved by Gurpreet Singh. The missed opportunity would prove costly, as India regrouped and began to test the Lions’ resolve with sharper attacking transitions and more aggressive pressure.
Late equaliser seals a crucial point for India
With the clock ticking, Singapore’s defense endured a scare when a misdirected pass from Jordan Emawive provided Rahim Ali with a late chance. His composed finish off Izwan Mahmud’s clearance drew India level and silenced the home crowd. The late strike stunned the hosts and kept Group C wide open as the group table still features Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and India in contention.
Interim head coach Gavin Lee continues to steer the Lions while the search for a permanent head coach remains unresolved after Tsutomu Ogura’s departure in June. The result adds to Singapore’s earlier results: a goalless home draw with Hong Kong in March and a 2-1 away win against Bangladesh in June. With five points, Singapore sit ahead of Bangladesh (one point) and India (two points), but behind Hong Kong (four points) in a tightly contested group.
What this means for Singapore ahead of the next match
Singapore will need a positive result against India again, this time at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, to strengthen their grip on Group C. A single-round format means every fixture carries significant weight, and home support remains crucial as the Lions aim to replicate or better the nation’s lone Asian Cup appearance from 1984.
As the group races toward a climax, all eyes will be on how Singapore adapt tactically, manage squad rotation, and seize key moments in what promises to be a frenetic finish to Asian Cup qualifying.
Note: The next match is scheduled for Tuesday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, where Singapore will seek to convert chances into points against India.
