The Indian football team's hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 hang by a thread as they prepare to host Singapore in a crucial return-leg clash at the Fatorda Stadium here on Tuesday.
With only a victory that can keep their slim chances alive, coach Khalid Jamil will welcome the additions of Mohun Bagan Super Giant defender Subhasish Bose and midfielder Lalengmawia “Apuia” Ralte to the squad, giving the Blue Tigers a timely boost ahead of the high-stakes outing.
With Sandesh Jhingan suspended, the inclusion of Bose and Apuia will significantly bolster India's squad as Bose brings leadership and composure to a defence that struggled under pressure in Singapore. It will provide much-needed experience against pacey forwards like Ikhsan Fandi and Shawal Anuar.
Apuia would strengthen the midfield with his ability to control possession, dictate the tempo with a proper balance of defence with attack. Besides, India would also bank on the home advantage. It will also give coach Jamil tactical flexibility, allowing India to remain more balanced, resilient and proactive as they chase a must-win result at home.
India's path in Group C has become precarious following a 1-1 draw in Singapore on October 9. Rahim Ali's 90th-minute equaliser rescued a point for a 10-man Indian side after Ikhsan Fandi had put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time. The result lifted India to third place in the group with just two points from three games, trailing Hong Kong and China, who top the table with seven points, while Singapore who have five. Bangladesh remain at the bottom with a solitary point. With only the top team advancing, India's margin for error has almost disappeared.
For the Blue Tigers to stay in the race, they must win all three remaining matches, hoping that Hong Kong, China earn no more than four points from their last two games and that they can beat the group leaders by more than one goal in their encounter to top them on head-to-head. A slip-up against Singapore or Hong Kong, coupled with a Bangladesh win over Hong Kong, could effectively end India's campaign with two games still to play.
The first-leg game in Singapore showcased India's resilience. Despite starting brightly, the Blue Tigers fell behind just before half time when Fandi slotted home after a well-worked move. The challenge intensified when Jhingan was sent off in the 47th minute for a second yellow card, leaving India to play almost the entire second half with 10 men. Yet, India held firm, with goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu producing crucial saves to keep the score level.
Also read: India face Singapore in crucial Asian Cup qualifier
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