Blue Tigers' AFC Asian Cup 2027 Dream Crushed After Singapore Defeat
India's hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 came to a halt following a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Singapore at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. The loss means that India is officially out of contention for qualification, marking the first time since 2015 that the Blue Tigers will miss the prestigious tournament. This also marks the first instance of India not participating in the competition since its expansion to 24 teams in 2019.
The match began on a promising note for the home side, with Lallianzuala Chhangte scoring a stunning goal in the 14th minute. The Mumbai City FC winger unleashed a right-footed strike from outside the box that soared into the top corner, giving India an early lead and sending the home crowd into raptures. India dominated the early stages, pressing high and creating several opportunities. However, they failed to capitalize on their chances, with Chhangte and Mahesh Singh missing key opportunities.
Singapore, against the run of play, found an equalizer just before halftime. In the 44th minute, Song Ui-young, the Korea-born Singapore midfielder, leveled the score, taking advantage of a lapse in the Indian defense.
The second half saw Singapore emerge as the more assertive side. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Song once again found the net, scoring his second goal of the night. This goal put Singapore ahead 2-1, leaving India with a mountain to climb.
Despite a flurry of attacking substitutions, including the introduction of Brandon Fernandes and Udanta Singh, India was unable to find an equalizer. Singapore's defense stood firm, and they also threatened on the counter-attack, ultimately securing the victory.
With this defeat, India now has two points from four games, with two draws and two losses. Singapore, on the other hand, climbed to second in the group with eight points. Only the top team in the group is guaranteed qualification for the tournament.
The result is a significant setback for Indian football, highlighting the team's inconsistencies and inability to convert chances into goals. Head coach Khalid Jamil now faces immense pressure as India's hopes for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 have been dashed with two games left to play.
