India vs Singapore preview: Blue Tigers look to attack to keep 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification dream alive

With India’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup hanging by a thread, wins are the need of the hour, starting with a crucial home match against Singapore at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.

A late error from Singapore gave India an equalizer in the reverse fixture last week, leaving them third in Group C with just two points from three matches.

India head coach Khalid Jamil, taking charge in his first home match, has surprisingly signaled an attacking intent – a shift from his reactive football. “It’s a home game and we have to attack from the start,” Jamil said.

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The Blue Tigers have struggled for goals from open play under his tenure, with set pieces providing the main attacking threat, which Singapore negated by overshadowing possession in the away match.

While Jamil may not stray too far from his principles, he hopes his side can make better use of the ball when in possession.

His late SOS call for central midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte could help unlock India’s forward line against Singapore, who will again look to push forward and play a high line. «We have clear intentions on how we want to play regardless of the situation in front of us,» Singapore’s interim coach Gavin Lee reiterated.

Subhasish Bose, who was called up for the suspended Sandesh Jhingan, is also expected to make the starting XI in what is a now-or-never game for Indian football.

Published on October 13, 2025