India’s hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 were ended on Tuesday after a 2-1 loss to Singapore in Goa. Despite taking an early lead through Lallianzuala Chhangte, the Blue Tigers were undone by a brace from Singapore’s Song Ui-young, which sealed the visitors’ comeback and eliminated India from contention in Group C.
Chhangte gave India a dream start in the 14th minute, unleashing a powerful strike from distance that flew past goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud. The home side looked in control for much of the first half, with Sunil Chhetri denied a near-certain goal when Safuwan Baharudin cleared his shot off the line. Liston Colaco and Mahesh Singh Naorem also came close, but India’s lack of precision in the final third would prove costly.
Singapore gradually grew into the game and found their equaliser just before halftime. Song Ui-young’s composed finish into the bottom corner made it 1-1 in the 44th minute. The midfielder struck again shortly after the restart, timing his run perfectly to slot home his second goal and turn the match on its head in the 58th minute.
India pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Chhetri and Sahal Abdul Samad both missing late opportunities. Despite dominating possession in the closing stages, Igor Štimac’s side could not break through a disciplined Singapore defence led by goalkeeper Mahbud, who made several key saves.
The defeat leaves India with just two points from four matches in Group C, following previous draws against Bangladesh and Singapore, and losses to Hong Kong China and now Singapore. The result ensures that both Hong Kong China and Singapore advance to the next round, while India’s campaign ends prematurely despite flashes of promise from a youthful squad.
With their qualification hopes over, India will now play out their remaining fixtures against Bangladesh in November and Hong Kong China in March, as attention turns toward rebuilding for future continental competitions.
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