On October 9, 2025, at 10:40 PM IST, the Indian national football team, the Blue Tigers, fought to a dramatic 1-1 draw against Singapore at Jalan Besar Stadium in a crucial third-round qualifier for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. Outplayed for much of the match and reduced to 10 men after Sandesh Jhingan’s red card, India’s hopes were salvaged by a 90th-minute equalizer from Rahim Ali, who substituted for Sunil Chhetri. Guided by India national football team coach Khalid Jamil, the third Indian full-time coach this century, the Blue Tigers showed resilience in Group F, keeping their qualification dreams alive for the Saudi Arabia-hosted tournament. With the return leg set for October 14 in Goa, this result fuels optimism for a pivotal home clash.
Context:2027 AFC Asian Cup, Saudi Arabia 2027
India’s 2027 AFC Asian Cup campaign aims to build on its 2023 group-stage appearance. Under Khalid Jamil, appointed on August 1, 2025, the team embraces a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 formation. As the third Indian full-time coach this century, after Sukhwinder Singh and Savio Medeira, Jamil fosters unity, with Sandesh Jhingan noting, “The Indian factor is just for the language… The same mother tongue kind of helps,” emphasizing the confidence-building effect of cultural affinity. His UEFA Pro Licence and 2016–17 I-League title with Aizawl FC mark him as a transformative figure.
Ranked 134th globally, India needed a result against Singapore (161st) after earning two points from a 0-0 draw with Bangladesh and a 1-0 loss to Hong Kong. In Group F, the top team qualifies directly, while the second-place team enters the playoffs. Singapore, under Tsutomu Ogura, relied on quick transitions and wing play, with goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and midfielder Anumanthan Kumar key. India’s lineup featured Jhingan and Anwar Ali at the back, with captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal.
Match Recap: Singapore 1-1 India
The October 9 clash in Singapore was a gripping rollercoaster of adversity and redemption, as the India National Football Team, under the astute leadership of Coach Khalid Jamil, showcased resilient tactics and unwavering determination to overcome challenges, ultimately securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the Asian Cup Qualifiers through a dramatic display of skill and strategy.
First Half: Singapore’s Pressure and a Late Goal
Singapore took control early, pressing to disrupt India’s buildup. Faris Ramli’s pace tested full-back Nikhil Poojary, forcing a 12th-minute save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, whose 75% save percentage in internationals proved vital. Sunil Chhetri and Lallianzuala Chhangte struggled against Singapore’s defense led by Hassan Sunny. In the 15th minute, Apuia’s pass found Chhetri, but his header was blocked by Safuwan Baharudin. In the 22nd minute, Chhangte’s run down the right ended with a cross intercepted by Mahbud.
India showed flashes of promise, with Brandon Fernandes orchestrating. In the 25th minute, Fernandes released Chhangte, but his shot was cleared. Singapore’s pressure intensified, and Gurpreet punched away a 32nd-minute free-kick from Shahdan Sulaiman. In the 38th minute, Kumar’s long-range effort forced Gurpreet to dive, preserving the stalemate. But at the stroke of half-time, a swift counter undid India. Ilhan Fandi latched onto a through-ball from Sulaiman, outpacing Jhingan to slot past Gurpreet in the 45th minute. The 1-0 deficit sparked frustration on X, with fans urging Jamil to tighten the midfield.
Second Half: Jhingan’s Red Card and Ali’s Magic
The India national football team coach’s halftime talk pushed for quicker transitions, but disaster struck early. Jhingan, booked for a first-half foul, received a second yellow in the 47th minute for a challenge on Fandi, leaving India with 10 men. Mehtab Singh replaced Jhingan, and Singapore unleashed 12 shots in the second half compared to India’s three.
Gurpreet rose to the occasion, tipping a 52nd-minute header from Kumar over and smothering a one-on-one with substitute Shawal Anuar in the 68th minute. His six saves and 85% pass accuracy kept India alive. Chhetri, stifled by fatigue and Singapore’s defense, was replaced by Rahim Ali in the 79th minute—a bold move by Jamil. Singapore’s 58% possession seemed set to secure victory, with Mahbud slowing play.
In the 90th minute, substitute defender Jordan Emaviwe’s errant back-pass was intercepted by Ali, who rounded Mahbud and scored into an empty net. The goal, Ali’s first in his 15th cap, sparked wild celebrations, turning a likely defeat into a 1-1 draw. Singapore’s 18 shots were undone by one error.
Significance of the Draw
The draw keeps India’s hopes alive with two points from three matches.
- Resilience: Gurpreet’s saves and Ali’s goal reflect Jamil’s confidence-building.
- Discipline: Jhingan’s red card, the third in the qualifiers, is a concern.
- Attack: With one shot on target (xG 0.4), India needs sharper finishing.
The October 14 return leg in Goa is crucial, with Jhingan’s suspension testing players like Narender Gahlot.
Khalid Jamil: The Coach’s Impact
Born on April 21, 1977, in Kuwait to Indian parents, Khalid Jamil has carved a remarkable path in Indian football, both as a player and a coach. A former midfielder, Jamil earned 40 caps for the Indian national team, showcasing his tenacity and skill on the pitch during his playing career. Transitioning to coaching, he brought his deep understanding of the game to several prominent clubs, including Mumbai FC, where he honed his tactical acumen, and Aizawl FC, where he achieved historic success by leading the team to the 2016–17 I-League title, a monumental feat for the underdog side. His coaching journey also includes stints with East Bengal, NorthEast United, and Jamshedpur FC, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to instill discipline and resilience in his squads.
Rahim Ali’s Breakthrough
The pivotal 79th-minute substitution by Coach Khalid Jamil, bringing on the promising 25-year-old forward Ali in place of the iconic Sunil Chhetri, turned the tide in Singapore, with Ali’s timely strike clinching a vital 1-1 draw for India in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, propelling him into the spotlight as a potential future cornerstone of the national team and offering much-needed relief to Chhetri, whose extraordinary 94 international goals have borne the brunt of the Blue Tigers’ offensive responsibilities for years.https://www.the-aiff.com/
Looking Ahead
The draw fuels momentum for October 14. Jamil’s tactics must counter Singapore’s wings, with Gurpreet’s distribution and Ali’s opportunism key. Fans on X celebrated the #BlueTigers’ spirit. The India national football team coach is steering India toward Saudi Arabia 2027.https://theinfohatch.com/salah-fpl-strategy-gameweek-8-2025/