AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, Group C: 10-man India holds Singapore to 1-1 draw – The Away End

Singapore: Ten-man India fought back to hold Singapore to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifying Final Round Group C tie on Thursday.

The result kept India’s hopes alive, while Singapore will have to concede a 90th-minute equalizer, which could jeopardize their hopes of qualifying for the final on merit for the first time.

Singapore went into the tie in a healthier position and were level at the top of the standings with four points, while India could only show a draw from the previous two matches.

India started on the front foot and forced a corner in the third minute, but Rahul Bheke’s set-piece did not trouble Singapore, who easily cleared the threat.

The hosts gradually settled down and started to see more of the ball and had a chance in the 12th minute when Shah Sahiran sent a cross towards Harhys Stewart in the center but the midfielder was quickly closed down by Sandesh Jhingan and Mughammed Uvais.

Both teams continued to press, but Singapore began to dominate possession and eventually took the lead just before half-time after missing a few earlier chances.

A quick build-up saw Harris set up Harun Shawal Anuar in the penalty area with a diagonal run, with the forward exchanging passes with Ikhsan Fandi adding the finishing touch.

India suffered a setback just two minutes into the second half when Jhingan was sent off for a foul on Ikhsan, with the defender receiving a second yellow card.

Head coach Khalid Jamil responded to the red card by sacrificing forward Farukh Haji Choudhary, while defender Hmingthanmawia replaced him.

Despite being a player down, India played with aggression but lacked the finishing touch and needed saves from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to keep them on level terms.

However, their perseverance was rewarded at the end of regular time when Rahim Ali took advantage of Singapore custodian Izwan Mahbud losing the ball under pressure, allowing the substitute to knock home to keep India’s hopes alive.

AFC media

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