Khalid Jamil is preparing the Blue Tigers for a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Singapore, acknowledging the significant expectations and the difficulty of overcoming their opponents. The upcoming match on October 14 is being viewed as a "do-or-die" situation for India, who need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
"We have to be positive, they are a good side, are difficult to beat, we have to give our best and stay positive," said Jamil during a pre-match press conference at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. He emphasized the importance of carrying forward momentum from their last match and displaying attacking intent.
The first leg of this double-header ended in a 1-1 draw in Singapore on October 9, with Rahim Ali's late goal salvaging a point for India after they played a significant portion of the second half with only 10 men, following a red card issued to Sandesh Jhingan. Jhingan's suspension presents another challenge for the Blue Tigers in the home game.
Jamil, who was appointed as the head coach of the Indian national team in August 2025, is the first Indian to manage the team since Savio Medeira in 2012. A former Indian midfielder with 15 international caps, Jamil brings considerable experience from coaching various clubs in India, including Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United FC, and Aizawl FC. He notably led Aizawl FC to an I-League title in the 2016-17 season.
The return of veteran Sunil Chhetri to the India lineup is a significant boost. Chhetri, India's all-time highest goal scorer, was omitted from the squad for the recent CAFA Nations Cup but is back to add experience and leadership. Jamil has welcomed the return.
India's recent form has been mixed. At the CAFA Nations Cup, they secured a third-place finish, defeating higher-ranked teams like Oman and Tajikistan. However, their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign has been less successful, with a draw against Bangladesh and a defeat to Hong Kong, China.
Historically, India holds a slight advantage over Singapore, with 12 wins in 27 encounters, compared to Singapore's 11. However, Singapore leads Group C with five points from three games, while India is in third place with two points.
Jamil has indicated that there will be changes to the team that started the previous match against Singapore and has stressed the need for better control in midfield. Lalengmawia Ralte, who has been added to the squad, is expected to play a key role.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao, Goa, on October 14.
