Goa, India – A clinical performance from Singapore, spearheaded by a brace from forward Song Ui-young, saw them secure a 2-1 victory over India in their crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier held in Goa on Tuesday. The win significantly boosts Singapore's chances of progressing in the tournament, while simultaneously extinguishing India's hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
The match began brightly for the home side, with Lallianzuala Chhangte unleashing a spectacular long-range strike in the 14th minute, sending the ball soaring into the top corner of the net. India maintained control for much of the first half, dictating the tempo and creating several opportunities. Subhasish Bose and Sunil Chhetri were instrumental in orchestrating attacking moves, as India looked set to dominate.
However, Singapore capitalized on a lapse in the Indian defense just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Song Ui-young calmly slotted a low shot past the Indian goalkeeper, leveling the score against the run of play. The goal shifted the momentum, sending the teams into the break tied at 1-1.
India started the second half with renewed vigor, creating a series of chances early on. The introduction of Brandon Fernandes, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Udanta Singh was intended to inject pace and creativity into the attack, but India's finishing ultimately let them down. Brandon Fernandes missed a golden opportunity inside the box, while Chhetri and Udanta Singh were unable to convert their headed chances.
Singapore then delivered a decisive blow in the 58th minute. Song once again found the back of the net, silencing the home crowd with his second goal of the night. Despite late pressure and attacking substitutions by the Indian side, they were unable to find an equalizer. Veteran Sunil Chhetri had a notable miss from inside the box in the 66th minute, failing to keep his shot down.
The defeat officially eliminates India from contention for the AFC Asian Cup 2027. This result leaves India with only two points from four matches. Singapore, on the other hand, now stands in a much stronger position to potentially advance in the qualifiers.
The match highlighted Singapore's resilience and clinical finishing, while exposing India's struggles to convert dominance into goals. Singapore's victory underscores the unpredictable nature of football and keeps their Asian Cup dreams alive.
The Singapore Men's National Team is drawn in Group C for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers and will face India, Hong Kong, China and Bangladesh. The qualifiers will be contested over six match days between March 25, 2025, and March 31, 2026, in a home-and-away format.
