Singapore were left ruing missed chances and a costly defensive lapse as India came from behind to secure a dramatic 1–1 draw in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers clash at the National Stadium.

Ikhsan Fandi’s first-half strike had put the Lions on course for a crucial win, but Rahim Ali’s 90th-minute equaliser punished a late error and ensured the points were shared ahead of the return fixture in Goa.

From the opening whistle, both sides set a frenetic pace. As India took the kick off, Singapore looked sharp in transition, with midfielder Rhyan Rahim particularly lively and determined in midfield, continuing his impressive recent form.

The breakthrough came just before the interval. A moment of class from captain Hariss Harun unlocked the Indian defence: a superb through ball finding Shawal Anuar in the box. With a deft first touch, Shawal squared unselfishly for Ikhsan Fandi, who swept home from close range to give Singapore a deserved 1–0 lead in first-half stoppage time.

India’s task grew harder early in the second half when a reckless challenge saw them reduced to ten men. However, Singapore failed to make the numerical advantage count.

Gavin Lee’s men dominated possession but could not convert their chances. Substitute Ilhan Fandi twice spurning gilt-edged opportunities that could have sealed the match. The missed chances would later prove costly.

Despite being a man down, India remained compact and dangerous on the break, while Singapore’s attacking rhythm waned after a flurry of substitutions midway through the half.

With ten minutes to play, Singapore appeared to be managing the game comfortably. But as the clock ticked into stoppage time, disaster struck.

Defender Jordan Emaviwe, under little pressure, attempted a backpass to goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, only for the ball to fall short. India’s Rahim Ali pounced on the loose ball, slotting home the equaliser to silence the home crowd and salvage a point for the visitors.

The final whistle brought visible frustration from the Singapore bench, marking a case of two points lost rather than one gained.

India’s coach, Khalid Jamil, praised his side’s resilience after playing nearly half the match with ten men. “I give all the credit to the boys. They worked very hard, and because of them we got this result,” Jamil said. “To play an away game with ten players and get a point, it’s an advantage for us. We must continue with this confidence.”

When asked if he felt his side were fortunate, Jamil insisted hard work had earned their luck:“If you work hard, you will be more lucky. We worked hard and we got a goal, not a lucky goal, so we must think positive.”

Looking ahead to the home leg in Goa, Jamil added: “Singapore are a good team, energetic. They know they lost two points here, so they will be more prepared. We must prepare very well also at home.”

Singapore’s head coach Gavin Lee was measured but visibly disappointed with how the game slipped away. “We did not take full advantage of the extra man for a good 45 minutes,” Lee admitted. “Unfortunately, at the end, we allowed one action to determine the outcome. The boys are hurting, but we know what we are capable of.”

Lee emphasised that the setback could serve as motivation heading into the away leg: “This is a fantastic test for us, for our character and as a team. If we believe we’re better than tonight’s result, our job is to go out there and prove it.”

When asked about the costly defensive mistake, Lee defended his player: “The boy didn’t mean to make a mistake. Everybody makes mistakes in football. It’s easy to zoom in on one action, but we had 11 men for 45 minutes, and we needed to make that advantage count.”

Despite the heartbreak, Lee looked ahead positively: “The shorter the turnaround, the better. The boys will remember this feeling. If you ask them to play tomorrow, they’d be ready for it. We’ll go to Goa and show who we really are.”

The draw leaves Group E finely poised as both sides prepare to meet again in Goa later this week. For Singapore, the focus will be on sharpening their finishing and composure under pressure, while India will take heart from their fighting spirit and away point despite adversity.

Final Score: Singapore 1–1 India
Goals: Ikhsan Fandi (Singapore) 45+1’ — Rahim Ali (India) 90’

Photo Credit: Football Association of Singapore