Blue Tigers gear up for a crucial away clash as qualification hopes hang in the balance
Indian football head coach Khalid Jamil has finalized a 23-man travelling squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Singapore, a fixture that could prove decisive for the Blue Tigers’ campaign.
The two sides will meet at the National Stadium in Singapore on October 9, with kick-off set for 17:00 IST. The reverse fixture will be played in India at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa, on October 14, starting at 19:30 IST.
India Seeking Redemption in Group C
After two games, India find themselves at the bottom of Group C with just a single point, while Singapore sit top of the table with four points from four outings. With only the group winner securing a direct berth at the Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, the upcoming double-header is pivotal for India’s qualification hopes.
The Blue Tigers, who began their camp in Bengaluru on September 20, will aim to build on their spirited performances at the CAFA Nations Cup earlier this year.
Jamil: “One Match at a Time”
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, Jamil urged his players to stay focused on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead.
“We are not looking at the overall picture at the moment. There are still four matches to go, and the next one against Singapore is the most important for us right now. We must take it one step at a time,” he said.
The coach also confirmed that goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari (FC Goa) and forward Muhammad Suhail (Punjab FC) remain on standby.
India’s 23-Man Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: Anwar Ali, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Muhammed Uvais, Pramveer, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan
Midfielders: Brandon Fernandes, Danish Farooq Bhat, Deepak Tangri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Nikhil Prabhu, Sahal Abdul Samad, Udanta Singh Kumam
Forwards: Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Rahim Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh
Head Coach: Khalid Jamil
Assistant Coach: Mahesh Gawali
Goalkeeping Coach: Feroz Sherif
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Chelston Pinto
For India, the two clashes against Singapore represent more than just points on the table—they’re a chance to keep alive hopes of appearing in back-to-back Asian Cups. A strong showing from Sunil Chhetri and Co. could reignite belief in a campaign that started on shaky ground.
The Blue Tigers know that anything less than a positive result on October 9 will leave them with a mountain to climb in the qualification race.
