Goa is all set to witness the return of the Indian senior men’s football team after eight long years, as the Blue Tigers take on Singapore in their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Group C match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Madgaon, on Tuesday.
The match will be India’s first appearance in the coastal state since 2017, and it comes at a critical juncture in their qualifying campaign. India currently sit third in Group C with just two points from three games, while Hong Kong lead the table with seven points with Singapore occupying the second spot with five. With three matches remaining, every game is a must-win for India in a bid to keep the hopes of qualifying for a third consecutive AFC Asian Cup alive.
In their previous outing, India snatched a late 1-1 draw against Singapore at the National Stadium in Kallang. Ikhsan Fandi had put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time, but Rahim Ali’s 90th-minute strike rescued a crucial point for India. It was Rahim’s first-ever goal in Indian colours. However, the draw did little to ease growing concerns around the team’s performance and approach.
Head Coach Khalid Jamil came under scrutiny after the match, with questions raised about his team selection and defensive approach. India sat deep for much of the first half, allowing Singapore to dominate possession and ultimately conceding before the break. The situation worsened when defender Sandesh Jhingan was sent off early in the second half. However, the Blue Tigers showed grit, with Rahim Ali capitalising on a defensive error to earn a share of the spoils.
Jamil’s decision to start with the relatively inexperienced duo of Macarton Lewis and Farukh Choudhury, instead of seasoned names like Deepak Tangri, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Brandon Fernandes, drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, ahead of the home fixture, there have been notable changes. As per reports, Lewis has been released from the national camp to join NorthEast United FC for the upcoming Super Cup, while Jamil has called up Mohun Bagan’s Subhasish Bose and Apuia Ralte to bolster the squad. Both players are expected to feature in the starting XI on Tuesday.
India’s lack of creativity has been a pressing concern throughout the campaign. The team struggled to create meaningful chances from wide areas, often relying on individual moments rather than cohesive attacking play. With the home advantage and a passionate Goan crowd behind them, Jamil will be hoping his side can adopt a more positive and attacking approach this time.
Speaking ahead of the match, Khalid Jamil emphasised the need for an attacking mindset. “We are playing on our home ground. We have to be in an attacking mood from the start,” Jamil said. “It will be very good for us to start with an attacking mood.”
The coach also addressed the pressure surrounding the fixture, urging his players to stay calm and positive.
“No, don’t look at it like that in football. We have to think positive. They are a good side, but this time it is our home ground. We will try to give our best and think positive,” he added.
On the decision to call up Subhasish and Apuia, Jamil explained, “We required them, especially Subhasish, because we don’t have an extra left-back. And Mawia (Apuia), I think he deserves to be back because of his experience. I have seen his game, and he played well recently.”
Meanwhile, young defender Paramveer Singh expressed his excitement about being part of the national setup.
“I feel really lucky. I am learning a lot from the seniors. They help me on and off the field,” he said. “It’s a pleasure for me to play with Sunil Chhetri. He has taught me many things.”
While the Asian Cup qualifier is the immediate and most crucial focus, the state of Goa is bracing for a football extravaganza. The Super Cup is set to begin on October 23rd, but the biggest draw is the highly anticipated match between FC Goa and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on October 22nd. The entire country waits with bated breath to see if the Portuguese superstar will travel to India.
However, all that excitement will feel hollow if the national team fails to deliver. A loss or even a draw against Singapore will shatter their dream of qualifying for a third consecutive Asian Cup and potentially set Indian football back a full cycle.
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