AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, know your opponents: Singapore

The Indian football team are all set to take on Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers final-round fixture at the Singapore National Stadium on October 9.

The Blue Tigers will face the Singapore team twice within a week, in matches that could prove crucial to their bid to qualify for the continental stage for the third consecutive time. Khalid Jamil’s men will travel to Singapore for the away leg and will host the return match in Goa on October 14.

India currently sit at the bottom of Group C with one point from two games, while Singapore top the standings with four points from as many matches. Ahead of the decisive two-leg clash, we take a closer look at the Singapore national team.

History

Established in 1892, the Singapore Football Association (SFA) is the oldest football association in Asia. It is one of the founding members of both the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) and has been affiliated with FIFA since 1952.

Singapore recorded its first-ever international title in the 1998 AFF Championship. Under the guidance of head coach Barry Whitbread, the team topped the group stage with victories over Malaysia and the Philippines, defeated Indonesia in the semi-finals, and edged out hosts Vietnam 1–0 in the final. Singapore went on to win the championship again in 2004, 2007, and 2012.

The Lions have also won the bronze medal at the Southeast Asian Games four times and the silver medal three times. They hosted the inaugural ASEAN Championship (then known as the Tiger Cup) in 1996 but were eliminated in the group stage.

Form Guide: DWWLD

The Lions’ recent form has been topsy-turvy, winning just two of their last ten outings while suffering five defeats in the process.

Ranked 158th in the FIFA rankings, Singapore come into the fixture on the back of two games without a win, a defeat against Malaysia followed by a 1-1 draw with Myanmar in the September FIFA window. Their last victory came in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers game against Bangladesh, and they will be keen to bounce back, regain momentum, and strengthen their position in the bid to qualify from Group C.

Key Players

Ikhsan Fandi

Ikhsan bin Fandi Ahmad, commonly known as Ikhsan Fandi, is currently playing for Thai League 1 club Ratchaburi, on loan from BG Pathum United. Fandi has represented Singapore at the U-22 and U-23 levels and has featured in 41 games for the senior team, scoring 21 goals.

One of the main goal threats in the Singapore squad, Ikhsan Fandi, is also the first Singaporean player to score in the AFC Champions League knockout stage. Having scored against Bangladesh, Fandi’s attacking instincts and finishing ability could make him a key player in the upcoming double-header.

Hariss Harun

Hariss bin Harun, a versatile midfielder who can also operate as a centre-back, is the captain of the Singapore national team. He became the youngest player to represent Singapore at just 16 years and 217 days and has since earned 142 caps for the national team.

Known for his leadership, work rate, and playmaking abilities, Harun could play a decisive role in the upcoming double-header. His experience and ability to control the midfield could make him the key figure for Singapore in both matches.