AFC Asian Cup qualifiers: India aim to reignite campaign against Singapore

The Indian men’s national team will resume their AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday with a crucial clash against Singapore at the Singapore National Stadium.

With just one point from their opening two fixtures, the Blue Tigers are in a must-win situation. Only the group winners will progress to the next round, making the upcoming match vital for India’s hopes.

See: India’s travelling squad vs Singapore

However, Khalid Jamil’s side will take confidence from their spirited run at the CAFA Nations Cup, where they clinched a bronze medal in the eight-nation tournament. Under the newly appointed head coach, India managed one win and two draws, including a penalty shoot-out victory over Oman. Jamil’s men will now look to build on that momentum and claim their first win of the qualifiers, a result that would significantly boost both their confidence and qualification chances.

First training session in 🇸🇬 ⚽ 💙 😁#BlueTigers #IndianFootball pic.twitter.com/QE4SDKccPi
— Indian Football (@IndianFootball) October 7, 2025

Read: Know your opponents, Singapore

Singapore currently lead Group C with four points, level with Hong Kong, who had beaten India earlier in June. The Lions, however, have hit a rough patch, failing to win in their last two matches, recording a draw and a defeat during the September window.

The return of Sunil Chhetrito the frontline adds further strength to India’s attack. Combined with their recent improved performances, the Blue Tigers will be determined to overcome the away challenge and revive their qualification hopes with a crucial win.

What the coaches said

Head coach Jamil aims to build on the momentum from the CAFA Nations Cup. He believes consistency and focus will be key as they search for their first win in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier final round.

“We played CAFA last month, and that really helped us shape the team at the end of the day. All the players are professionals, so they know how to prepare and take responsibility," Jamil said at the pre-match press conference.

“We need to play according to what the situation demands of us. This is an away game, so we need to be careful. Singapore have a good coach and quality players, so there’s no question of taking them lightly,” he added.

Singapore’s interim head coach Gavin Lee praised the impact of Jamil’s changes on the Blue Tigers’ setup, highlighting how organised and compact the side has become under his guidance.

“India has a very distinct style of play, and they are extremely effective with it. This kind of play only comes from good coaching, so full credit to the coach,” said Lee.

“We have seen their matches, and they tend to impose themselves as a unit, not as individuals," he added.