Singapore vs India: Can Khalid Jamil Revive India’s Asian Cup Qualifying Campaign?

As India faces a crucial encounter against Singapore in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, there is a palpable sense of urgency surrounding the match. With just a point from their opening two fixtures against Bangladesh and Hong Kong, India is at a critical juncture in their qualification campaign. The team now faces the daunting task of traveling to Singapore for the third match of the qualifiers, with a loss potentially spelling the end of their hopes for Asian Cup qualification.

The situation has taken a dramatic turn since India’s underwhelming start to the qualification process, which led to the sacking of former coach Manolo Marquez. In his place, Khalid Jamil, who had been serving as the assistant coach, has taken over the reins. Despite the managerial upheaval, Jamil has managed to bring some stability, including a third-place finish at the CAFA Nations Cup. India impressed during that tournament, securing a penalty shootout win against Oman after a solid group stage that included a significant victory over Tajikistan.

However, the buildup to this crucial encounter has been far from smooth. Jamil has faced significant challenges in assembling his squad, with several key players unavailable due to club commitments and late releases. These disruptions come at a time when Indian football is also gearing up for the AIFF Super Cup, adding to the complexity of the preparations.

On the other side, Singapore is also experiencing their fair share of turmoil. Despite earning four points from their opening two games in the qualifiers, Singapore’s footballing landscape is in flux. Japanese manager Tsutomu Ogura, who led the team through those initial qualifiers, left his post to take up a role with the Japanese Football Federation. In his place, Gavin Lee has stepped in as the interim manager. Under Lee, Singapore has failed to impress in their friendlies, drawing against Myanmar and losing to Malaysia. However, these friendlies were largely experimental, with Lee fielding a mix of players to try out various combinations.

The Stakes for India

For India, this match is nothing short of a must-win. The team is already lagging behind in the group, and another loss could leave them with little to no chance of qualifying for the Asian Cup. If Singapore wins, they will move six points clear of India, with only three games remaining. At that point, India’s hopes of qualifying could be all but over. A loss would compound India’s difficulties, especially if Hong Kong goes on to beat Bangladesh in their own fixture. With so much riding on this match, Khalid Jamil knows that the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Fortunately for India, they will not have to face the intimidating atmosphere that they experienced in Hong Kong during their previous away match. At that time, the match was played in front of a packed crowd at the Kai Tak Stadium, but at the National Stadium in Singapore, there are still plenty of tickets available for the game, which could make for a less charged atmosphere.

Singapore’s Squad and Tactics

Under Gavin Lee’s guidance, Singapore’s squad has been inconsistent. While the team has managed to secure a couple of solid results in the qualifiers, their friendlies have raised concerns. One of the key issues for Lee is the lack of regular match fitness for some of Singapore’s most potent attacking players, namely Ikhsan Fandi, Shawal Anuar, and Ilhan Fandi. While these players have been critical for Singapore in the past, their lack of regular playing time at club level could make them slightly rusty, affecting their performance during the crucial qualifier.

Another area of concern for Singapore is the left-back position. With few options available, it is likely that Jordan Emaviwe will be deployed to cover that role. Emaviwe’s performances in the past have been solid, but the defensive responsibilities of a left-back will require him to be at his best against an attacking team like India.

India’s New Look Under Khalid Jamil

Since Khalid Jamil took over as India’s head coach, the squad has undergone some changes. One of the most significant developments is the return of the team’s talisman, Sunil Chhetri. Chhetri, India’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer, is expected to lead the line once again. His presence alone gives the team a significant boost, as Chhetri remains the key source of goals for the national side. In the absence of other attacking players who have been inconsistent, the burden of goal-scoring has largely fallen on Chhetri’s shoulders.

Alongside Chhetri, India has a few other key players returning to the fold. Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Deepak Tangri, all of whom play for Mohun Bagan, are back in the squad. Colaco, in particular, is expected to take up the left-wing position, and his pace and creativity will be vital in unlocking Singapore’s defense. Meanwhile, the defense has a more settled look with Sandesh Jhingan’s return from a facial injury. Jhingan’s experience will be crucial as India looks to shore up their defense and keep a solid shape at the back.

However, the team will be missing two key players in midfield — Suresh Singh Wangjam and Apuia Ralte — which could leave a hole in the middle of the park. In their absence, Brandon Fernandes will be expected to take on a more significant role in the creative department. Fernandes’ ability to deliver key passes and control the tempo of the game will be vital if India is to unlock Singapore’s defense.

Key Players to Watch

Sunil Chhetri: No discussion of India’s prospects is complete without mentioning their captain and all-time top scorer. Chhetri is undoubtedly India’s most important player, and his performance in this game will be crucial. While the team struggled for goals in the CAFA Nations Cup, Chhetri’s ability to convert chances, especially from set-pieces, will be key to India’s success. With his vast experience, Chhetri knows how to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations, and this game will be no different.

Ikhsan Fandi: For Singapore, all eyes will be on Ikhsan Fandi. The striker has been a consistent performer for Singapore, scoring 21 goals in 41 caps. His goal-scoring ability and knack for finding space behind opposition defenses make him a constant threat. However, his lack of match fitness due to limited club appearances this season could be a concern for the Singaporean team. If Fandi is to be effective, he will need to shake off any rustiness and lead the line with precision.

Head-to-Head Record

India and Singapore have faced off 27 times in international football, with India holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record. India has won 12 of those encounters, while Singapore has won 11, with four matches ending in draws. The last meeting between the two teams came in 2022 during a friendly, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Ashique Kuruniyan scored the equalizer for India after Ikhsan Fandi had given Singapore the lead.

Expected Lineups

Singapore (4-3-3)

GK: Izwan Mahbud
RB: Ryhan Stewart
CB: Hariss Harun
CB: Lionel Tan
LB: Jordan Emaviwe
CM: Song Ui-Young
CM: Kyoga Nakamura
CM: Shah Shahiran
RW: Harhys Stewart
CF: Ikhsan Fandi
LW: Shawal Anuar

India (4-2-3-1)

GK: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
RB: Rahul Bheke
CB: Sandesh Jhingan
CB: Anwar Ali
LB: Muhammed Uvais
DM: Nikhil Prabhu
DM: Danish Farooq
RW: Lallianzuala Chhangte
AM: Brandon Fernandes
LW: Liston Colaco
CF: Sunil Chhetri

Conclusion

India’s match against Singapore is a pivotal one in their Asian Cup qualifying journey. Khalid Jamil’s squad is under pressure to deliver a result after a rocky start to the campaign. With key players like Sunil Chhetri back in the fold, India will hope to capitalize on their attacking potential, while ensuring that their defense remains strong under the leadership of Sandesh Jhingan. Singapore, too, will be determined to continue their positive run, but their inconsistency under the interim management of Gavin Lee makes them a somewhat unpredictable opponent. Both teams will be desperate for a win, but only one will have the chance to move a step closer to qualification.