The India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier is a do-or-die battle for the Blue Tigers as they travel to Singapore for their third AFC Asian Cup qualifier. With only one point from their first two games against Bangladesh and Hong Kong, India must win to stay alive in the competition. Those disappointing results cost coach Manolo Marquez his job, and Khalid Jamil has stepped in to lead the team forward. Under Jamil, India finished third in the CAFA Nations Cup, beating Oman on penalties and defeating Tajikistan in the group stage, a promising start before the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier.
However, Jamil’s preparations have been far from ideal. Many clubs released players late due to pre-season commitments and the upcoming AIFF Super Cup, giving him little time to build team chemistry ahead of the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier.
Singapore, meanwhile, are also dealing with changes. Despite collecting four points from their first two matches, their coach Tsutomu Ogura left to join the Japanese Football Federation. Gavin Lee has since taken over as interim coach and led Singapore in two friendlies, a draw with Myanmar and a loss to Malaysia, using both games to experiment before the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier.
If Singapore win the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier, they will move six points ahead of India, making it nearly impossible for Jamil’s side to qualify. A defeat, combined with a Hong Kong victory over Bangladesh, could end India’s campaign. The match at the National Stadium in Singapore is expected to have fewer spectators than usual, with slow ticket sales giving India a small advantage in the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier atmosphere.
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India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier: Squad Updates and Key Players
Singapore: Interim coach Gavin Lee continues to test his lineup options before the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier. The team lacks depth at left-back, so Jordan Emaviwe could step in. In attack, the Fandi brothers, Ikhsan, Ilhan, and Shawal Anuar, will lead the line. However, their limited club minutes may affect sharpness during the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier.
India: The major boost for India ahead of the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier is the return of captain Sunil Chhetri, who will lead from the front once again. With 95 international goals, Chhetri remains India’s most reliable scorer. Mohun Bagan stars, Liston Colaco, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Deepak Tangri, return to the squad, with Liston likely starting on the left wing. Sandesh Jhingan is also back in defence after recovering from injury, a vital addition for the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier.
In midfield, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Apuia Ralte are out, but Brandon Fernandes will handle creative duties. His partnership with Lallianzuala Chhangte and Chhetri could be the key to unlocking Singapore’s defence in the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier.
For Singapore, Ikhsan Fandi stands out as the main threat. With 21 goals in 41 international appearances, he has an excellent record but limited club minutes this season, only 281. His speed and finishing could trouble India’s backline during the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier if given space.
Historically, the fixture has been tight. Out of 27 meetings, India have won 12, and Singapore 11, with the rest ending in draws. Their last encounter in 2022 ended 1-1, with Ikhsan Fandi scoring for Singapore and Ashique Kuruniyan equalising for India, a result both sides will remember heading into the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier.
Thursday’s clash is more than just another match, it’s a test of India’s spirit and resilience. With their Asian Cup hopes on the line, the India vs Singapore 2025 Qualifier will determine whether the Blue Tigers can rise under pressure and keep their dream alive.
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source: Hindustan Times
