Singapore stayed in sight of a place in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 after coming from behind to defeat India 2-1 in their Qualifiers Final Round Group C tie on Tuesday.
Song Ui-young netted both goals as victory took Singapore level on eight points with Hong Kong, China, with the sides to meet on November 18, while defeat meant elimination for India.
Both sides desperately needed victory if they were to keep Hong Kong, China within reach in the race for the sole qualifying slot to the Finals.
India started the better of the sides and after a couple of near misses, took the lead in the 14th minute in stunning fashion with midfielder Lallianzuala Chhangte rifling the ball home from 35 metres.
Chhangte nearly turned provider six minutes later, drilling a low cross into the six-yard box for Sunil Chhetri but Safuwan Baharudin was on hand to clear the danger.
Safwan again denied a Chhangte cross from ending in the back of the Singapore net, the defender denying Liston Colaco’s goal-bound shot.
India had another chance in the 34th minute but were this time denied by goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, who stopped Mahesh Singh Naorem’s strike.
The misses came back to haunt India jus before the break with Song drawing Singapore level by burying the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Boosted by having drawn level, Singapore started the second half on the front foot and India had to work hard for their share of possession.
The Southeast Asian side, however, were asking more questions as the match progressed and were rewarded for their ambition with Song putting them ahead in the 58th minute.
With their qualification hopes on the line, India stepped up a gear in search of the equaliser but despite chances falling the way of Chhetri and Sahal Abdul Samad, it was not to be as Singapore took the points.
AFC Media
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