India lost the lead and the match, hanging their heads in shame as they slumped to a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Singapore on Tuesday in Goa.
The defeat ended India’s hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
Lallianzuala Chhangte gave India an early lead in the 14th minute, only for Song Uiyoung to score either side of half-time to shatter Indian hearts.
The result means India are stuck on two points from four matches, and even if they win their remaining games, their maximum tally of eight points will not be enough for them to qualify. Either Singapore or Hong Kong, both of which are already on eight points, are certain to garner more.
Despite a good star, it was their profligacy in front of goal and fragile defending at key moments that proved their undoing. Singapore, meanwhile, offered little from open play, relying mostly on long balls. India’s defence dealt with those comfortably until a moment of defensive misjudgement just before half-time changed everything.
The second half began with renewed Indian intensity, but the sucker-punch came in the 58th minute when Singapore unlocked India with a brilliant move. Shawal Anuar floated a clever lob to Ikhsan Fandi, whose perfectly timed run sliced through India’s defence.
“No Questions, No Pressure, No Shame”
The loss sparked outrage among Indian football fans online, many calling it one of the darkest nights in recent memory. “The Indian Football Team lost to Singapore and is now out of the Asian Cup qualifying race. India is the best-ranked team in its group according to FIFA rankings, but they are at the bottom right now. Waiting for the authorities and players to blame cricket for this pathetic performance,” wrote one.
Another fan wrote bluntly: “Failing to qualify for a 24-team Asian Cup is the lowest point in Indian Football.”
Others highlighted the lack of accountability within the system.
“When the Indian Cricket Team loses, the entire nation stands up – questions are asked, players are held accountable, the system is challenged. But when the Indian Football Team loses? Silence. No questions, no pressure, no shame.”
One more user summed up the mood, saying: “India is knocked out of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, what a sad state of Indian Football.”