Football: Singapore held by 10-man India in third round of Asian Cup qualifiers

SINGAPORE: The Singapore men's football team's hopes of making history took a dent on Thursday (Oct 9) after a 1-1 draw to 10-man India at the National Stadium.

A late equaliser from the away side meant that the Lions missed a crucial chance to extend their lead atop Group C, which features Hong Kong, Bangladesh and India. 

Singapore now have five points, with Hong Kong on four, India on two points and Bangladesh on one point. 

As of writing, the match between Hong Kong and Bangladesh had yet to conclude. Only the group winner will advance to play in the Asian Cup.

Singapore’s only appearance at the tournament was back in 1984, with an automatic qualification as the host nation. The team have yet to earn a place in the Asian Cup on merit.

India are the top-ranked side in the group (134th) while Hong Kong are 146th, Singapore are 158th and Bangladesh sit in 184th.

It was Singapore who dominated much of the first 45 as they looked to find Glenn Kweh and Shawal Anuar with the diagonal passes.

However, Gavin Lee’s men found it difficult to convert the possession to chances, and it was the away side with the first chance.

An early Liston Colacco freekick would find Macarton Nickson but his header dropped wide as Singapore custodian Izwan Mahmud looked on.

Singapore’s main threat came in the form of Lion City Sailors attacker Shawal. An incisive ball from Kyoga Nakamura almost found him, if not for a timely intervention by Muhammed Uvais.

Just before halftime, the home side got their reward as a Hariss Harun pass found Shawal who ghosted into the box, and Ikhsan tapped home.

There was a further boost for Singapore early in the second half as India were reduced to 10 men.

Sandesh Jhingan was adjudged to have blocked off the run off Ikhsan