The Blue Tigers made a dream start, with debutant Ryan Williams announcing himself in style. Just four minutes into the game, a quick attacking move saw Manvir Singh set him up for a simple finish, marking one of the fastest goals ever scored by an Indian debutant. The early strike set the tone, as India grew in confidence and controlled possession while dictating the tempo.

India’s defensive unit remained compact and disciplined, denying Hong Kong space while also posing a threat on the counter. Chances continued to come, with the hosts looking the more dangerous side going forward, but they had to settle for a narrow lead at the break.

The second half began in similar fashion, and India doubled their advantage soon after the restart. A long throw caused problems inside the box, and Akash Mishra reacted quickest to fire home from a tight angle, registering his first international goal.

Hong Kong, however, responded just past the hour mark, pulling one back through Everton Camargo after finding space in behind the Indian defence. The goal set up a tense final phase, with both sides pushing for control.

India introduced fresh legs, and the attack gained renewed energy, with multiple efforts testing the opposition defence. At the other end, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remained alert, producing crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Late in the game, Bijoy Varghese was handed his international debut and made an immediate impact with a vital defensive intervention in stoppage time, ensuring India held firm.

Backed by a passionate crowd in Kochi, India saw out the game to secure their first win of the qualifying campaign. While the result did not alter their position in the group standings, it marked a significant moment—ending a long wait for a victory in Kochi and providing a strong finish to the campaign.

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The draw, held in Bangkok, placed India in Group C, one of the toughest pools of the tournament, featuring some of Asia’s strongest and most experienced teams. The championship will see 12 nations compete for continental glory, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides progressing to the knockout stage.

India earned their return to the competition after nearly two decades by finishing top of their qualifying group earlier this year, ahead of Myanmar, Indonesia, and Turkmenistan. The team impressed with their top quality and teamwork throughout the qualifiers.

Their qualification marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s football, as the young Blue Tigresses prepare to compete against the continent’s best. While the task ahead is challenging, it also presents a valuable opportunity for India’s rising stars to gain experience, showcase their progress, and continue the nation’s growing presence in Asian football.

As India prepare for their long-awaited return, the focus will be on building momentum and belief. This appearance after 19 years is not just a comeback — it’s a statement of progress and promise for the future of women’s football in India. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed sides, will qualify for the quarter-finals, and the four semi-finalists will earn a berth at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.

AFC U20 WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP THAILAND 2026 FINAL DRAW

Group A: Thailand, China PR, Vietnam, Bangladesh
Group B: DPR Korea, Korea Republic, Uzbekistan, Jordan
Group C: Japan, Australia, Chinese Taipei, India

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MARGAO, GOA: India lost the lead and the match, as they slumped to a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Singapore on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium 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 whom are already on eight points, are certain to garner more.

From then on, though, India tried to find a response. They launched waves of attack with crosses from the flanks, long-range shots and intricate play in the box. However, nothing fell right as Indian forwards Chhetri, Colaco, Chhangte and Mahesh Naorem were denied time and again. The Singapore defence threw bodies on the line, making crucial tackles and interceptions, while Mahbud stood tall in goal.

India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rahul Bheke, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Anwar Ali, Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Apuia, Nikhil Prabhu (Sahal Abdul Samad 67′), Lallianzuala Chhangte (Brandon Fernandes 85′), Mahesh Singh Naorem (Farukh Choudhary 67′), Liston Colaco (Udanta Singh Kumam 79′), Sunil Chhetri (Rahim Ali 79′)

Credits: AIFF Media

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Rahim Ali emerged as the hero as he scored his first-ever goal for India, grabbing a 90th-minute equaliser, after Ikhsan Fandi had handed Singapore the lead in first-half stoppage time.

India were forced to play nearly the entire second half with a man down after Sandesh Jhingan was sent off in the 47th minute. But in a game where India struggled for possession and momentum, they found a way to snatch a vital point at the death, thanks to their opportunism, patience, and also a Singaporean blunder.

The 1-1 draw lifted India into third place in Group C, with two points from three matches. Hong Kong, who defeated Bangladesh 4-3 later in the day, are at the top with seven points. Singapore have five, while Bangladesh have a solitary point. Now halfway through the qualifiers, the Blue Tigers’ fate rests not only on winning all remaining games but also on favourable results from other fixtures. India will face Singapore again on October 14 in the fourth matchday in Goa.

The Blue Tigers began brightly, pressing Singapore’s backline with early intent. Their first real opportunity arrived in the 15th minute when Liston Colaco delivered a free-kick into the box, only for Rahul Bheke to glance his header wide of the post. Despite that burst, India soon began to falter.

Singapore grew into the game and asserted control, enjoying 63% possession and dictating the tempo. India’s attempts to keep pace faded as their midfield began to retreat deeper. Head coach Khalid Jamil’s defensive setup forced India to sit back, soaking up pressure and hoping for a counter-attack.

The breakthrough for the hosts came in first-half stoppage time. Singapore captain Hariss Harun launched a precise long ball from deep midfield. Winger Shawal Anuar, showing blistering pace, outmuscled Muhammed Uvais, controlled the ball with a deft first touch, and then unselfishly squared it to Ikhsan Fandi, who slotted it past India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and into the empty net. Singapore went into the break 1-0 up, buoyed by a slick move and a clinical finish.

Things went from bad to worse for India as Sandesh Jhingan was dismissed in the 47th minute after receiving a second yellow card for blocking Fandi with a raised arm. Down to ten men, India’s attacking ambitions took a backseat as survival became the priority.

Singapore grew into the game and asserted control, enjoying 63% possession and dictating the tempo. India’s attempts to keep pace faded as their midfield began to retreat deeper. Head coach Khalid Jamil’s defensive setup forced India to sit back, soaking up pressure and hoping for a counter-attack.

The breakthrough for the hosts came in first-half stoppage time. Singapore captain Hariss Harun launched a precise long ball from deep midfield. Winger Shawal Anuar, showing blistering pace, outmuscled Muhammed Uvais, controlled the ball with a deft first touch, and then unselfishly squared it to Ikhsan Fandi, who slotted it past India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and into the empty net. Singapore went into the break 1-0 up, buoyed by a slick move and a clinical finish.

Things went from bad to worse for India as Sandesh Jhingan was dismissed in the 47th minute after receiving a second yellow card for blocking Fandi with a raised arm. Down to ten men, India’s attacking ambitions took a backseat as survival became the priority.

India still carved out a rare chance in the 62nd minute. Colaco dribbled into the box and saw his shot blocked. The rebound fell to Nikhil Prabhu, whose volley lacked venom and was easily gathered by Izwan Mahbud in the Singapore goal.

The hosts could have sealed the game in the 73rd minute when Fandi broke free on the left. But Sandhu, showing his experience, rushed off his line and pulled off a brave save to keep India in the match.

With Singapore looking to wind down the clock and India running out of ideas, coach Khalid Jamil threw on his final substitutes in a desperate bid for an equaliser. That gamble paid off.

In the 90th minute, disaster struck for Singapore. Jordan Emaviwe attempted a back-pass to his goalkeeper. The ball lacked power and direction. Rahim Ali, alert and hungry, latched onto the loose ball as Mahbud scrambled to intercept. The Singapore keeper misjudged the weight of the pass, and the ball ricocheted kindly onto the foot of Ali, who slotted into the unguarded net.

India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK, C), Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, Sandesh Jhingan, Nikhil Prabhu (Sahal Abdul Samad 68′), Liston Colaco, Sunil Chhetri (Rahim Ali 79′), Macarton Louis Nickson (Deepak Tangri 68′), Farukh Choudhary (Hmingthanmawia Ralte 53′), Lallianzuala Chhangte (Udanta Singh Kumam 79′), Muhammed Uvais.

Credits: AIFF Media

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The Indian senior men’s national team are currently bottom of Group C in the qualifiers, having earned just a point from two matches. However, all that could change if they achieve good results in the double header (home and away) against Singapore, who are currently sitting pretty at the top of the group with four points from as many games.

The Blue Tigers experienced a change of guard a little over a month ago, with Khalid Jamil taking over as the head coach. This change led to their first victory in a competitive match since November 2023, as they defeated hosts Tajikistan in the CAFA Nations Cup opener. Having eventually finished the prestigious regional tournament with a bronze medal, Jamil got the opportunity to work with the team ahead of the two crucial matches against Singapore.

“We are playing away first, so we definitely need a positive result to begin with,” he said at the pre-match press conference. “We played CAFA last month, and that really helped us shape the team at the end of the day. All the players are professionals, so they know how to prepare and take responsibility.”

While Jamil is looking to make up for the lost points, he remains cautious about Singapore and the threat they pose, especially as the hosts.

“We need to play according to what the situation demands of us. This is an away game, so we need to be careful. Singapore have a good coach and quality players, so there’s no question of taking them lightly,” said Jamil.

India forward Vikram Partap Singh feels that the Blue Tigers are positive about a good result, especially when there is ample motivation from the 55,000-seater National Stadium.

“We all want to get a good result, and all the boys are confident they can put in a good showing tomorrow (Thursday),” said Vikram. “We know that there are a lot of Indians in Singapore, and if they want to come support us, that will be a huge motivation for us. But I understand that this is Singapore’s home game, and they might have more support. That will motivate us even further.”

Singapore, who played two friendlies in preparation for the matches against India last month (against Myanmar and Malaysia), are in the position they want to be. Interim head coach Gavin Lee lauded the changes Jamil has brought into the Blue Tigers’ setup.

“India have a very distinct style of play, and they are extremely effective with it. This kind of play only comes from good coaching, so full credit to the coach,” said Lee. “We have seen their matches, and they tend to impose themselves as a unit, not as individuals.

“Our job is to do the simple stuff to the very best of our abilities and put ourselves into positions around the penalty area and take our chances, while at the same time, secure our back door,” he said.India have a marginal upper hand against Singapore in the overall head-to-head record, having won 12 matches to the Lions’ 11, from the 27 matches played between the two sides. The last match between these two teams in 2022 ended in a 1-1 draw in Vietnam.

Credits: AIFF Media

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What has been your talk to the boys after the victory against Oman?

I have told them to stay humble, and dream big. From my experience I asked them to forget the game against Oman, and concentrate on the following one. We achieved something nobody really expected us to. So I want our boys to enjoy their football, and play their hearts out.

Expectations have risen after the result against Oman. How is the team dealing with it?

We need to be realistic because UAE are technically a far better team than Oman. So let’s not get overdosed after winning one game. Our boys played brilliant football against Oman, and that’s all we are looking for in the next game.

Do you spot any extra pressure?

I won’t allow them to feel any sort of pressure. We came here to gain some experience, and to check where we stand against strong oppositions. Nothing more than that.

What are your views about the UAE as an opposition?

They are a properly developed team. Their movements on the pitch and the passing are extremely impressive. So we need to be extra careful about not losing positions early. They lost their first match and that will keep them highly motivated, which means we need to be prepared for a bigger challenge. We need to be aware that keeping tight lines, and not dropping too deep will be crucial against UAE.

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

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The loss meant that India finished at the bottom of Group A!

Jamal Rashed’s 91st-minute spot-kick broke Indian hearts as Bahrain ran out winners despite a solid defensive performance from Stephen Constantine’s team.

In what was a nervy start India replaced the injured Anas Edathodika with Salam Ranjan Singh in the early minutes of the game. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was on his toes as he brilliantly kept out Komail’s shot from outside the box in the 5th minute.

As Bahrain frustrated India by holding on to possession in the opening minutes the Blue Tigers on the other hand missed a good chance to score when Ashique Kuruniyan’s header off Pritam Kotal’s cross was blocked by the opposition defence. Also, Halicharan Nazary’s effort in the 22nd minute hit the side-netting.

Come the half-hour mark and India were passing exquisitely in the Bahrain box! Pronay Halder’s pass found Halicharan on the wings with the latter dribbling and laying off for Sunil Chhetri. Only a last-ditch tackle from a Bahrain defender stopped Chhetri before he could shoot on goal from less than 10 yards out!

Though Bahrain controlled possession the Blue Tigers still defended well with Sandesh Jhingan marshaling the back-line. Also India’s midfielders, who looked compact throughout, rushed to defend at times, thus restricting Bahrain to long-ranged shots.

Tight defending meant that Bahrain could not create problems for India despite raiding the box at times. Skipper Pronay Halder made a crucial goal-line clearance in the dying minutes of the first half to keep Bahrain at bay.

Coach Constantine added more spark in attack as he brought in Jeje Lalpekhlua for Ashique Kuruniyan at the half-way mark. But then it was defence (and not attack) where India did well as Halder and Jhingan frustrated Bahrain.

The duo gave India’s strikers the necessary cover and space to execute attacks. Jhingan also made a crucial sliding tackle in the 60th minute to deny Bahrain a clear goal after a cross from the right flank had gone unchecked.

Udanta Singh also got into the thick of defensive action later and made a sensational tackle in the Indian box to rob Bahrain of possession. Though Singh had earlier been hauled down near the Bahrain box still the resulting free-kick was sent over the bar by Chhetri.

Bahrain had an indirect free-kick inside the box in the 73rd minute (Sandhu had collected a back pass) but then India’s defenders kept the ball out by flinging bodies in the way.

Sandhu also pulled off a world-class save in the 83rd minute to deny Bahrain a goal from a close-range header. The rebound was excellently blocked off by Kotal!

But then it all went to naught as Pronay Halder brought down Hamad Al Shamsan inside the box during the dying minutes of the game .

And as Jamal Rashed converted from the spot…India’s dreams had gone to pieces!

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika (4’ – Salam Ranjan Singh), Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh, Pronay Halder (C), Rowllin Borges, Halicharan Narzary (79’ – Anirudh Thapa), Ashique Kuruniyan (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Sunil Chhetri.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Constantine resigns after India gets knocked out of AFC Asian Cup

Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Aware of progress of Indian football: Dato Windsor John

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Circa 2019 and as India get set to face Bahrain (on the same day!) they stand on the cusp of qualification for the Round of 16 of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup!

If they do achieve that feat then Sunil Chhetri’s team would etch their name in India’s football folklore.

Chhetri — the second-highest goal scorer in international football among active players — had scored India’s second goal against Bahrain in 2011.

The India skipper — now a veteran — would be itching to score against Bahrain on Monday.

“It doesn’t matter who scores as long as we score. It’s a team game. The awareness and interest in football has certainly grown in India. Everyone who is associated with football is responsible for it. But I also want to say that it’s a very small jump which we have taken. We have to keep our heads down and keep working hard,” said Chhetri.

“It was an extremely difficult group back then. We had Australia, South Korea and Bahrain in the group. The only positive, apart from the fact that we played our hearts out was that we scored three goals,” he recalled about the 2011 campaign.

“The one distinct thing I remember was scoring. Renedy’s great dribbling first, and then his fierce shot from 35 yards hit the bar, and dropped. Later on, in the replays, we saw that the ball had gone in. But it wasn’t given. Off Renedy’s rebound, Abhishek Yadav hit the bar too, and as it fell to me, I headed it in,” reminisced Chettri.

“We haven’t achieved anything substantial yet. What I want to achieve is to reach the top 10 in Asia and rub shoulders with the best. For that, we have to improve a lot. The first step starts with a result against Bahrain tomorrow,” he added.

Keeping aside the second-place finish in 1964, this is arguably a memorable campaign for India.

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Chettri are the only two members of this team to have played in 2011.

Gurpreet was on the bench in 2011 thanks to the presence of a certain Subrata ‘Spiderman’ Paul in goal.

“I remember everyone was very calm the before the Bahrain game. We believed that we could get a result from that game. We even managed to score a couple of goals. But unfortunately, we ended up losing,” said Sandhu.

“Eight years down the line we are back in the Asian Cup playing Bahrain again. Things are different, the teams are different. But we are in a better situation,” he added.

As Chhetri and India gave it their all against the best in Asia the youngsters of now had then dreamed of greater things to come.

“I remember I had tears in my eyes that day, and made one of those crazy promises that you make as a kid – I’m going to play for India one day and bring glory. But here I am today, ready to play against them tomorrow,” said central defender Sandesh Jhingan.

“It’s hard to believe, sometimes. Even if God came down and told me to write down my future eight years back, I would not have believed that I would be here, and facing Bahrain on this very day,” he added.

Defender Subhasish Bose, who broke into the India squad six months back, was a youngster when Chettri and co. played in 2011. He had yearned to avenge India’s loss on that fateful night.

“I was watching the Bahrain game with my dad. We were both disappointed on losing the match, but now we have the chance to get our revenge for that defeat,” said Bose.

India play Bahrain in Group A of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. The game will kick-off at 9.30 pm (IST) and will be telecast live on Star Sports 2, 3 and live-streamed on Jio TV.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: Tricky but still very possible! A look at India’s Knockout round chances

Also Read: We need to win against Bahrain: Constantine

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That is what India coach Stephen Constantine has always maintained.

The medical team consisting of Dr. Shervin Shreiff and physiotherapists Gigy George and Pratik Kamble do their bit to ensure that the Blue Tigers recover in time and remain fit.

Gigy who has been with the Blue Tigers since 2011 takes every single day in the India camp as ‘a new challenge.’

“The fitness level of the players has significantly gone up in last a few years. Take for example Jeje Lalpekhlua. Since he first played for India in 2012, he has physically improved,” said Gigy.

“We need to thank the AIFF for providing us with all the modern physiotherapy equipment we have requested. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Machine, Wireless Complex, Recovery Boots, etc, make the recovery process faster and smoother. The introduction of sports science by Danny Deigan (since 2015) and Joel Carter (since 2017) have also yielded results,” he added.

Dr. Shervin Sheriff, who joined the set-up two years ago, said that the AFC Asian Cup is a ‘next-level test’ for the medical team.

“The schedule is decided from prior. We start the day with a morning screening. Depending on the screening results, players are treated as per their requirements. During the training sessions, we track every player and follow the proceedings,” said Sheriff.

Kamble said that he learnt a lot from ‘Gigy-sir’ and added that working with the Blue Tigers was a ‘challenge’.

“The primary challenge of working with the National Team is the time constraint. Before the friendlies, or in a tournament where we’re playing more than 2 games in less than a week, the job is tougher. The decision making and execution has to be apt and accurate,” he concluded.

AIFF MEDIA

Also Read: We need to win against Bahrain: Constantine

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The Blue Tigers next play Bahrain in their last match on January 14. India and Thailand have three points from two games while UAE top the group with four points.

India hit the post twice in the second-half and also muffed two good chances in the first. Despite an early scare the hosts scored through Alhamsi and Ali Mabkhout and finished off the game. India, who went all out in the first-half, could have won if it weren’t for the missed chances.

The Blue Tigers surprised UAE with their intensity in attack as plenty of chances came their way. Sandesh Jhingan’s free header went wide in the eight minute — the first real chance for India. UAE custodian Khalid Bilal later pulled off a world-class save to deny Ashique Kuruniyan from close range.

As skipper Sunil Chhetri’s header off Anirudh Thapa’s cross went straight to Bilal in the 23rd minute — it was the end of India’s attacking jaunt. The home team made India pay for their misses as Alhamsi took advantage of a miscommunication in the visitor’s defence and chipped home from a tight angle in the 40th minute.

India had another good scoring chance (after UAE’s defenders fluffed a routine clearance) but Chhetri could only shoot inches wide from a tight angle. The first-half finished 1-0 in UAE’s favor.

Come the second-half and substitute Jeje Lalpekhlua’s long-ranged chip in the 53rd minute was another missed effort for India. Udanta Singh also went close when his shot rattled the bar in the 55th minute. UAE also had their moments as skipper Alhammadi’s shot rattled the post in the 73rd minute. They did have the last laugh when Ali Mabkhout found the back of the net in the 88th minute.

Late in injury time, Jhingan’s header bounced back off the post as India did try to come back but it was in vain.

INDIA: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Pritam Kotal, Anas Edathodika, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose; Udanta Singh (79’ – Jackichand Singh), Pronay Halder, Anirudh Thapa (70’ – Rowllin Borges), Halicharan Narzary (45’ – Jeje Lalpekhlua), Ashique Kuruniyan, Sunil Chhetri (C).

– AIFF MEDIA

Also Read:

AFC ASIAN CUP: It is an honor to play for India: Chettri

AFC ASIAN CUP: India still have work to do: Constantine

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