Margao: At the pre-match media interaction, India coach Khalid Jamil used the word “positive” five times, not surprising given his known approach to games. But, quite uncharacteristically, he referenced activating an “attacking mode” right from the start three times. That’s probably the biggest cue of what to expect from India when they face Singapore in a must-win game of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifiers at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday. India drew 1-1 against Singapore with a last-gasp goal away last week. With five points between Jamil’s side and leaders Hong Kong in the group at the halfway stage, the hosts are left with no option but to attack. “It’s our home game. We have to be in an attacking mode from the start,” Jamil said while responding to a query from TOI during the pre-match media interaction. Against Singapore last week, India fought bravely for a 1-1 draw, despite Sandesh Jhingan being sent off two minutes into the second half. Jamil now wants his side to carry the same spirit forward as the teams face off again in Goa. The last time Singapore played here in 2004, they lost by a solitary goal. India started their campaign with a goalless draw against Bangladesh at home in March and then suffered a 0-1 loss against Hong Kong, both under Manolo Marquez. Last week’s draw means India have two points, with Hong Kong (7) on top and Singapore next on five. With Jhingan suspended, Jamil had to summon left-back Subhasish Bose to fill the void in defence, while Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) has been drafted in place of Macarton Nickson, who was handed his national team debut just last week. Both were left out for the away clash. “We required them, especially Subhasish, because we don’t have an extra left-back. Sandesh is out and Apuia I think deserves to be back again because of his experience. I have seen his (recent) game and he was good, so we thought this is the right time to use the players,” said Jamil. Only the top team qualifies for Saudi Arabia 2027, so it won’t be easy for India, who need to win all their remaining three games to give themselves a chance of qualifying. If they turn it around, it will be for a record three editions in a row. Singapore are also chasing their own piece of history, having never played at the AFC Asian Cup before. They were on course for three points after a dominating performance at home against India, only to shoot themselves in the foot in the final minute of regulation time.
