Daijiworld Media Network - Singapore

Singapore, Oct 9: A dramatic 90th-minute equaliser from substitute Rahim Ali salvaged a crucial point for India in a tense 1-1 draw against Singapore in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers clash at the National Stadium in Kallang on Thursday.

India, reduced to ten men early in the second half, battled against the odds to secure a hard-fought result. The draw moved them to third in the group with two points from three games, while Singapore remained at the top with five.

The match swung on two pivotal moments: a clinical finish by Singapore’s Ikhsan Fandi just before half-time and Rahim Ali’s late poacher’s strike that stunned the home crowd. Fandi, who has been a consistent thorn in India’s side, found the net once again after a smooth one-two with Shawal Anuar in first-half stoppage time. His low shot beat Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to give Singapore a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

India’s hopes took a major hit two minutes after the restart when experienced defender Sandesh Jhingan received a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge, leaving the visitors with ten men and facing relentless pressure from a confident Singapore side.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, India reorganised defensively and held firm. Singapore failed to convert their dominance into a second goal, allowing India to stay in the contest. As time ticked down, the hosts became increasingly complacent, and it cost them dearly.

Capitalising on a poor back pass from goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, Rahim Ali latched onto the loose ball and calmly finished into an empty net to level the score in the final minute of regular time. It marked the 23-year-old's first senior goal for the national team and came at a pivotal moment in India’s qualification journey.

The result keeps India’s hopes alive in Group C, setting the stage for a high-stakes return fixture on October 14 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.