Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers saw a night of high drama on Thursday, October 9, as a resilient 10-man India forced a draw against Singapore, while Hong Kong emerged victorious in a goal-fest against Bangladesh.
Singapore 1-1 India: Rahim Ali Rescues the Blue Tigers
In the day’s first match at the National Stadium in Kallang, India fought back against the odds to secure a vital 1-1 draw against hosts Singapore. Singapore took a deserved lead just before halftime when Ikhsan Fandi capitalised on a defensive mix-up to score in first-half stoppage time. The task became even steeper for the visitors just two minutes into the second half when star defender Sandesh Jhingan was shown a red card for a second bookable offence, reducing India to ten men for the majority of the period.
Despite controlling the game and creating numerous chances, the Lions failed to extend their advantage, thanks in part to some crucial saves from Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Their failure to kill the game proved costly. In the 90th minute, a defensive blunder from a Singaporean defender allowed Indian substitute Rahim Ali to pounce on the loose ball, round the goalkeeper, and calmly slot home his first-ever international goal, snatching a crucial point for the Blue Tigers.
The draw leaves India’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, but the heroic late equaliser will provide a significant morale boost ahead of the reverse fixture.
Bangladesh 3-4 Hong Kong: High-Scoring Thriller
In the later kick-off, Hong Kong edged out Bangladesh in a wildly entertaining seven-goal encounter, winning 4-3. The match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka was an intense, back-and-forth contest, seeing both teams trade blows throughout the 90 minutes. While Hong Kong ultimately secured the win and the three points, the result highlighted the attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities of both sides.
The victory consolidates Hong Kong’s position near the top of the group, while Bangladesh will be disappointed to lose out on a point after scoring three goals at home.
