It is pretty much last chance saloon for India as they face Singapore at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa on Tuesday. India are in Group C of the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The third round consists of 24 teams – made of the three best-ranked losing teams from the first round of qualifers, 18 third and fourth-placed teams from the second and three winners from the playoff round. The teams have been divided into six groups of four each and the only sides that will qualify for the final tournament from here are the ones that finish top of their respective groups.
India drew 0-0 to Bangladesh in Shillong on March 25 in their first match of the third round, and this was followed by a shock 1-0 defeat away from home to Hong Kong. The 1-1 draw last week against Singapore left them with two points from three matches with one goal and two conceded.
Why India’s qualification is out of their hands
The reason why their qualification is out of their hands is because even if they win all their remaining matches, India can finish with a maximum of 11 points. Hong Kong, on the other hand, can finish on 13 points even if they lose their last qualification match against India on March 31 next year.
Hong Kong: To beat Hong Kong to the top spot, India will need to win all their matches plus hope that Hong Kong drop points in at least two of their remaining three games. If India and Hong Kong finish level on points, then it comes down to the head-to-head results between the two sides. Since Hong Kong beat India 1-0, the latter will have to beat them 2-0 at least in March next year in such a scenario.
Singapore: It is more straightforward if India finish level on points with Singapore. India will have the edge on them in a head-to-head scenario if they win in Goa on Monday.
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
