Margao (Goa), Oct 14 (NationPress) India surrendered their early advantage, ultimately facing a 1-2 loss to Singapore on Tuesday at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa. This disappointing outcome dashed India's aspirations of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

Lallianzuala Chhangte provided India with a promising start, scoring in the 14th minute. However, Song Uiyoung responded with two goals, one just before halftime and another in the second half, sealing India's fate.

As it stands, India remains with just two points from four matches. Even if they secure victories in their remaining fixtures, a maximum of eight points wouldn't suffice for qualification, as both Singapore and Hong Kong, currently on eight points, are likely to accumulate more.

The home team dominated in terms of possession and displayed aggressive attacking play. Their high-press approach kept Singapore pinned in their half, creating several scoring opportunities through clever play and set-pieces. Nonetheless, their inability to convert chances and defensive lapses at critical moments led to their downfall.

Coach Khalid Jamil emphasized the need for an aggressive start, and the players responded energetically. India's relentless pressing forced Singapore into hurried clearances.

The turning point came in the 14th minute when a nervous pass from Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud resulted in a misclearance under pressure, allowing Chhangte to unleash a spectacular shot that rocketed into the top corner, giving India the lead.

With momentum on their side, India sought to capitalize further. In the 29th minute, Chhangte was instrumental again, receiving a pass from Anwar Ali and dashing past his defender. He squared the ball for Sunil Chhetri, who failed to connect, but Liston Colaco was quick to follow up, only to be thwarted by a crucial goal-line clearance from Baharudin.

On the other hand, Singapore struggled to create open-play opportunities, relying largely on long balls. India's defense managed those with relative ease until a moment of miscalculation just before halftime altered the game’s trajectory.

In the 44th minute, a hopeful cross from Irfan Najeeb should have been cleared, but Rahul Bheke inadvertently redirected it to Glenn Kweh, who found Uiyoung in the box. The midfielder expertly turned and fired a left-footed strike past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, equalizing just before the half.

The second half commenced with India vying for intensity, but disaster struck in the 58th minute. A brilliant move by Singapore unfolded as Shawal Anuar lobbed a clever pass to Ikhsan Fandi, whose timely run sliced through India's defense. Fandi cut the ball back for Anuar, who, despite being surrounded by defenders, spotted Uiyoung unmarked at the far post. With ample time to compose himself, Uiyoung rifled home with a right-footed shot, completing his brace and placing Singapore ahead.

From that point forward, India attempted to regain control, launching multiple attacks through wing crosses, long-range attempts, and intricate plays within the box. However, their efforts were constantly thwarted, as Chhetri, Colaco, Chhangte, and Mahesh Naorem faced relentless resistance from the Singapore defense, which made critical tackles and interceptions, while Mahbud stood firm in goal.