India Get Subhasish Bose & Apuia Back For Key AFC Asian Cup Match Vs Singapore

Last Updated:October 13, 2025, 17:53 IST

India faces a must-win AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier against Singapore at Fatorda Stadium, boosted by Subhasish Bose and Apuia, after a 1-1 draw left them third in Group C.

Subhasish Bose with the Indian men's football team (AIFF)

The Indian football team’s hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 are precarious as they prepare to host Singapore in a crucial return-leg clash at the Fatorda Stadium on Tuesday.

With victory being essential to keep their slim chances alive, coach Khalid Jamil will welcome the additions of Mohun Bagan Super Giant defender Subhasish Bose and midfielder Lalengmawia ‘Apuia’ Ralte to the squad, providing the Blue Tigers a timely boost ahead of the high-stakes match.

Why Subhasish Bose & Apuia Are In?

With Sandesh Jhingan suspended, the inclusion of Bose and Apuia will significantly strengthen India’s squad. Bose brings leadership and composure to a defence that struggled under pressure in Singapore, providing much-needed experience against fast forwards like Ikhsan Fandi and Shawal Anuar.

Meanwhile, Apuia will bolster the midfield with his ability to control possession and dictate the tempo, ensuring proper coordination between defence and attack. India will also rely on home advantage.

This addition gives coach Jamil tactical flexibility, allowing India to remain more balanced, resilient, and proactive as they chase a must-win result at home.

India’s path in Group C has become precarious following a 1-1 draw in Singapore on October 9.

Rahim Ali’s 90th-minute equaliser rescued a point for a 10-man Indian side after Ikhsan Fandi had put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time.

The result lifted India to third place in the group with just two points from three games, trailing Hong Kong and China, who top the table with seven points, and Singapore, who have five.

Bangladesh remains at the bottom with a solitary point. With only the top team advancing, India’s margin for error has almost disappeared.

For the Blue Tigers to stay in the race, they must win all three remaining matches, hoping that Hong Kong and China earn no more than four points from their last two games, and that they can beat the group leaders by more than one goal in their encounter to top them on head-to-head.

Victory over Singapore in the return leg will be crucial, as it could allow India to finish ahead of the hosts, even if they win their other matches.

A slip-up against Singapore or Hong Kong, coupled with a Bangladesh win over Hong Kong, could effectively end India’s campaign with two games still to play.

The first-leg game in Singapore showcased India’s resilience.

Despite starting brightly, the Blue Tigers fell behind just before half-time when Fandi slotted home after a well-worked move.

The challenge intensified when Jhingan was sent off in the 47th minute for a second yellow card, leaving India to play almost the entire second half with 10 men.

Yet, India held firm, with goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu producing crucial saves to keep the score level.

In the 90th minute, a defensive lapse by Singapore allowed Rahim Ali to score his first-ever goal for India, rescuing a dramatic 1-1 draw and keeping qualification hopes alive.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

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