JOVITO LOPES
PANJIM: The Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, will host India’s second-leg AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group C match against Singapore on October 14. The first leg will be played on October 9 at the National Stadium, Kalang, Singapore.
The crucial double-header could go a long way in shaping the fortunes of both teams in the qualification race. At present, Singapore top the group with four points from a win and a draw, while India are bottom with just a single point, having drawn 0-0 with Bangladesh before losing 0-1 to Hong Kong in what was Manolo Marquez’s final match in charge before Khalid Jamil took over. Singapore and Hong Kong, China, have four points each and are placed first and second respectively, with Bangladesh third on one point and India last.
Only the group winners will qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, scheduled from January 7 to February 5, 2027, and featuring 24 teams including the hosts. Hence, the back-to-back meetings against Singapore are crucial for the Blue Tigers. It is a do-or-die situation for India, with every team set to face each other twice in a home-and-away format.
India’s return leg was originally scheduled at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium but has been relocated to Goa. The shift is expected to draw strong local support, with fans hopeful the Blue Tigers can capitalise on home advantage to spark a much-needed resurgence. Whatever the case, India will need to turn things around quickly if they are to keep their hopes alive of reaching the continental showpiece.
For India, who have featured in the last two editions of the tournament, the qualifiers represent a chance to maintain their growing presence on the Asian stage. But the big question among die-hard fans remains: will they rise to the occasion?
The change of venue came at the instance of the AFC. An inspection team flagged several concerns at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, primarily that the pitch was in poor condition and unfit for international football. Operational issues also contributed to the decision: Bengaluru FC, which usually managed the stadium during ISL seasons, has paused operations, leading to a decline in upkeep. In addition, there were problems with exclusive access to the venue, compounded by administrative conflicts between athletics and football authorities affecting its maintenance.
NA Haris, president of the Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA), explained: “The Sree Kanteerava Stadium is used for all sports, including athletics. When a football match is scheduled, we need time to keep the stadium in good condition. This match was suddenly allotted to us. We are very sad that the matches are going somewhere else, but it is not in our control.”
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) was also displeased with the decision but had little choice but to comply. AIFF Vice-President Haris voiced his disappointment: “We are very sad that the match is going somewhere else. Bangaloreans have missed the opportunity for a good football match. So, we are not happy about it. But it was not in our control.”
In the end, Bengaluru’s loss has become Goa’s gain, with fans hoping India can reignite their campaign and secure a place in the prestigious continental championship.
The October 14 encounter will mark India’s 17th senior men’s fixture in Goa and their first since 2017, when they drew 2-2 with Myanmar in Asian Cup qualifying. India have previously faced Singapore in Goa too, winning 1-0 during the 2004 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Overall, India’s record in Goa stands at five wins, five draws and six defeats.