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New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) announced that Goa will host the country's AFC Asian Cup Final round qualifier Group C match against Singapore on October 14.
The federation has confirmed that the crucial qualifying fixture will be held at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
"The Senior Indian Men's National Team will play Singapore twice in the October FIFA International Window, with the first match slated to be held at the National Stadium in Singapore, on October 9. The teams will travel to Goa after the match for the second leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers," AIFF released the statement.
This is the final qualifier for the AFC Asian Cup, which is set to begin from 7 January to 5 February, 2027 in Saudi Arabia. Team India is placed in Group C of the tournament's qualifying Third Round along with Hong Kong, Bangladesh, and Singapore, where every side will take on each other twice in a home-away format.
The Indian team has already played two matches in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and has had a poor start to their campaign, losing 0-1 to Hong Kong and then a goalless draw against Bangladesh. These two games in the coming FIFA window can prove to be do-or-die matches for India, as they are currently in last place with just 1 point from the two games.
The Blue Tigers will aim for 6 points from the two upcoming games against Singapore and jump up in the rankings, as only the group winner will qualify for the Asian Cup 2027. The Indian team is currently competing in the CAFA Nations Cup, an invitational tournament in Tajikistan, facing a few higher-ranked sides to prepare for these crucial matches.
