Singapore on top; India linger at bottom after HongKong loss in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Round 3 Group C standings

India are at the bottom of their group with just one point in two qualifier games.

The Indian national football team are in contention to qualify for their third consecutive AFC Asian Cup tournament. Competing against Singapore, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong in round three of the qualifiers, the Blue Tigers need to step up as only the best team will qualify from the group.

India have had a rough start to their qualification campaign so far. Manolo Marquez’s side drew against Bangladesh earlier this year. While Sunil Chhetri and company had a few good chances, they failed to convert them as both teams did not find the back of the net.

Last night’s fixture against Hong Kong in Kowloon was another hard-fought contest where India again failed to convert gilt-edged chances. The Dragons made the most of a late penalty in second-half injury time as they beat the Blue Tigers 1-0, handing them their first loss of their campaign.

AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group C standings Round 3 qualifiers

India occupy the fourth spot in the group, having picked up one point in two games. They have failed to score a single goal despite having a host of good chances. Headcoach Manolo Marquez has also come forward and stated that his side are finding it tough to convert chances.

The Bangladesh football team also have one point from their two qualifier games. They are currently third in Group C as they have a better GF (Goals scored in the competition) than the Blue Tigers.

Singapore and Hong Kong occupy the first and the second spots in the group, respectively, after picking up wins in matchday 2. The Lions have scored more goals so far, hence they find themselves ranked above Hong Kong despite being level on four points apiece.

How can India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027?

Winning Group C of the round 3 qualifiers is the only way that the Indian football team can qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. While the current SAFF champions were the favourites on paper, they have had a horrendous start to their campaign.

However, the only positive for India would be that they still have their destiny in their own hands. The Blue Tigers will play both home and away fixtures against Singapore in October before travelling away to Bangladesh in November. India will end their qualification campaign with a home game against Hong Kong in March 2026.

Manolo Marquez is expected to step down from his position as head coach. Hence, the Indian football team will have a new manager come the double header against Singapore in October. Picking up all six points against the 161st-ranked nation will surely give a significant boost to India’s chances.

The Blue Tigers cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to play in Saudi Arabia come 2027. Finding a solution for their goal drought will be the primary concern as India look to make a comeback in the coming months.

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