Top three Indian players to watch out for against Singapore in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers

These upcoming games are do-or-die for the Blue Tigers.

The Indian football team are looking to get their first win in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers when they face Singapore in their upcoming match on Thursday (9 October 2025). The Blue Tigers have only picked up one point from two qualification matches so far and Khalid Jamil is eager to turn around their fortunes in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

However, he will need to rely on some key members of the group to really stand out to enhance his side’s chances of getting an important away win against Singapore. With the Lions currently leading the group, India can turn around their fortunes by winning the matches against them over the course of the October international break.

Jamil has chosen a relatively strong squad from all his best available options. Some players who didn’t feature in the CAFA Nations Cup have been chosen for the upcoming clashes against Singapore, and they can make a difference in the tie. Here, we look at the three Indian players to look out for in the upcoming matches against Singapore.

3. Sahal Abdul Samad

With Mohun Bagan opting to release him for the national camp, Khalid Jamil will now be able to finally use the services of Sahal Abdul Samad for India. The Mohun Bagan midfielder is definitely a unique part of the Blue Tigers’ squad, mostly because of how he brings something different to the fray for his side. Samad is quite a versatile player, capable of operating in multiple roles, which can automatically make him an asset for the gaffer.

He’s coming at the back of a pretty impressive 2025 Durand Cup, where he scored two goals and provided four assists! Samad can be a highly proactive figure in the midfield, who will look to use his high energy levels and pressing prowess to help regain possession in key areas.

Jamil will be hoping that Sahal, who has scored three goals in the international scene so far, can act as a perfect link-up to help amplify the threat of the counter-attacks. Sahal is defensively strong enough to win duels and harass the Singapore players, while his clever link-up play, creativity and eye for goal can make him a dynamic midfield threat for India.

2. Brandon Fernandes

Brandon Fernandes missed out on the CAFA Nations Cup camp and squad, but has now been called back to the India squad because Khalid Jamil needs creativity in the Blue Tigers’ set-up.

The Mumbai City FC midfielder remains arguably the biggest creative threat in the current India squad, with his passing quality and final product almost being unmatched. Brandon has already made 32 appearances for India, in which he’s also bagged nine assists and he’ll be determined to build on that record.

Brandon is likely to feature pretty heavily in the game against Singapore, be it as a starter or an impact substitute. Jamil will need the Mumbai City FC star to be perfect with his crosses and delivery from set pieces to raise India’s threat from those situations. He will also be determined to be smart with his forward passes and create major chances from open play to raise India’s threat and outwit the Singapore players in the upcoming game.

Also Read: India Football Team Rival Watch: Singapore

1. Sunil Chhetri

After enduring major issues in finding an ideal No. 9 option for his side, Khalid Jamil has been forced to bring back the veteran Sunil Chhetri into his squad. The Bengaluru FC forward is still going strong at the age of 40 and remains the biggest goal-scoring threat for the Indian team. With 95 international goals to his name, Chhetri is determined to reach the 100-goal mark before hanging up his shoes.

He will be eager to get back to scoring ways on the international stage in the upcoming game against Singapore. Chhetri will aim to use his clever movement to fool the defenders into losing their rhythm and positioning, which can also open up areas for his teammates to pounce into.

The India skipper will be tasked by Jamil to get at the end of chances and put away goal-scoring opportunities clinically to help India get on top of the game and earn a big win.

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