Rahul Bheke optimistic about India's preparations for Singapore double header in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Blue Tigers will be in action on October 9 and 14.

India men’s national football team are set to restart their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers journey with two upcoming matches against Singapore at home and away during the October international break. The Blue Tigers will initially travel to Singapore for their first match against them on Thursday (October 9), and it’s a must-win game to keep India’s hopes of making it past the group alive.

Khalid Jamil has worked with a dedicated squad of players in his camp. One of them is the experienced campaigner Rahul Bheke, who is likely to remain an important figure in his lineup. Bheke featured in every game for India at the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup tournament, with his versatility and ability to play in the right-back and centre-back positions making him valuable for Jamil.

“We feel hungry to get a result”

Ahead of the game against Singapore, Rahul Bheke spoke about how the team has been preparing for the qualifier clash and stated, “So far, it’s been good. Everyone is doing their best, and the squad’s morale is high. Everyone is fighting for the spot. This is the most crucial game for us from all four games, and obviously, we will be playing their first game at their home, which won’t be easy. But we are all excited for both games, to make sure we can get the result.”

He also pointed out at how the players have been motivated by the encouraging display at the CAFA Nations Cup recently, claiming: “After our success in the CAFA Nations Cup, after that our morale is high and everyone is fighting for a spot. We feel hungry to get a result.”

Also Read: Ten players dropped from Indian football team squad for Singapore double-header

Ready for Singapore challenge

Finally, when questioned about how it might be for the players to play two back-to-back qualifiers against Singapore in the space of a week, Bheke replied: “It’s the same challenge for Singapore also (to play two back-to-back qualifiers). Of course, it’s important that we look to focus on the two games and then look at the next two games afterward.”

Bheke has made 42 appearances for the India national team in his career so far, scoring three goals and providing an assist in the process as well.

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