New Delhi: To win must-win games, defending a lead is as essential as scoring, which explained why Khalid Jamil called up two defensive players for their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore and even started with them, though it didn’t have the desired impact as India lost 2-1 in Margao on Tuesday.

Jamil must have taken notes of India’s struggle to contain the pacy Singaporean attackers in their 1-1 draw away from home five days earlier. With Sandesh Jhingan suspended for diuble bookings, he was forced to bring in left back Subhasish Bose and defendive medio Apuia for the return leg clash.

But his worst fears came true and India failed to protect Lallianzuala Chhangte’s 14th minute strike to kiss goodbye to their slim hopes of qualification for its 2027 edition as they dropped to

See Full Page