'EVERY GAME A FINAL' FOR WOUNDED LIONS

Coach calls on S'pore to use setback from previous match as extra fuel against India

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

After dominating 10-man India at home on Oct 9 only to concede a last-minute equaliser, the Asian Cup qualifier against the same op-

ponents in Goa on Oct 14 has become a must-win for Singapore if they are to keep their fate in their own hands.

With three Group C games remaining after the 1-1 draw, the 158th-ranked Lions are second in Group C with five points from three games, two points behind world No. 146 Hong Kong. India are third with two points, one ahead of bottom-placed Bangladesh.

Only the top team from each of the six groups will join 18 other sides who have qualified for the tournament proper in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

With Hong Kong likely to beat 184th-ranked Bangladesh at home on the same day, Gavin Lee's men need maximum points against 134th-ranked India at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to stay in contention before travelling to Hong Kong on Nov 18.

Interim Lions coach Lee told The Straits Times: "We have been going for three points in previous games, so nothing has changed in terms of our approach. Every game is a final for us.