Ahead of home debut, Khalid promises attack from kick-off

In his first match as India head coach at home, Khalid Jamil has promised something he rarely does: attack from the start.

- Dhiman Sarkar

Unless it is a ploy to set Singapore off on a tangent - such mind games are not uncommon on match day minus one media conference. Jamil also said he will ring in changes to the team that started last Thursday's 1-1 draw away.

On five points after three matches, Singapore can afford a draw. Five points less than group leaders Hong Kong and three behind Singapore, India, on two points, cannot as only the group leaders will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup. The best way to end this international window for India would be if Hong Kong and Singapore lose.

“The draw was a good, fair result for us. How we played in the last game with 10, we must continue,” Jamil said here on Monday. “This time we will do it with one extra player. We are playing at home and it will be very good to start in attack mode.”