India, Oct. 14 -- A stunned Sunil Chhetri sat in disbelief. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu hung his head as low as possible as the Indian football team's hopes of making the AFC Asian Cup 2027 were dashed after they lost the return leg home fixture to Singapore 1-2 at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao (Goa) on Tuesday.

Khalid Jamil's men desperately needed a win to keep their slim chances alive in Group C after they drew 1-1 with Singapore in the away fixture. But they failed to hold on to the lead. India stood last in the four-team group with two points in four outings.

India started on a positive note with Lallianzuala Chhangte managing a ripper of a left-footer to put the Blue Tigers ahead in the 14th minute of the outing, but what fol...