India U20 Football Team Beat Singapore 3-0 in Friendly Ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The India U20 men's football team began their preparations for the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers with a convincing 3-0 victory over Singapore in the first of two practice matches played behind closed doors (without spectators) at the Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday.

The Blue Colts dominated proceedings and secured the win through goals from Rishi Singh Ningthoukhongjam, Singamayum Shami, and an own goal from Singapore. Rishi opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time (45+2’), giving India a crucial lead before the break.

India continued their attacking momentum after the restart, with Singamayum Shami doubling the advantage in the 63rd minute. The hosts sealed the result in the 83rd minute when a Singapore player inadvertently scored an own goal.

The friendly was part of India’s build-up for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Uzbekistan from August 31 to September 6. The matches are expected to provide valuable match practice and help the coaching staff assess player combinations ahead of the continental qualification campaign.

India and Singapore will face each other again in the second closed-door friendly on Thursday, as the Blue Colts continue their preparations for the crucial qualifiers.