India, Oct. 9 -- Rahim Ali being alert with stoppage-time beckoning and the journey in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers looking like a walk through quicksand was the only highlight of India's frontline play in Singapore on Thursday. One that fetched a point which looked improbable for most of the evening after Sandesh Jhingan's red card left India with 10 from the 47th minute.

A clearer indication whether Ali's first international goal in the 1-1 draw is the stroke of luck India need to revive their campaign for Saudi Arabia may come five days from now when the teams meet in Goa. "The result gives us belief and now we play at home," said India head coach Khalid Jamil.

Jordan Emaviwe's backpass to goalie Izwan Mahbud was slower than it shou...