AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Wasteful India succumb to Hong Kong - HIGHLIGHTS

73' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

Anwal Ali employs a high-boot in a defensive play.

He goes down, as does a Hong Kong player.

The hosts demand a red card...the referees consults with the linesman.

No card for Ali.

70' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

20' of regulation time left in this game.

Chhangte from the right flank twists and turns to get to the edge of the Hong Kong box and lets fly and long ranger to the far corner.

The Hong Kong keeper parries the ball away.

64' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

Hong Kong on the offensive now.

Rodrigues, for the hosts, picks up a missed defensive Indian pass and from the edge of the Indian box, lets fly a long ranger.

Vishal gets finger tips to the ball to help it over the crossbar.

India heave a sigh of relief!!

63' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

Chhetri leading the offense for India now and employing a high press.

He's looking to draw an error, but there's isn't one coming from the hosts. 

60' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

A corner for India and the intent is to find Chhetri at the near post.

The Hong Kong defense is equal to the task and quick to clear.

There's a spring in the step of the Indians, with Chhetri on the pitch now. 

56' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

There is a small group of Indian fans in the stands.

They're doing their best and ring in a loud cheer as Sunil Chhetri makes his way into the middle to replace Kuruniyan.

54' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

India look a bit more composed in these opening minutes of the 2nd half.

The passing and ball rotation has improved a tad bit, but only a tad bit that is.

The movement and penetration into the final third is still woefully missing. 

50' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

Kuruniyan again with a chance, this time, from the edge of the Hong Kong box.

But he shoots wide of the upright from his left boot.

Two chances for India in front of goal and both have fallen to Kuruniyan. 

47' | HKG 0 - 0 IND

We're away in the 2nd half here and India's first piece of action is a Liston foul.

And he duly picks up a yellow card.

Not the start the India wanted in this 2nd half. 

Half-time | HKG 0 - 0 IND

India's best chance of the first half fell to Ashique Kuruniyan in the the 35th minute.

With just the keeper in front of him and a Liston-pass at his boot, Kuruniyan shot wide of the upright.

Will that missed opportunity came back to haunt India tonight?