Football
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Wasteful India succumb to Hong Kong - HIGHLIGHTS
A defensive lapse in the death cost India points away against Hong Kong on Tuesday.
India had beaten Hong Kong 9 times previously in 24 meetings, but when it mattered on the night, they failed to deliver the goods. (Photo credit: AIFF)
The Indian men's football team, after an underwhelming performance last week against Thailand, had a chance to redeem themselves when they took on Hong Kong in a Group C fixture of AFC Asian Cup 2027 Round 3 Qualifiers at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.
India ranked 127th, on paper, were the better side when compared to hosts Hong Kong, who were 153rd on the FIFA rankings.
Both teams came into this fixture with one point apiece. While India were held by Bangladesh, Hong Kong drew Singapore in their respective previous rounds.
With this background, this game on Tuesday proved to be crucial from a qualification standpoint for both sides.
India, on the night, were listless in their approach. They did have chances, but failed to find the back of the net.
And in the death, India handed the game on a platter to Hong Kong by conceding a penalty, which the hosts accepted with gless.
As it happened...
Live Updates
- 10 Jun 2025 2:07 PM GMT
Full-Time | HKG 1 - 0 IND
A visibly distraught skipper Sandesh said he was highly disappointed in a post-match interview with the broadcasters.
"We gave a good account at times. I know my country will be upset, but I'm confident in our boys. We still have four more games. Either we die or we'll never give up," he said.
In the end, it was yet another defeat for the Indian squad.
Coach Manolo Marquez will have plenty of questions to answer now.
He will undoubtedly be under the pump.
India's finishing was lacking once again, and if their performance in the final third was woeful, a dreadful lapse in judgement from keeper Vishal meant that India come away from Hong Kong with no points to show.
And that's all that we have for you from this AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier between Indian and Hong Kong.
Do bookmark thebridge.in for all the updates on Indian sports.
Until next time, good bye from all of us.
- 10 Jun 2025 2:00 PM GMT
Full-Time | HKG 1 - 0 IND
In what was a cagey affair right through the game, both sides had their fair of chances.
India perhaps had the better of the chances and as has been the case for India in the recent past, they failed to capitalize on it.
And then, right at the death, Vishal, the Indian keeper erred with a mistimed challenge that handed a spot kick to the hosts.
The penalty once converted, sealed India's fate.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:57 PM GMT
Full-Time | HKG 1 - 0 IND
The whistle blows and the lower ranked Hong Kong has stunned India.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:52 PM GMT
92' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Penalty for Hong Kong!!
Vishal charges in an attempt to clear the ball, but collides with a Hong Kong forward instead.
He is shown a yellow card as the referee points to spot.
Vishal has blundered here!!
- 10 Jun 2025 1:47 PM GMT
87' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
With just minutes to play, India switching gears now.
They're looking to take short free kicks and they are plenty of through balls to find Chettri.
They're in a hurry to get as many chances in as possible.
But they're running out of time.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:44 PM GMT
83' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Wave after wave of Indian attacks now.
Chettri with a chance in front of goal, his shot is deflected wide.
An Indian header off a corner flies above the cross bar.
India is getting closer with every passing minute, but a goal continues to elude them.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:41 PM GMT
80' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Chettri on the edge of the Hong Kong box.
He receives the ball, holds the defense and sends Liston on the run with a through ball.
Liston with his left boot, shoots wide.
What a chance!!
- 10 Jun 2025 1:38 PM GMT
78' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Free kick for India and Liston tries to do a Ronaldo and fails miserably...he skies it well over the cross bar.
And the local fans cheer in delight!!
That was a rather embarrassing effort from Liston.
