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 1:34 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:31 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:26 PM GMT
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!!
- 10 Jun 2025 1:24 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:20 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:16 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:12 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:10 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:06 PM GMT
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.
- 10 Jun 2025 1:00 PM GMT
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?
