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 12:51 PM GMT
Half-time | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Nothing on the score board at the end of this first half.
Two shots on goal for both sides but the back of the net is yet to be found.
There's been plenty of mid-field action in this first half with the hosts seeing most the ball.
Clearly, Hong Kong has had the better chances so far.
India has had to stay alert on the defensive live owing to slick passing that has resulted in swift offensive moves.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:46 PM GMT
43' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
A corner for Hong Kong, but the Indian defense is equal to the task.
Huge appeals for hand ball from the hosts just a moment ago when Anwar Ali was struck on the arm inside his own box during a defensive play.
No penalty, said the referee, amidst huge appeals from the players and the fans.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:42 PM GMT
42' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
A yellow-card from Fernandes.
India frustrated in defense with wave after wave of offensive plays from the hosts.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:39 PM GMT
36' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Ashique Kuruniyan misses a sitter in front of goal.
Liston, from the left flanks, sends one right in front of the Hong Kong goal and with just the keeper to beat at point blank range, Kuruniyan, with his left boot, shoots wide of the upright.
What a miss that!!
- 10 Jun 2025 12:35 PM GMT
33' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Hong Kong has been good at building moves from inside their own half.
Every time they get possession, they are happy building from the back and from inside their own half.
It's worked for them thus far.
India, on the other hand, having to rely purely on counters.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:32 PM GMT
30' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Hong Kong was almost through there, but Anwar Ali was equal to the task.
A sharp Hong Kong attack thwarted there.
The hosts have been good with their one-touch passing in the Indian final third. Its caused India some headaches so far.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:30 PM GMT
28' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
India is up against 11 in red on the pitch and 50,000 screaming fans in the stands.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:28 PM GMT
26' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Liston puts the Hong Kong keeper to work with a long range shot.
That was India's first shot on goal and it has taken them 26'.
The keeper saw it all the way through and was untroubled though.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:24 PM GMT
22' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
A corner for India.
An Indian interception and a through ball on the right flank earns them a corner.
A good defensive header and Hong Kong manage to clear.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:22 PM GMT
20' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Plenty of turnovers in the midfield so far.
The Indians are able to intercept and execute turnovers, but their passing in the final third on the offensive is letting them down once again.
