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 12:19 PM GMT
17' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Liston in a defensive duel on the left flank, he earns a foul much to the dismay of the home fans.
Loud booos in the stadium as the referee points to an Indian freekick.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:16 PM GMT
15' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
A freekick for India from the right flank and the hosts employ a high defensive line and manage to catch Sandesh offside.
Smart play from Hong Kong.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:14 PM GMT
13' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Every time India has possession, loud boooos ring out from the crowd.
They're doing all they can to unsettle the visitors and it has worked so far.
India has had nothing to show in these opening 12 minutes.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:10 PM GMT
9' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
A first corner for India.
India looking for a flick-on at the near post, but the Hong Kong defense is alive and their custodian clears his lines.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:08 PM GMT
6' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
Riding on the back of a vocal home crowd, the hosts have started well.
They're keeping the ball and playing the one and two touches at the back to bring it down the midfield.
India on the other hand, on the defensive in these opening exchanges.
- 10 Jun 2025 12:06 PM GMT
3' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
A first shot on goal for the hosts.
From the edge of the Indian box, the shot goes only marginally above the bar with Vishal rooted to the ground and hoping that the ball sails over the bar. And it did.
That was close!!
- 10 Jun 2025 12:03 PM GMT
1' | HKG 0 - 0 IND
And we're away...
It's a packed house with 50,000 home fans crammed into the stadium and the chanting has already begun.
- 10 Jun 2025 11:52 AM GMT
Both teams are looking for their first win of the qualifiers...
Here's how India line-up on the night.
