In the first half of this vital 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier, both India and Hong Kong had their chances, but neither team was able to score
Even though India is ranked 127th in the world, they are yet to win in this group, with their first match against Bangladesh in Shillong in March ending on a 0-0 draw (Photo: Hans Tse/HKFP)
India's hopes for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup suffered hammer blow on Tuesday with a calamitous 0-1 loss at the hands of 157th-ranked Hong Kong in their second game of the third round of qualification at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon.
India vs Hong Kong at a glance
After Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith stepped out of the goalline and attempted to palm the ball to safety but instead struck Michael Udebuluzor, the referee gave Hong Kong the penalty.
For his injury-time foul, Kaith was also issued a yellow card, while Stefan Pereira (90+4) advanced to execute the spot kick and blasted the ball to Kaith's right.
Although Hong Kong had more possession in the first half, India performed admirably to generate a few opportunities in the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium, which was filled with a sea of red in the stands, despite the overwhelming home support.
However, as has been the case with them lately, the Blue Tigers were once more let down by the absence of finishing in the first 45 minutes.
The Indians came closest to taking advantage of one of the opportunities that came their way before the half-time break in the 35th minute, but Ashique Kuruniyan missed the goal by a wide margin from close range after Liston Colaco ran down the left to give him a nice cross.
Colaco, however, fired a strong long-range strike that went directly into the goalkeeper's gloves after getting medical treatment for his wounds.
As the game drew near halftime, Hong Kong's confidence increased as well. After custodian Kaith was beat, Asish Rai made a timely clearance from the goal-mouth, preventing the home team from seizing the advantage with a free kick.
In the first half of this vital 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier, both India and Hong Kong had their chances, but neither team was able to score.
Path to qualification
Even though India is ranked 127th in the world, they are yet to win in this group, with their first match against Bangladesh in Shillong in March ending on a 0-0 draw.
It should be mentioned that only group winners will be eligible for the competition. India are presently in fourth place in the standings and face a difficult road to qualification.
The Blue Tigers' remaining four games include two against Singapore, one at home against Hong Kong again, and one away game against Bangladesh.
Hong Kong and Singapore are three points ahead of India (if they maintain their 1-0 lead against Bangladesh). India must win all of their remaining games and hope that the outcomes of other matches are in their favor. The 1964 runners-up have little margin for error, despite the fact that they still have a lot to do to qualify.
Remaining fixtures
Singapore (A), October 9, 2025
Singapore (H) - November 14, 2025
Bangladesh (A) - November 18, 2025
Hong Kong (A) – March 31, 2026
India have never competed in three straight editions of the continental showpiece event, but they have the opportunity to do so in 2027. The Sunil Chhetri-led side participated in the 2019 and 2024 editions of the tournament.
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