KOWLOON, HONG KONG: The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as India and Hong Kong lock horns on June 10 in what promises to be the most electrifying clash of Group C in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers. Both teams, sitting as the top two ranked sides in their group, are desperate to clinch their first victory of the campaign and take a giant leap toward qualification.
India, placed in Pot 1 and ranked 127th globally, stumbled out of the gates with a disappointing draw against Bangladesh in March. Meanwhile, Hong Kong, hailing from Pot 2 and ranked 153rd, couldn’t do better than a stalemate against Singapore. After the opening matchday, the group remains wide open, with every point now priceless.
For Hong Kong, this match is more than just a qualifier—it’s a historic moment. The game marks the inaugural football match at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium, a crown jewel of the Kai Tak Sports Park. Boasting a retractable roof and built on the site of Hong Kong’s former airport at a staggering cost of HK$30 billion, this 50,000-seater arena is a marvel of modern engineering. With its flexible pitch system, it’s poised to become a hub for sports and entertainment in the region.
This encounter will be the 25th meeting between India and Hong Kong since their first clash in 1951. India narrowly leads the head-to-head record with nine wins to Hong Kong’s eight, while seven matches have ended in draws. However, the Blue Tigers have only managed one victory on Hong Kong soil—a 2-1 friendly win way back in 1957.
The memories of their last encounter in 2022 still linger—a resounding 4-0 victory for India in a rain-soaked Asian Cup qualifier in Kolkata. But defender Sandesh Jhingan is quick to dismiss complacency. “That was then,” he said. “Hong Kong have undergone significant changes since—a new coach, new players, and a renewed spirit. It’s going to be a tough battle, and we’re preparing meticulously to ensure we walk away with maximum points.”
Since August 2024, Hong Kong has been under the guidance of Ashley Westwood, a name well-known in Indian football circles. The Englishman had successful stints with Bengaluru FC, ATK, and RoundGlass Punjab FC, and even led Afghanistan to a victory over India in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers last year. Under Westwood, Hong Kong has lost just once in 12 matches—a narrow 0-1 defeat to Liechtenstein in a friendly.
Lallianzuala Chhangte, India’s dynamic winger, knows the challenges that lie ahead. “Hong Kong is a solid defensive unit, and their counter-attacks can be deadly,” he said. “We’re aware of their strengths, but we have a plan. If we bring the right mindset and hunger, we can come out on top.”
Hong Kong’s squad has also seen a significant overhaul, with several naturalised and foreign-born players joining the ranks. Among them are Brazilian-born forwards Juninho and Stefan Pereira, midfielder Fernando, and defender Dudu. Spain-born forward Manolo Bleda and Japan-born midfielder Sohgo Ichikawa have also recently made their debuts.
Experience remains a key asset for Hong Kong, with goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai boasting over 100 caps. Defenders Sun Ming Him, Yue Tze Nam, and Tsui Wang Kit, all plying their trade in the Chinese Super League, add solidity to the backline. The majority of the squad, however, plays domestically in the Hong Kong Premier League, representing clubs like Kitchee SC, Southern District, and champions Tai Po FC.
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