Kowloon (Hong Kong), June 11 (NationPress) India’s head coach Manolo Marquez remains optimistic about securing a spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 despite the India men's football team suffering a tough 0-1 defeat in their away game against Hong Kong, China on Tuesday.

A last-minute penalty, successfully converted by substitute Stefan Pereira, left India with a mere point after two matches in Group C. With Singapore defeating Bangladesh 2-1 in Dhaka, Marquez’s squad currently sits at the bottom of the group with no goals scored. Only the top team from the group will advance to the AFC Asian Cup.

Despite the mounting pressure, Márquez stated, “I still believe that India has opportunities to qualify. We are definitely disheartened. The dressing room feels like a funeral. However, we’re still in the race.”

The Spanish coach emphasized the need for unity and calmness, reminding everyone that there are still four group matches left, including two against Singapore on October 9 and 14, as they strive to qualify for their third consecutive Asian Cup. “This group is very competitive. Bangladesh, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India — any team can win against the other. We are still in contention. There’s much to fight for.”

The match, held in front of a passionate crowd of 42,570 at the newly opened Kai Tak Stadium, was largely balanced. Both teams generated few opportunities, and Márquez acknowledged that the match was likely to be decided by a narrow margin. “It was a standard match; you lose when you’re in a rough patch. I believe it was almost a match devoid of chances,” he remarked. “The clearest opportunity was for Ashique Kuruniyan in the first half, and then one critical moment in stoppage time for Hong Kong. A clear penalty.”

India, who were held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh on Matchday 1, once again found it challenging to score. Following the 0-2 loss to Thailand last week, it marks three matches without a goal for the Blue Tigers, a trend that Márquez recognized as troubling, yet not insurmountable.

“Sometimes, this is just how football goes. It’s not solely a national team concern. You might go five or six matches without scoring, and suddenly, you net four in one game,” he explained. “We often discuss the need for more Indian forwards. However, I cannot point any negativity at the players. Their effort, attitude, and strategy were all commendable.”

The coach underscored that his team managed to maintain discipline and structure throughout the match. Still, he emphasized the importance of cultivating the mental resilience to finish games strongly, even when at their worst. “Sometimes, if you can’t win, it’s crucial to know how to secure a draw,” he said. “We aim to win, but we need to avoid losses like this, particularly in the dying moments.”

India’s upcoming fixtures include matches at home and away against Singapore on October 9 and 14, respectively, away to Bangladesh on November 18, and at home against Hong Kong, China on March 31, 2026.