Is India Prepared for the Crucial Asian Cup Qualifier Against Hong Kong?

Kowloon, June 9 (NationPress) India is set to face Hong Kong, China on Matchday 2 in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon.

The Group C standings are currently even, with all four teams holding a point after both matches on Matchday 1 on March 25 ended in draws. India and Bangladesh played to a stalemate in Shillong, while Hong Kong managed a draw away against Singapore. Only the group winners will earn a spot in the Asian Cup in 2027. India, having qualified for two consecutive Asian Cups for the first time in 2023, is determined to extend this remarkable run. Meanwhile, Hong Kong also participated in the last tournament, but with just one slot available, one of the teams will inevitably be left out.

India's head coach, Manolo Márquez, expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming match against Hong Kong.

“Our preparations have significantly improved compared to previous FIFA windows, where time was limited. We had approximately three weeks to get ready, with training sessions in Kolkata, Bangkok, and here in Hong Kong. We are fully prepared to perform. Nothing extraordinary,” stated Márquez.

“The atmosphere within the team is quite positive. Naturally, the morale is higher when teams win regularly. However, the relationships among players remain strong, regardless of the outcomes,” he added.

India's centre-back, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, echoed the coach's sentiments: “We are well-prepared for the match following three weeks in the camp. We are mentally and physically ready for the game,” he remarked.

Despite recent challenges, the Blue Tigers have had mixed results in their three matches of 2025, with one win, one draw, and a loss to Thailand last week. However, Márquez remains unfazed by the 0-2 defeat.

“Most coaches do not stress over friendly match scores. Our focus is entirely on the critical match against Hong Kong,” he said. “People often discuss the score against Thailand, but if we converted our chances, the result could have been different. That’s football for you.”

This match will mark the inaugural football event at the newly constructed 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium. Reports indicate that tickets are sold out, promising a packed venue on Tuesday. The stadium features a retractable roof that will remain closed during the match. On Monday, the Blue Tigers conducted an official training session at the stadium to acclimatize to the environment.

“We will strive to enjoy the atmosphere in this stadium. I can't guarantee it will be completely full, but a large crowd is expected. It will be a memorable event, but our priority is securing a victory,” Márquez stated.

Hong Kong's head coach, Ashley Westwood, has a history with Indian football, having managed clubs like Bengaluru FC, ATK, and Punjab FC before taking on international coaching roles, first in Afghanistan and now in Hong Kong.

Westwood praised the progress of Indian football over the years. “When I visited India in 2013, the transformation is astounding. I know their coach well and have followed the ISL. He’s a good coach, consistently preparing his players effectively.”

“The team spirit is strong, and everyone gets along well. We are looking forward to the match,” he added.

Hong Kong midfielder Ngan Cheuk Pan emphasized the need for his team to concentrate on their performance in the upcoming clash against India. “We are adhering to the tactics set by our coach and focusing on ways to enhance our performance,” he said.

India and Hong Kong have faced each other 24 times; the Blue Tigers have emerged victorious in nine encounters, while the hosts have claimed eight wins, with seven matches ending in draws.