Can India Still Qualify for the AFC Asian Cup After Hong Kong Defeat?

Kowloon (Hong Kong), June 11 (NationPress) Despite the heartbreaking 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong, China, India’s head coach Manolo Marquez remains optimistic about securing a spot in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. The match concluded with a 94th-minute penalty by substitute Stefan Pereira, leaving India with merely one point from two matches in Group C. Following Singapore's victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka, Marquez's team is currently at the bottom of the group, yet to score a goal. Only the group winner will progress to the AFC Asian Cup.

Despite the mounting pressure, Marquez expressed, “I still believe that India has chances to qualify. Naturally, we feel disheartened. The dressing room resembles a funeral. But our fight continues.”

The Spanish coach emphasized the need for unity and calmness, as four more group matches await, with the upcoming fixtures being a double-header against Singapore on October 9 and 14. The team aims to qualify for their third consecutive Asian Cup. “This group is quite competitive. Bangladesh, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India can all triumph over one another. We are still in the game. There’s so much to play for.”

The match, witnessed by a boisterous crowd of 42,570 at the newly inaugurated Kai Tak Stadium, was closely contested. Both teams had limited opportunities, and Marquez acknowledged the likelihood of a narrow outcome. “It was a typical match; you lose during tough times. It felt like a game with few chances,” he noted. “The most significant chance was Ashique (Kuruniyan) in the first half, followed by Hong Kong’s clear penalty in injury time.”

After being held to a goalless draw against Bangladesh on Matchday 1, India faced challenges in finding the net again. Following a 0-2 loss to Thailand last week, it marks three consecutive matches without a goal, a trend Marquez finds troubling but manageable.

“Such occurrences happen in football. It's not solely a national team dilemma. You may go several games without scoring, only to net four in the next,” he explained. “We often discuss the necessity for more Indian strikers. However, I can't criticize the players. Their effort, attitude, and strategy were commendable.”

The coach pointed out that his team maintained discipline and structure throughout the match but emphasized the need to develop the mental resilience to finish games effectively, particularly when not at their best. “Sometimes, if a win isn't possible, you must know how to secure a draw,” he said. “We want to win, but we must prevent losses like this, especially in the dying minutes.”

India’s remaining matches include away and home games against Singapore (October 9 and 14, respectively), an away game against Bangladesh (November 18), and a home matchup against Hong Kong, China (March 31, 2026).