What Memories Does Gawali Have from India's Last Visit to Hong Kong?

Kowloon, June 6 (NationPress) The Indian senior men's football team has made its return to Hong Kong after a gap of 16 years. Previously, in 2009, they faced the hosts in a friendly match, and on June 10, 2025, the two teams will meet again for a significant 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier.

Among the players, Sunil Chhetri stands out as the sole veteran who has previously played in Hong Kong for the Blue Tigers. Assistant coach Mahesh Gawali, who contributed an assist during India’s 1-2 defeat in that 2009 match, reminisced about the encounter that followed India’s historic qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2011, achieved by winning the AFC Challenge Cup 2008.

In that match, Hong Kong took the lead in the 70th minute, but Bhaichung Bhutia equalized in the 80th, only for the hosts to clinch victory with a last-minute goal.

“We were down 0-1, and it was a closely contested match overall. The game was flowing well. I came on as a substitute playing left-back. We pushed for a goal, and from the halfway line, I sent a long ball forward, which Bhaichung converted. It was unfortunate that we conceded late,” Gawali recounted.

“The stadium had a lively crowd, and it was heartening to see Indian supporters so far from home. Under Bob Houghton, we were performing well,” Gawali mentioned, recalling another friendly in Hong Kong in 2006 that ended in a 2-2 draw under coach Syed Nayeemuddin.

After watching the Hong Kong-Nepal match at the same stadium, Gawali observed, “Hong Kong is an improving team. However, Nepal defended exceptionally well and limited their chances. We previously triumphed over Hong Kong in Kolkata qualifiers, but their current squad features many naturalized players.”

“We need to build on the positives from our match against Thailand while minimizing errors. We created several clear opportunities that we couldn’t capitalize on. The players recognize their mistakes and are keen to rectify them. I firmly believe we can achieve a better outcome here due to the favorable team environment,” stated the 45-year-old.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Manolo Marquez and his coaching team immediately went to the Hong Kong Stadium, where the hosts faced Nepal in a preparatory friendly, which ended in a goalless draw.

India, who lost 0-2 to Thailand in their recent friendly, will conduct their first training session in Hong Kong on Friday evening at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O.

Another member of Marquez's coaching team, Marc Gamon, the goalkeeping coach, previously spent two years in Hong Kong with Southern District in the Hong Kong Premier League from 2018 to 2020. He discussed the emerging trend of naturalized players in the Hong Kong national team.

“While I was in Hong Kong, there were few foreign-born players in the national squad. After residing here for seven years, you can acquire a Hong Kong passport. Consequently, more foreign players are keen to stay in the league to gain nationality, allowing them to play as locals, as clubs can only field six foreigners,” explained the Spaniard.

“Most of these players are Brazilian and Spanish. One Brazilian from the current national team, Stefan Pereira, was part of my club, Southern. A Spanish forward, Manolo Bleda from Valencia, who I faced years ago, received his Hong Kong passport and debuted against Nepal yesterday,” Gamon shared.

“In terms of spectator interest, horse riding is the top sport in Hong Kong, but football is the most popular team sport, garnering considerable support for the national team,” Gamon remarked.

“The football culture here is incredible. While league matches may not attract large crowds, national team games see decent attendance. Fans are incredibly patriotic and cheer passionately for 90 minutes. With a significant Indian presence in Hong Kong, we expect to have support as well. The atmosphere on Tuesday will be fantastic,” Gamon concluded.