The Indian national football team is facing a crisis after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The loss, sealed by a late penalty, has not only jeopardized India's chances of qualifying for the tournament but has also intensified the scrutiny on head coach Manolo Marquez.

Marquez's position is now under immense pressure, with reports suggesting he may request the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to relieve him of his duties. The defeat against Hong Kong, ranked 153rd in the world, has been described as another low point in what has become a worrying trend for Indian football. The team's struggles in front of goal, coupled with questionable tactical decisions, have led to mounting frustration among fans and calls for a change in leadership.

The match against Hong Kong was a closely contested affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. India had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the first half when Ashique Kuruniyan missed an open goal from Liston Colaco's cross. However, the team's lack of cutting edge in attack proved costly, as Hong Kong capitalized on a late error to secure the victory.

Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith's mistimed challenge in injury time resulted in a penalty, which Stefan Pereira calmly converted to give Hong Kong the win. The defeat leaves India with just one point from their first two matches in Group C, placing them in a precarious position in their quest to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.

Marquez's decision to bench veteran striker Sunil Chhetri for the match against Hong Kong has also drawn criticism. Chhetri, who had come out of retirement to help India's struggling attack, was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup, and his absence was felt as the team struggled to find the back of the net.

Adding to the pressure, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has strongly criticized the AIFF for offering the players a USD 50,000 bonus if they had won the game, especially considering that the players often lack basic daily allowances and central contracts. Bhutia has also called for the AIFF president, Kalyan Chaubey, to step down "to save Indian football."

The defeat against Hong Kong marks India's second consecutive loss in competitive matches, further highlighting the team's struggles under Marquez's leadership. Since taking charge in July 2024, Marquez has faced challenges in settling down with the national team, and his tenure has been marred by inconsistent performances and disappointing results.

As India's qualification hopes for the 2027 Asia Cup hang in the balance, the AIFF faces a critical decision regarding Marquez's future. The federation must weigh the option of persisting with a coach whose tactics and selections are under scrutiny against the need for fresh leadership to revitalize the team and salvage their faltering campaign. The coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of Indian football.