Subhasish Bose, the experienced Indian defender, is setting his sights on the upcoming crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong. With the match scheduled for June 10 in Kowloon City, Hong Kong, Bose emphasizes the need to learn from past errors and ensure a more polished performance. India, currently ranked 127th in the FIFA rankings, finds itself in Group C alongside Hong Kong (156th), Singapore (161st), and Bangladesh (185th).
The Blue Tigers' campaign began with a disappointing goalless draw against Bangladesh in March. Bose acknowledges the setback, stating that while the team missed key players, it wasn't an excuse for their performance. He stressed the importance of recognizing the difficulty of the upcoming game in Hong Kong and utilizing the available time to prepare, become competitive, and strive for a win to secure three crucial points.
Adding to the complexity, Singapore and Hong Kong also played out a 0-0 draw, leaving all four teams level on points after the first matchday. Coach Manolo Marquez expressed his view that every team in the group is capable of beating each other, essentially making it a fresh start with five games remaining.
India's recent form has been a mixed bag. While they secured a 3-0 friendly win against the Maldives, Marquez admitted that the team's progress had stagnated in the previous FIFA window. The match against Hong Kong is particularly significant, as India, being the highest-ranked team in the group, are theoretically expected to win.
Bose, who was recently named the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Men's Player of the Year, highlights the importance of team unity and a shared mentality. He believes that if every player approaches the game with the same attitude and mindset, they can adapt to the coach's plans more effectively. Overcoming the disappointment of the draw against Bangladesh hinges on collective effort and minimizing mistakes.
Looking ahead, Bose expressed confidence in the team's attacking prowess, especially with the return of veteran Sunil Chhetri. He hopes the team can find the back of the net in the upcoming matches. Before heading to Hong Kong, India will play a friendly against Thailand on June 4 in Pathum Thani.
The significance of the match in Hong Kong is amplified by the fact that only the group winner will automatically qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. Hong Kong, under coach Ashley Westwood, will be a tough opponent, especially playing at home. A victory against Hong Kong would provide a significant boost to India's chances of topping Group C.
Historically, India and Hong Kong have a competitive rivalry. Out of 5 games played since 2006, Hong Kong has won 2, India has won 1, and 2 matches have ended in a draw. The last time these two teams met was in the AFC Asian Cup in 2022 where India won.
Bose's leadership and experience will be vital as India navigates this challenging qualifying campaign. His emphasis on minimizing errors, playing as a cohesive unit, and maintaining a positive mentality reflects the team's determination to secure a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027. As the match approaches, all eyes will be on the Blue Tigers to see if they can deliver a strong performance and take a step closer to their goal.
