The Hong Kong football team is gearing up to face India in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier on June 10, 2025, with the aim of securing a coveted spot in the finals in Saudi Arabia. The match marks India's return to Hong Kong after 16 years, their last appearance being a friendly in 2009.
Adding intrigue to the encounter is Ashley Westwood, the coach of the Hong Kong side, whose extensive knowledge of Indian football could prove to be a decisive advantage. Westwood previously coached Bengaluru FC from 2013 to 2016, transforming them into a top club in India. He also had a stint coaching Roundglass Punjab FC and the Afghanistan national team. Since taking over as Hong Kong's coach in August 2024, Westwood has significantly improved the team's performance, leading them to win seven out of ten competitive matches.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the match, the Hong Kong Football Association has kept the venue "to be confirmed" on its website. The Asian Football Confederation had initially listed the newly built 50,000-seat Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium as the venue, but this has yet to be officially confirmed by local authorities. Westwood has expressed his desire to play at Kai Tak Stadium, believing that a "bigger crowd and bigger stadium" would inspire his players.
Hong Kong enters the match following a goalless draw against Nepal in a friendly on June 5, extending their unbeaten run in international competition to nine matches. However, the match came at a cost, with striker Michael Udebuluzor suffering a leg injury that could potentially rule him out of the crucial qualifier against India. India, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to Thailand in a friendly. They also drew their opening qualifier against Bangladesh 0-0.
Historically, India has dominated the head-to-head record against Hong Kong, winning eight out of 15 matches, while Hong Kong has won four, and three have ended in a draw. However, the most recent encounter between the two sides was a friendly in 2009, which Hong Kong won 2-1. Sunil Chhetri is the only player in the current Indian squad who played in that match.
Both teams are in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Final Round qualifiers, along with Bangladesh and Singapore. With the first two matches in the group ending in draws, all four teams are currently tied with one point each, making the upcoming clash between Hong Kong and India all the more important.
The Indian team has been preparing for the match in Hong Kong, with their first training session held at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O. Head coach Manolo Marquez has trimmed his squad to 25 players for the qualifier, releasing Hrithik Tiwari, Mehtab Singh, and Subhasish Bose after the friendly against Thailand.
As the two teams prepare to face off, the match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides eager to secure a vital win in their quest for a place in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
