The Indian national football team faces Hong Kong in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier match at the Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon on June 10, 2025, with the starting XI announced and veteran Sunil Chhetri notably benched. The Blue Tigers are aiming to bounce back from a recent 2-0 defeat against Thailand in an international friendly and a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening qualifier.
India, currently ranked 127th by FIFA, is in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, alongside Bangladesh, Singapore, and Hong Kong. All four teams are level on points after Matchday 1, with India and Bangladesh drawing in Shillong, and Hong Kong drawing with Singapore. Only the group winners will automatically qualify for the Asian Cup in 2027, adding significance to this match.
Coach Manolo Marquez has expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating that the team has had about three weeks to prepare in Kolkata, Bangkok, and Hong Kong, and are ready to perform. Center-back Konsham Chinglensana Singh echoed this sentiment, adding that the team is mentally and physically prepared for the game.
The decision to bench Sunil Chhetri is a significant one, with Chhangte taking his place as the No. 9. The starting XI features Vishal Kaith in goal, a back four of Abhishek, Anwar, Jhingan, and Asish, with Apuia and Suresh in midfield. Ashique, Brandon, and Colaco will support Chhangte in attack.
Hong Kong, coached by Ashley Westwood, a familiar face in Indian football, will be looking to make their home advantage count. Westwood has previously coached Indian clubs Bengaluru FC, ATK, and Roundglass Punjab, giving him valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of Indian players. He also coached Afghanistan when they defeated India in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers last year. Hong Kong's starting XI includes Fai in goal, Gerbig, Jones, Pedreira, and Shinichi in defense, Tze Nam and Ming Him in midfield, and Tan Chun Lok, Walter, Rodriguez, and Merkies in attack.
Historically, India holds a slight edge in head-to-head encounters with Hong Kong, winning nine of the 24 matches played between the two sides. Hong Kong has won eight times, and seven matches have ended in draws. However, India's away record in Hong Kong is a cause for concern, with their only win on Hong Kong soil dating back to 1957. The last time these two sides met was in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers in 2022, where India secured a 4-0 victory.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) and will be available for live streaming in India.
