Daijiworld Media Network - Kowloon (HK-China)
Kowloon (HK-China), Jun 7: As the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong-China approaches, memories of India’s emphatic 4-0 victory over the same opponents in Kolkata three years ago resurface. But for the Indian men’s national team, that triumph belongs to the past.
“Football is not about the past. We won 4-0 in 2022, but that’s history now,” said defender Sandesh Jhingan, acknowledging the challenge posed by a much-improved Hong Kong side. “We know how good a team they are, and how important this game is for us.”
India’s senior men’s team began their training session in Hong Kong on Friday evening at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre in Tseung Kwan O, gearing up for Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
The team is set to continue preparations at the Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground on Saturday and Sunday, followed by an official session at the newly constructed Kai Tak Stadium—a 50,000-seat venue that will host its first competitive match on June 10.
The Blue Tigers, determined to bounce back from a 0-2 loss to Thailand in a preparatory friendly last week, are keeping their spirits high and focusing on the task ahead.
“When we arrived in Hong Kong after the Thailand game, the initial focus was on recovery. But ever since the camp started in Kolkata (May 18), our main focus has been on getting the maximum points against Hong Kong,” Jhingan said.
“It’s all about training well and being mentally and physically ready for the game to get the best result,” he added.
Jhingan stressed that the Thailand defeat highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in both penalty areas.
“We need to be more decisive and clinical at both ends of the pitch—solid at the back and sharp up front,” he said. “A strong defence gives us more chances going forward, and we must also be clinical in attack.”
He added that while the Thailand match revealed both positives and negatives, the team will analyze and build on them.
The Asian Cup clash at Kai Tak Stadium promises to be a crucial fixture, with India determined to set their campaign back on track.