Daijiworld Media Network – Hong Kong
Hong Kong, Jun 11: Hong Kong handed a crushing blow to India's AFC Asian Cup qualification dreams with a dramatic 1-0 win at the packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night. The defining moment came deep in stoppage time, as Stefan Pereira converted a penalty to snatch all three points, leaving India languishing at the bottom of the table and in desperate need of a turnaround.
The man orchestrating India’s misery was none other than Ashley Westwood — a name familiar to Indian fans. The former Bengaluru FC coach, who guided the club to historic domestic success, has now beaten the Indian national team twice in his managerial career, the first coming with Afghanistan in 2024. That defeat had led to the sacking of coach Igor Stimac. This latest loss only compounded India’s qualifying woes under the new leadership of coach Manolo Marquez.
Despite maintaining defensive shape for most of the match and creating opportunities on the counter, India’s inability to convert chances proved costly. A golden moment came in the 35th minute when Brandon Fernandes won possession and launched a counterattack. Liston Colaco’s delivery into the box was precise, but Ashique Kuruniyan failed to finish from close range, sending the ball wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. It was a miss that would later haunt the Indian camp.
Coach Marquez’s decision to bench experienced striker Sunil Chhetri and rely instead on pacey wingers raised eyebrows. While the plan showed promise in bursts, the lack of a natural finisher was evident throughout the match. India looked set to walk away with a point, but a rash challenge by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith on Michael Udebuluzor in the dying moments gave Hong Kong the lifeline they were waiting for.
The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation, and Pereira made no mistake in dispatching the penalty, sending the home fans into raptures. Hong Kong now tops the group, while India, goalless across both legs against their opponents, faces a daunting path ahead.
Indian captain Sandesh Jhingan, visibly frustrated after the final whistle, summed up the mood in the camp by stating that the result was deeply disappointing. As questions mount over tactics, selection, and finishing, India’s road to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup looks steeper than ever.
With only group winners assured of qualification, India must now rely not only on perfect performances in upcoming matches but also on results elsewhere going in their favour. For a team that once promised so much under new management, this defeat marks yet another painful chapter in Indian football’s long and unpredictable journey.