New Delhi: India signed off their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Qualifiers Final Round Group C campaign with a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong, China on Tuesday.
Playing at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, the hosts secured their only win of the group stage to finish with five points. Despite the result, India fell short of qualification, with Singapore emerging as the group toppers and Hong Kong, China ending three points ahead of India in second place, the-afc.com reported.
India made a dream start in front of the home fans. In just the fourth minute, debutant Ryan Williams found the net after latching onto a precise through ball from Manvir Singh and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Pong Cheuk Hei.
The home side maintained control for much of the first half. Lallianzuala Chhangte came close in the 17th minute, only to be denied by a timely block from Sun Ming Him, while Lalengmawia Apuia’s effort from distance drifted wide minutes later.
Hong Kong, China had a chance to level before the break, but Gurpreet Singh Sandhu comfortably dealt with Wong Wai’s header, ensuring India carried a narrow lead into halftime.
The advantage was extended early in the second half. Akash Mishra doubled the lead in the 51st minute with a sharp finish from a tight angle that flew into the roof of the net.
Hong Kong, China, responded midway through the half. Everton Camargo capitalised on a defensive lapse, slipping past Rahul Bheke and guiding the ball beyond Gurpreet to reduce the deficit in the 65th minute.
India had opportunities to put the game beyond doubt, with substitute Ashique Kuruniyan missing key chances. At the other end, Gurpreet produced crucial saves to deny Jason Kam and Ng Yu Hei as Hong Kong, China pushed for an equaliser.
However, India held firm in the closing stages to secure a hard-fought win, ending their campaign on a positive note despite missing out on progression from Group C.
