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India lost 1–0 to Hong Kong in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier as Stephen Perera fined late after the huge Kath’s mistake.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifier: India lost to Hong Kong (AIFF)
The Indian football team on Tuesday suffered a 1-0 defeat against host Hong Kong in an important 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier match, scoring late goals to Stephen Perera during injury time.
Hong Kong was awarded a penalty after coming out of the line of Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kath and Michael collided with Udebuluzor while trying to clean the ball. Perera (90+4) replaced the spot-kick, put the ball to the right of the cath, which received a yellow card for dishonesty.
AFC Asian Cup Qualifier – India vs Hong Kong: Highlights
Earlier, India’s coach Manolo Markez opted to leave veteran striker Sunil Chhatri out of the early line-up.
Despite the strong domestic support at the newly constructed Kai Tech Stadium, India created several opportunities in the first half, even though Hong Kong enjoyed more occupation. However, the persistent struggles of Blue Tigers with Finishing continued her in the early start during 45 minutes.
The nearest India came to score half a time premature, when Eshik Kurunian missed a close range after a well -distributed cross from Liston Colako to the left.
After receiving treatment for an injury, Colako opened a powerful long -range shot, which was rescued comfortably by the goalkeeper.
As half the progress was made, Hong Kong gained confidence. The domestic side took an lead from almost a free-kick, but after beating the goalkeeper Cath, Ashish Rai made a significant withdrawal.
Both teams had opportunities, but neither could this important 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers break the Deallock fighting tightly in the first half of the qualifier.
The Kurunian, who gave an impressive performance on the flakes, had another chance to open the scoring in the second half, but unable to convert.
Shortly thereafter, coach Manolo Markez introduced India’s all-time leading goal-scorer Sunil Chhatri with Naorem Singh in place of Kurunian and Brandon Fernandes.
India continued to create opportunities in the second half, especially in the 81st minute when Lallinjula Chhangte gave a great cut to the umbrella inside the Hong Kong box, but the experienced strikers failed to join cleaning.
The result represents a blow to India, which entered the match after a goal attraction against Bangladesh in its early Asian Cup qualifying match at home in March.
(With input from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Deputy Editor, Game at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and international football for almost a decade. Played and covered badminton. Writes ocassally on cricket, Kov …Read more
Ritayan Basu, Senior Deputy Editor, Game at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and international football for almost a decade. Played and covered badminton. Writes ocassally on cricket, Kov … Read more
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