The Indian football team will aim to conclude their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on a strong note against Hong Kong China. The match is scheduled for Tuesday at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi, starting at 7:00 PM IST. This encounter marks the first time in a decade that the national team has played at this venue.
Match Background
India enters this fixture at the bottom of Group C. They have secured only two points from five matches, effectively eliminating them from competition for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. The Blue Tigers are the only team in their group yet to record a victory in this qualifying round.
Previous Encounter
In their previous meeting, India lost to Hong Kong China 1-0, conceding a penalty goal in stoppage time. Historically, the teams have faced each other 25 times, with both sides recording nine wins each and seven matches ending in a draw.
Squad Changes and Key Players
Head coach Khalid Jamil has named a 23-member squad for this crucial clash. Notably, Sunil Chhetri, who briefly emerged from retirement, is missing from the lineup. However, Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut after switching allegiance to India, having received FIFA approval.
Current Rankings
- India: 140th in FIFA rankings
- Hong Kong China: 151st in FIFA rankings
Where to Watch
Fans can catch the live stream of the India vs Hong Kong China match on the FanCode app and website. Details for a live television broadcast remain unconfirmed.
India’s Squad for the Match
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith |
| Defenders | Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Roshan Singh Nadrem, Sandesh Jhingan, Rahul Bheke |
| Midfielders | Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad |
| Forwards | Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams |
