India ended their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round Group C journey with a 2-1 win over Hong Kong, China on Tuesday.
The victory at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium gave India their first win and took them to five points while Hong Kong, China finished three ahead in second place, with Singapore taking the sole qualifying spot in the group.
India had the home crowd on their feet in the fourth minute when Ryan Williams, making his international debut, received an inch-perfect pass from Manvir Singh and slid the ball beyond custodian Pong Cheuk Hei.
The hosts continued to dominate, with Lallianzuala Chhangte’s strike in the 17th minute thwarted by defender Sun Ming Him and Lalengmawia Apuia shooting wide from the edge of the box eight minutes later.
Hong Kong, China’s attempts at an equaliser saw midfielder Wong Wai’s header off a pass from Everton Camargo easily handled by India keeper Gurpreet Singh in the 41st minute, with the South Asia side going into the break holding on to their slender lead.
India doubled their advantage six minutes into the restart through Akash Mishra, who slammed home from a narrow angle into the top of the net.
Hong Kong, China, however, pulled themselves back into the tie in the 65th minute when Camargo ran in from behind defender Rahul Bheke and poked the ball beyond the advancing Gurpreet.
Substitute Ashique Kuruniyan missed opportunities to restore India’s two-goal cushion while Gurpreet made saves from Jason Kam and Ng Yu Hei as Hong Kong, China looked for the equaliser but the scoreline remained unchanged as India held on for their first win.
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