Kowloon (Hong Kong): A heartbreaking 94th-minute penalty condemned India to a narrow 0-1 defeat against Hong Kong, China, in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round clash at a packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.
In front of a vociferous crowd of 42,570, substitute Stefan Pereira coolly slotted home a stoppage-time penalty after Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was adjudged to have fouled Hong Kong forward Michael Udebuluzor while attempting a clearance.
The result left India bottom of Group C with just one point from two matches, while Singapore topped the group after a 2-1 win over Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Match Summary:
The brand-new Kai Tak Stadium hosted its first-ever football match in an electrifying atmosphere. The home side came out with energy and aggression, seeking to make an early impression. But despite dominating possession, they struggled to break through India’s disciplined defence, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali.
Vishal Kaith, who was solid for most of the game, dealt well with Hong Kong’s long-range efforts. India, meanwhile, relied on swift counter-attacks, with Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Ashique Kuruniyan posing threats.
India’s best first-half chance fell to Kuruniyan in the 35th minute, but his shot from Colaco’s cross flew over the bar. Hong Kong nearly capitalised on a free-kick six minutes later, but Kaith saved brilliantly to deny Oliver Gerbig.
India looked sharper after the break, with Kuruniyan firing another shot wide. Coach Manolo Marquez brought on veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who injected creativity and almost broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute, but his shot was blocked inside the box.
As the clock ticked toward full-time, a long ball into India’s area led to the decisive moment—Kaith’s misjudged clearance resulted in the late penalty, which Pereira calmly converted to hand Hong Kong a dramatic victory.
Group C Standings (After Matchday 2):
- Singapore – 4 points
- Hong Kong, China – 4 points
- Bangladesh – 1 point
- India – 1 point
What’s Next:
India will face Singapore in a crucial fixture this October, a must-win to revive hopes of progressing in the qualifiers.