New Delhi: 127th-ranked India suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against the 153rd-ranked Hong Kong as their campaign in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers took a disastrous turn on Tuesday, June 10. An injury-time penalty by Stefan Pereira after a shambolic error from Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith sealed Hong Kong’s victory in the game at the newly built Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong.
India had their chances across both halves in the game, but were wasteful in front of the goal as they failed to break the deadlock. The match seemed destined for a goalless draw, and head coach Manolo Marquez too seemed to have accepted sharing the points when he brought on defender Rahul Bheke in place of forward Lallianzuala Chhangte in added time.
However, an error from keeper Kaith proved costly as Pereira converted from the spot in the 94th minute to help Hong Kong snatch a last-grasp victory. Kaith, who came out of his line trying to punch a ball away to safety, ended up hitting Michael Udebuluzor in the process and conceded a penalty as the referee flashed a yellow card to the Indian keeper.
Pereira then stepped in to convert from the spot, sparking jubilation among the home fans inside a packed Kai-Tak Stadium. While Hong Kong moved to the second spot of Group C in Asian Cup qualifiers with the win, India hit rock bottom with only a point to show for from their goalless draw against Bangladesh at home in March.
Fans bash Indian football after Hong Kong defeat:
Indian fans bashed the Sandesh Jhingan-led Indian football team after their shock defeat against Hong Kong. While the fans rightfully questioned Marquez’s tactics and decisions that backfired spectacularly in the game, they also slammed the players for their poor show.
India missed multiple chances in the game, including a golden opportunity in the 35th minute when winger Aashique Kuruniyan failed to put the ball into the back of the net despite being in a one-on-one situation inside the Hong Kong box. Liston Colaco also fired a left-footed shot off the mark from a close distance, while veteran striker Sunil Chhetri also missed an opportunity in the second half.
Questions are being raised over Marquez’s future with the Indian team as the Blue Tigers are yet to win a competitive game under the head coach, who was roped in by the AIFF in July last year. However, as revealed previously by News9, Marquez has already informed the AIFF about his decision to leave the head coach post. The Hong Kong clash was his last in charge of the Indian team. The Spanish manager will continue to coach FC Goa in the ISL.
Here’s how Indian fans reacted after Hong Kong defeat:
India should take a break from international football. https://t.co/RNZruBzD7k
— IndianFootball_History (@IndianfootballH) June 10, 2025
Kalyan Chaubey has destroyed #IndianFootball completely. Hitting new lows in every match. It’s the lowest phase in history. And these players don’t deserve to represent India. Don’t have any technical ability. They don’t have the hunger and passion for nation.#HKGIND
— Rakesh Dash (@rakeshdash_) June 10, 2025
Three 1v1 chances missed by three different so called best Indian players I haven’t seen this type of disgracing performance by any other team
Someone said Football isn’t made for Indians its true, now lets cry about OCI players
— Ashraf ✪ (@Ashraf_FCG) June 10, 2025
this is disgrace and embarassing, hope FIFA bans Indian Football Team again, there is no point of letting them play and get humiliated each and everytime. This team is totally finished with no redemption in sight!!!
— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) June 10, 2025
Perhaps for Indian football matches we can request FIFA to colour the goal post brighter so that our players can see where they have to target the ball towards?
— Akshata Shukla (@shukla_akshata) June 10, 2025
INDIAN FOOTBALL IS HOPELESS! NO MORE HOPE IN AIFF!
— ISL & I-League Transfer News (@indiantransfer) June 10, 2025
Indian football recorded its last win against the Maldives in an international friendly back in March this year. Marquez’s men have been winless in their last three matches, including defeats against Thailand and Hong Kong. AIFF had announced a USD 50,000 bonus for the Indian team had they beaten Thailand on Tuesday, but that didn’t seem enough to get the best out of them.
Indian football team’s disastrous run continued as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the third round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Indian players were bashed online after yet another dismal show. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
