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India will face Hong Kong, China on 10 June 2025 in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 as Manolo Marquez is confident after good preparations.
Indian men’s football team head coach Manolo Marquez (AIFF)
India will face Hong Kong, China on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, in Matchday 2 of Group C in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round at Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon.
The Group C standings currently show all four teams level on one point each, after both games on Matchday 1 on 25 March ended in goalless draws. India drew with Bangladesh in Shillong, while Hong Kong secured a point against Singapore. Only the group winners will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup. India, having qualified for two consecutive Asian Cups for the first time in 2023, aim to continue their historic streak. Hong Kong, also a qualifier for the previous tournament, are competing for the sole available berth.
India’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, expressed confidence ahead of the Blue Tigers’ match against Hong Kong.
“Our preparations have been much better this time compared to previous FIFA windows, where time was limited. We had about three weeks to prepare in Kolkata, Bangkok, and here in Hong Kong. We are ready to perform. Nothing special,” Marquez said.
“The team environment is quite good. Obviously, any team’s environment improves when consistently winning games. Regardless of results, the relationship between our players is very good,” he added.
India centre-back, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, echoed his coach’s sentiments. “We are well prepared for the game after three weeks in the camp. Mentally and physically, we are ready,” he said.
The Blue Tigers have had mixed results recently. Of the three matches they played in 2025, they have won one, drawn one, and lost their last match against Thailand. Marquez, however, is not overly concerned about the 2-0 defeat.
“In my opinion, most coaches aren’t worried about scores in friendly games. We are focusing on the important match against Hong Kong,” he stated. “I know the score against Thailand is being discussed, but with better finishing from our chances, it could have been different. This is football.”
The match at the newly built 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium is set to be the inaugural football event at the venue, with tickets reportedly sold out. The stadium features a retractable roof which will be kept closed during the match. On Monday, the Blue Tigers had an official training session to acclimatise to the conditions.
“We will try to enjoy the occasion at this stadium. I’m not sure if it will be completely full, but a large crowd is expected. It will be a nice event, but our focus is on winning the game,” said Marquez.
Hong Kong, China’s head coach, Ashley Westwood, familiar with Indian football, having coached clubs like Bengaluru FC, ATK, and Punjab FC in India before his international roles in Afghanistan and Hong Kong, praised the development of Indian football over the years.
“I went to India in 2013, and the country has progressed significantly since then. I know their coach; I watched the ISL. He’s a good coach, doing well with FC Goa. He trains right, prepares right, and his players are always fit. The spirit in the squad is good, and everyone gets along well. We’re looking forward to it,” Westwood said.
Hong Kong midfielder, Ngan Cheuk Pan, emphasised the need for his team to focus on their game against India. “We’re following the coach’s tactics and focusing on improving our performance. We want to play our game,” he said.
India and Hong Kong, China have faced each other 24 times, with the Blue Tigers winning nine matches, Hong Kong winning eight, and seven games ending in draws.
(With inputs from IANS)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov… Read More
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