India’s Blue Tigers are set to face Hong Kong, China in a high-stakes encounter on Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers at the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon.
This fixture not only marks the inaugural football match at the newly constructed Kai Tak Stadium—built on the site of the city’s former airport—but also a pivotal clash in Group C. After both opening games on March 25 ended in goalless draws (India vs Bangladesh and Hong Kong vs Singapore), all four teams are level on a point each. With only the group winners progressing to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, there is no room for error.
Placed in Pot 1, India entered the campaign as group favourites and are aiming to qualify for a third consecutive Asian Cup—an unprecedented achievement for the national team. Meanwhile, Hong Kong, who made it to the 2023 edition, are equally determined to replicate their success. Ranked 127 and 153 respectively, India and Hong Kong are the two highest-ranked teams in the group, making this a virtual six-pointer.
Ahead of the encounter, India head coach Manolo Márquez sounded confident. “Our preparations have been much better this time,” he said. “We had about three weeks together across Kolkata, Bangkok, and now Hong Kong. The environment in the squad is good, the players are focused and ready.” He also played down the 0-2 loss to Thailand in a recent friendly. “These are preparation games. We created chances, but didn’t convert. Now, our focus is fully on the match that matters.”
For Hong Kong, this match holds special significance. Apart from being the first competitive game at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Stadium—which features a retractable roof and a flexible pitch—it also represents one of their best chances in decades to progress in Asian football. Their head coach Ashley Westwood is a familiar name in Indian football, having managed clubs like Bengaluru FC, ATK, and Punjab FC.
Westwood praised Indian football’s growth over the years. “India is miles ahead of where it was when I arrived in 2013,” he said. “Their coach prepares them well. But we’re confident in our own camp. The players are focused and looking forward to the match.”
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Tuesday’s clash will be the 25th meeting between the two sides since their first encounter in 1951. India lead the head-to-head with nine wins, while Hong Kong have won eight. Seven matches have ended in draws. However, India have managed just one victory on Hong Kong soil—a 2-1 win in a friendly back in 1957.
While India’s 4-0 win over Hong Kong in the 2022 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kolkata remains fresh in memory, the Hong Kong team has undergone significant changes since then. Under Westwood, they have added several naturalised players, including Brazilian-born forwards Juninho and Stefan Pereira, midfielder Fernando, and defender Dudu. Spain-born forward Manolo Bleda and Japan-born midfielder Sohgo Ichikawa have also recently debuted. Alongside them are experienced local stars like goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai and defenders Sun Ming Him and Yue Tze Nam, who bring both experience and composure.
Though India’s historical record gives them a slight edge, Tuesday’s clash is all about the present—and the future. The Blue Tigers will need discipline, intensity, and clinical finishing if they are to keep their Asian Cup hopes alive.
Reports suggest that the match could also mark the end of Márquez’s short stint as India’s head coach, with the Spaniard expected to focus solely on his club duties with FC Goa. Under his tenure, India have managed just one win in seven matches—a 3-0 victory over the Maldives. However, Sunil Chhetri and Co. will be eager to give him a memorable farewell and deliver a performance that Indian fans have been waiting for since their last impressive outing against Kuwait in November 2023.
Also Read: Know Your Opponents: India gear up for new-look Hong Kong test