Asian Cup Qualifiers: World No. 153 Hong Kong shock No. 127 India 1-0

A profligate Indian football team (World No. 127) suffered a calamitous 0-1 defeat to hosts Hong Kong (No. 153) after an injury-time goal by Stefan Pereira in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier here on Tuesday.

The referee awarded Hong Kong the penalty after India custodian Vishal Kaith came off the goalline and tried to palm the ball to safety, only to end up hitting Michael Udebuluzor. Pereira (90+4) stepped up to take the spot kick and shot the ball to the right of Kaith, who also got a yellow card for his foul.
Earlier, India coach Manolo Marquez kept out veteran striker Sunil Chhetri from the starting XI. A sea of red packed newly built Kai Tak Stadium, but despite the strong home support, India did well to create a few chances in the first half, though Hong Kong enjoyed more possession. But, as has been the trend in recent times, the lack of finishing once again let the Blue Tigers down in the first 45 minutes.

Among the opportunities that came their way before the half time break, the Indians came closest in the 35th minute, but Ashique Kuruniyan shot the ball wide.

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