- KOWLOON (HK-CHINA) —
The Indian national football team fell to a 1-0 defeat against Hong Kong in the
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at Kowloon's Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. A
stoppage-time penalty from Stefan Pereira secured all three points for the
hosts. This result left the Blue Tigers with one point from two matches, while
Hong Kong climbed to four.
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- With both teams having dropped points in their opening
fixtures, they approached the game with urgency and attacking intent. The early
stages saw end-to-end action, but neither side could carve out a clear-cut
chance.
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- In the 25th minute, Hong Kong’s Raphael Lee tested Vishal
Kaith with a long-range effort, but the Indian goalkeeper stood firm. Liston
Colaco responded with a strike from distance at the other end, which the
opposition keeper comfortably collected.
Also read: India and Bangladesh play out goal-less draw in 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
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- Anwar Ali made a crucial intervention around the half-hour
mark, timing his tackle perfectly at the edge of the box to deny a dangerous
Hong Kong move. Had he missed, it could have spelt trouble for the Blue Tigers
— and for him.
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- India’s best chance of the half came in the 35th minute when
Brandon Fernandes won possession near the halfway line. He released Liston
Colaco, who threaded a sharp through-ball to Ashique. However, the forward
couldn’t keep his shot on target from close range.
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- Hong Kong came close just before the break when Juninho
attempted a quick free-kick to catch India off guard, but the Indian defence
reacted well to avert the threat. The teams headed into half-time with the
score still goalless.
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- Five minutes into the second half, Ashique had another
opportunity, but his half-turn shot went wide. In the 57th minute, Ashique, who
appeared to be in some discomfort, was replaced by Sunil Chhetri, while Naorem
Mahesh Singh came on for Brandon Fernandes.
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