‘Get a supervisor and a system that works’: India’s loss to Hong Kong sparks backlash

The
Indian nationwide soccer staff suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to Hong Kong
on Tuesday in an important 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier recreation. The outcome has not gone down properly with Indian soccer followers and stakeholders, who took to social media to slam the staff and the administration.

The match, performed on the newly constructed Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, noticed the house staff seize a last-minute winner due to Stefan Pereira, who transformed a penalty in stoppage time after a foul by Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. Regardless of creating a number of good probabilities, India as soon as once more struggled to complete, and it has left their qualification hopes in danger.

Reactions pour in after India lose to Hong Kong

Sturdy reactions poured in on social media quickly after the match. Bengaluru FC proprietor Parth Jindal didn’t maintain again his frustration. Former AIFF Normal Secretary Shaji Prabhakaran additionally voiced his disappointment. Listed here are a number of the reactions which can be going viral after India’s defeat to Hong Kong.

“That is fully unacceptable @IndianFootball – simply not ok underneath any circumstances – deep introspection wanted by the AIFF – this isn’t what all of us lovers and backers of Indian soccer have spent our hard-earned cash and energy to witness – get a supervisor and a system that works – it’s excessive time – there may be an excessive amount of effort to see a outcome like this,” Parth Jindal wrote on Twitter.

“A troublesome capsule to swallow: 1-0 loss to Hong Kong of their new Kai Tak Stadium. A far cry from our 4-0 win in 2022. This places our AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification in critical jeopardy. The choice to nominate a dual-responsibility coach backfired. Please don’t say we misplaced coz we don’t have OCI/PIO, it was about poor efficiency, echoing the Thailand recreation. Manolo’s gamble hasn’t paid off. Sunil’s return hasn’t paid off both. Our catastrophe run continues,” Shaji Prabhakaran mentioned.

That is fully unacceptable @IndianFootball – simply not ok underneath any circumstances – deep introspection wanted by the AIFF – this isn’t what all of us lovers and backers of Indian soccer have spent our hard-earned cash and energy to witness – get a supervisor and a…

— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) June 10, 2025

A troublesome capsule to swallow: 1-0 loss to Hong Kong of their new Kai Tak Stadium.

A far cry from our 4-0 win in 2022. This places our AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification in critical jeopardy.

The choice to nominate a dual-responsibility coach backfired.

Please don’t say we misplaced coz…

— Shaji Prabhakaran (@Shaji4Football) June 10, 2025

This very recreation (and the final 6 months) must be included in a College MBA Program as a case research in mismanagement (and stunning man administration ) of an organisation. If #IndianFootball was a world company entity they might presently be going through a category motion lawsuit pic.twitter.com/XYYsPkXIaG

— Joe Morrison (@joefooty) June 10, 2025

What occurred within the match?

Earlier within the day, Manolo Marquez saved out veteran striker Sunil Chhetri from the beginning XI.

A sea of crimson packed the stands on the newly constructed Kai Tak Stadium however regardless of the robust dwelling assist, India did fairly properly to create a number of probabilities within the first half, though Hong Kong loved extra possession.

However, as has been the pattern with them in latest instances, the dearth of ending has once more let the Blue Tigers down within the first 45 minutes.

Among the many alternatives that got here their means earlier than the half time break, the Indians got here closest within the thirty fifth minute however Ashique Kuruniyan shot the ball broad from an in depth vary after Liston Colaco ran down the left to supply him a pleasant cross.

In the meantime, after having acquired medical consideration after getting injured, Colaco unleashed a robust long-range shot but it surely went straight into the keeper’s gloves.

Hong Kong additionally grew in confidence as the sport approached the half time. The house staff may have taken the lead from a free-kick had it not been for a well timed clearance by Asish Rai from goal-mouth after custodian Vishal Kaith was overwhelmed.

Each India and Hong Kong have had their moments however neither facet may convert in a tightly contested first half of this significant 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier.

Kuruniyan, who has in any other case carried out his job admirably on the flanks, regarded to have gotten one other likelihood to interrupt the impasse some minutes into the second half, however couldn’t.

Quickly after, coach Marquez introduced on India’s all-time highest goal-scorer Chhetri alongside Naorem Singh rather than Kuruniyan and Brandon Fernandes.

India created probabilities within the second half too, together with within the 81st minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte discovered Chhetri with an excellent cutback contained in the Hong Kong field, however the veteran striker was not capable of join it properly.

The result’s a setback for India who got here into the sport after a goal-less draw towards Bangladesh of their first Asian Cup qualifying match, at dwelling in March. India have one level from two video games and are final within the group, and just one staff from the pool of 4 will qualify for the ultimate.

India will now have to win their remaining 4 matches, however given their lack of ability to attain, it appears to be like inconceivable.

(With company inputs)