India undergo heartbreak as Hong Kong clinch last-minute 1-0 win in 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

Kowloon (Hong Kong): A profligate Indian soccer crew suffered a calamitous 0-1 defeat to hosts Hong Kong after an injury-time purpose by Stefan Pereira in a vital 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match right here on Tuesday.

The referee awarded Hong Kong the penalty after India custodian Vishal Kaith got here out of the goalline and tried to palm the ball to security, solely to finish up hitting Michael Udebuluzor.

Pereira (90+4) stepped as much as take the spot kick and shot the ball to the fitting of Kaith, who was additionally proven a yellow card for his injury-time foul.

Earlier, India coach Manolo Marquez stored out veteran striker Sunil Chhetri from the beginning XI.

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

However, as has been the development with them in current occasions, the shortage of ending has once more let the Blue Tigers down within the first 45 minutes.

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

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

Hong Kong additionally grew in confidence as the sport approached the half time. The house crew might 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 crushed.

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

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

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

India created possibilities within the second half too, together with within the 81st minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte discovered Chhetri with a superb 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 in opposition to Bangladesh of their first Asian Cup qualifying match, at house in March.