AFC Asian Cup 2027: Marquez still hopeful of qualification

India's four remaining fixtures are away and at home to Singapore (October 9 and 14, respectively), away to Bangladesh (November 18) and at home to Hong Kong, China (March 31, 2026).

Hyderabad: India head coach Manolo Márquez remained hopeful of qualification for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 despite the Blue Tigers’ heartbreaking 0-1 away defeat to Hong Kong, China in Kowloon (Hong Kong) on Tuesday.

On arrival back home in Delhi on Wednesday, Márquez said he still thought that India had possibilities of qualifying.

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“Obviously, we are sad. The dressing room is like a funeral. But we’re still in the fight,” he said.

The Spaniard called for unity and composure, noting that the team still has four more group games to play, with the next ones being a double-header against Singapore on October 9 and 14, as they aim to qualify for their third successive Asian Cup.

“This group is very equal. Bangladesh, Singapore, Hong Kong, India — anyone can defeat anyone. We are still alive. There’s everything to play for.”

“It was a typical game that you lose when you’re in a bad moment. I think it was practically a game without chances,” he added.

“The clearest chance was for Ashique (Kuruniyan) in the first half. And then, one action in injury time for Hong Kong — a clear penalty.”

“Sometimes, this happens in football. It’s not just a national team issue. You can go five or six games without scoring, and then suddenly you score four in one game,” he explained.

“We talk a lot about needing more Indian strikers. But I cannot say anything negative about the players. The effort, the attitude, the plan, it was all there.”

“Sometimes, if you can’t win, you have to know how to draw,” he said.

“We want to win, but we have to avoid losing matches like this, especially in the last minute.”

India’s four remaining fixtures are away and at home to Singapore (October 9 and 14, respectively), away to Bangladesh (November 18) and at home to Hong Kong, China (March 31, 2026).