Indian team back in Hong Kong after 16 years for AFC qualifier

The last time India played in Hong Kong was in 2009 for a friendly, and unsurprisingly, Sunil Chhetri is the only current squad member who featured in that match

Hyderabad: The Indian senior men’s football team is back in Hong Kong for the first time in 16 years — this time for a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier to be played on June 10 in Kowloon.

The last time India played in Hong Kong was in 2009 for a friendly, and unsurprisingly, Sunil Chhetri is the only current squad member who featured in that match.

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Assistant coach Mahesh Gawali, who provided an assist in India’s 1-2 loss during that 2009 friendly, recalled the contest vividly. The match came shortly after India had secured qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup by winning the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.

“Hong Kong took the lead in the 70th minute before Bhaichung Bhutia equalised in the 80th. But we conceded again in injury time,” said Gawali. “It was a very equal contest. I came on as a left-back and played a long ball from the halfway line, which Bhaichung finished. It was unfortunate we let it slip at the end.”

Reflecting on India’s recent match, Gawali added, “We need to build on the positives from the Thailand game and reduce our errors. We created clear chances that weren’t converted, but the boys are eager to improve.”

Another member of head coach Manolo Márquez’s staff is goalkeeping coach Marc Gamon, who has ties to Hong Kong, having worked with the Hong Kong Premier League side Southern District between 2018 and 2020.

“When I was in Hong Kong, most of the national players were local-born. Now, many foreign players are staying longer to acquire nationality, as clubs are limited to six foreigners. It boosts local competition,” said the Spaniard.

Gamon praised the atmosphere in Hong Kong. “While league matches don’t always draw big crowds, the national team games attract passionate fans who cheer non-stop. There are also many Indians in Hong Kong, so we expect great support for India on Tuesday,” he said.