Kochi, March 31 India defeated Hong Kong 2-1 to end their campaign on a high note in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers. The match was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.
Debutant Ryan Williams scored early in the match, while left-back Akash Mishra strengthened the team’s lead in the second half. These goals helped the Blue Tigers register their first win of the qualifying campaign. India finished the campaign with 5 points, having won 1 match, drawn 2, and lost 3. Singapore topped the group with 14 points and qualified for the Asian Cup.
India started the game brightly, with Ryan Williams scoring in the fourth minute to make his debut memorable. During a quick move from the right flank, Abhishek Singh Tekcham delivered a precise pass that found Manvir Singh. Manvir passed the ball to Williams, who beat the goalkeeper and headed the ball into the net to open the scoring.
