A dramatic stoppage-time penalty shattered India’s hopes as Hong Kong, China secured a 1-0 victory in front of 42,570 fans at a packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The Group C clash of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round saw Stefan Pereira calmly slot home from the spot in the 94th minute, leaving India winless after two games.
⚽ Match Summary
- Venue: Kai Tak Stadium, Kowloon (First official football match)
- Result: Hong Kong 1-0 India
- Goal: Stefan Pereira (PEN 90+4’)
India looked set to grind out a well-earned point until goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who had been solid all evening, misjudged a high ball and collided with Michael Udebuluzor, conceding a penalty in added time.
Pereira stepped up under pressure and converted with composure, handing Hong Kong a historic win and silencing Indian hopes in a match that had been evenly poised throughout.
🇮🇳 India’s Performance: Resolute But Lacking Finish
India’s defence, led by Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali, held strong for most of the match, keeping Hong Kong at bay despite waves of early pressure.
Kaith had made several important saves before his late error, while India threatened on the counter through Liston Colaco, Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Ashique Kuruniyan.
Brandon Fernandes was pivotal in midfield, but India’s inability to convert chances — including Kuruniyan’s 35th-minute miss — came back to haunt them.
Substitute Sunil Chhetri brought control and urgency after coming on in the 58th minute. His shot in the 82nd minute looked dangerous before it was bravely blocked by the Hong Kong defence.
🟨 Key Incident: Penalty Drama in Added Time
- 94’ – A hopeful long ball caught Kaith out of position; he clattered into Udebuluzor.
- Referee Sheikh Ahmad Alaeddin pointed to the spot without hesitation.
- Kaith was shown a yellow card, and Stefan Pereira sent him the wrong way to score.
📊 Group C Standings (After Matchday 2):
| Position | Team | Points | GD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Singapore | 4 | +1 |
| 2️⃣ | Hong Kong | 4 | +1 |
| 3️⃣ | Bangladesh | 1 | -1 |
| 4️⃣ | India | 1 | -1 |
📅 What’s Next for India?
India will need a win against Singapore in October to revive their qualifying hopes. With only one point from two matches, coach Manolo Márquez has work to do in lifting spirits and fine-tuning attack strategies.
🗣️ Post-Match Talking Points:
- Kaith’s performance was otherwise solid until the fatal error.
- Missed opportunities again proved costly — a recurring theme for India in recent fixtures.
- The return of Chhetri brought hope, but not the breakthrough.
This loss will sting for a while — but India still has time and matches left to turn their campaign around. The road to Saudi Arabia 2027 has become steeper, but not impossible.
