Late Heartbreak Against Hong Kong Leaves Indian Football in Crisis, but Coach Still Hopeful

In a match that ended in heartbreak, the Indian men’s football team suffered a demoralizing 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong on Tuesday, pushing their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup into uncertainty. The result was sealed in the dying moments of the game, with India conceding in the fifth minute of stoppage time—a cruel blow in what had otherwise been a tight and cautious contest.

Head coach Manolo Marquez didn’t mince words while describing the mood in the locker room. “The dressing room is like a funeral, practically,” he said at the post-match press conference. “…we are not very happy. We are sad.”

Despite the gloom, Marquez maintained a flicker of optimism. “But I still think that India has possibilities to qualify,” he affirmed, as the team now sits with just one point from two Group C matches, trailing the group leaders significantly.

India, ranked 26 places above Hong Kong in the FIFA rankings, entered the match as clear favourites but struggled to convert their superiority into goals. A golden opportunity in the 35th minute went begging when Ashique Kuruniyan failed to make contact with a promising delivery—a moment symbolic of India’s continued scoring woes.

“The game is easy to speak. Two teams fighting and that’s all. Without too many chances,” Marquez noted. “I thinkw both teams defended both with order and one action. This is football.”

Since taking the reins from Igor Stimac last year, Marquez has managed just one win in eight games, with India now on a three-match scoreless streak. The team has scored five times and conceded nine under his leadership.

Marquez emphasized that while India failed to secure a point, the performance showed improvement in structure and discipline. “In terms of scores, it’s difficult for us to score. But it’s true that the team played with more order than in other games.”

He also acknowledged a mental block gripping the squad. “I feel that we can play better with the ball and be more brave,” he admitted. “In some actions that the pass is clear, we are a little nervous.”

On fixing the attacking struggles, the coach pointed to a broader issue. “Sometimes, there are four, five, six games that you don’t score and suddenly you score three-four goals.”

Despite the setback, Marquez urged perspective. “Obviously we want to win. But sometimes the team doesn’t know how to draw. Today… we lost at least one point. But I feel that India is still in the fight.”