India vs Hong Kong – Blue Tigers hope to capitalize on Kerala support to end 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on a high

In 2024, when Iraq faced Japan in the Asian Cup, the country faced the previous edition’s finalist, a hot tournament favourite.

But Japan’s prime minister status was not enough to get the job done against Iraq. It was Iraq – with a 2-1 victory – that had the last laugh. One of the key factors, as acknowledged by Japanese coach Hajime Moriyasu, was the Iraqi fans, who turned the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan into a ‘mini-Baghdad’, with roars and chants echoing through the stadium.

The result: Iraq defeated Japan after 42 years – proof that a group of players could channel the loud support from the stands to the field.

With India’s 2027 Asian Cup hopes in shambles, fans could help lift the gloom surrounding the sport in the country, starting with Kerala, who will welcome the Blue Tigers for the final Asian Cup qualifier against China’s Hong Kong on Tuesday.

After a brief period of misunderstanding between the Kerala Football Association and the Greater Cochin Development Authority, the match will go ahead as scheduled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

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A paradigm shift

Indian head coach Khalid Jamil has made 14 changes to the squad from the previous match against Bangladesh – a clear line in the sand that the tactician is building the project from the ground up.

Among the new names are defenders Bijoy Varghese and forward Ryan Williams.

Varghese’s call-up is the perfect reward for his work in the trenches of the I-League, where he helped Inter Kashi gain promotion to the Indian Super League.

Meanwhile, Williams’ inclusion underlines a much more important paradigm shift. The Perth-born forward will make his debut as the first naturalized player since Arata Izumi in 2014.

In an ecosystem characterized by widespread naturalization and dual passports, Williams could inspire India to move with the flow rather than against it.

READ ALSO | Looking at the Indian squad: Khalid Jamil starts rebuilding ahead of Hong Kong clash

On the field, Jamil is expected to rely on a wider attacking line as he has opted for mobility over mass as full-backs Muhammad Uvais and Jay Gupta have made way for Nikhil Poojary and Abhishek Singh Tekcham.

The return of Manvir Singh and Ashique Kuruniyan down the flanks will provide more pace, allowing Jamil to switch to a 4-4-2 design, with Lallianzuala Chhangte and Williams favored as the new forwards up front sd5JKm.

The chaos in Hong Kong is India’s advantage

The last time India and Hong Kong crossed paths, they couldn’t be further apart in fortunes.

Hong Kong had the wind in their sails and was unbeaten in their last five matches, including three wins, while India merely treaded water, beating lowly Maldives for their only win in 15 matches in 18 months.

The wheels have turned, albeit marginally. India showed signs of life under Jamil in his first assignment, finishing third in the CAFA Nations Cup and beating higher-placed Oman.

Hong Kong, on the other hand, has won just twice since then. The then head coach, Ashley Westwood, will be in Kochi, but as the boss of Kerala Blasters.

Injuries have only added to the misery. Hong Kong travels without its reliable striker Matt Orr, while old warhorse Yapp Hung Fai – the record maker – is also missing between the sticks.

Stefan Pereira, who scored from the spot against India last time, is also not in the selection.

Hong Kong’s concerns do not stop there. The team’s preliminary friendly against Nepal was canceled at the eleventh hour, prompting interim head coach Roberto Losada to call it the «craziest (international) period ever.»

In Kerala, however, India finds itself on the wrong side of history. The men’s team here has played eight competitive matches and won none (2 draws, 6 losses).

It is here that Kerala’s raw support, which has reflected its unwavering love for the game from Kochi to Doha, will have to take center stage and help write a new script as India look to rebuild for the next World Cup qualifying cycle.

Published on March 30, 2026