Ryan Williams and Akash Mishra on target as India beat Hong Kong to complete 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers with a win

First shot, first goal. Of all the scenarios Ryan Williams could have imagined on his India debut, this would certainly have surpassed them all. And when it happened, the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium erupted, the ground shook and India took the lead within four minutes of kick-off.

The pattern repeated itself after the break, and this time it was Akash Mishra who found the net as India salvaged some pride in its final match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier by beating Hong Kong, China, 2-1 here on Tuesday.

AS IT HAPPENED | India vs Hong Kong Highlights

Although Everton Camargo soothed the raucous fans with a goal for the visitor, the hosts dominated most of the match.

The Blue Tigers came into the match with nothing at stake, having missed the opportunity to make it to three consecutive Asian Cups. Moreover, India had never won a match at this venue.

But Khalid Jamil’s boys delivered the best result of the campaign, bringing smiles to the thousands of fans who packed the venue on a humid Tuesday evening.

The Indian coach used ambiguity as an arm from the start, pushing Anwar Ali, a centre-back, into a defensive midfielder position while revamping his full-back options with Akash Mishra and Abhishek Singh Tekcham to flank the experienced duo of Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan in a back four.

Lallianzuala Chhangte dictated the right flank and often dropped deep, allowing Manvir Singh to control the channels. Debutant Williams alternated between poacher and creative playmaker. The work on the training field paid off in the fourth minute, opening the scoring for the home team.

Chhangte released Abhishek, who played the ball into acres of space for Manvir to run into, and the Mohun Bagan Super Giant forward’s cross was guided into the net by an alert Williams, leading to pandemonium in the stadium.

Williams’ flamboyance with the ball was on full display as he calmly received long balls and played one-twos with Chhangte and Manvir, underscoring his quality.

By half-time, Hong Kong could muster just three shots, while India had six. Jamil no longer coached the defense.

Williams’ threat continued to draw the attention of the Hong Kong defenders, allowing India to double their lead early in the second half, this time from a big throw.

Bheke’s long delivery missed Williams, who was sandwiched between two opponents, but Mishra followed by hitting the bouncing ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle for his first goal for the national team.

Towards the hour mark the drums began to beat louder: ‘Let’s Go India, Let’s Go!’ was sung in tempo and fans had flashlights out to show their support for India.

Complacency seemed to be creeping in and the visitor caught India napping in the 65th minute. Camargo received a through ball in the penalty area, beat Jhingan and fired past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to make it 2-1.

The visitor then tried to grow into the match, leading to two crucial saves from Gurpreet, who caught one and punched the other away to end the evening with a win.

It also settled the scores for the Blue Tigers, who had lost the return match at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium last year, while it was coach Jamil’s first win on home soil.

Published on March 31, 2026