The Indian football team is set to take on Hong Kong in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualification third round fixture at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on June 10.

The Hong Kong side will also mark their debut at the Kai Tak Stadium, a part of the Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports complex in the country.

Under the guidance of experienced head coach Ashley Westwood, Hong Kong will look to boost their chances of securing their second AFC Asian Cup berth in 59 years. Currently ranked 153rd, they will aim to stun the Blue Tigers, banking on home advantage in a high-stakes fixture.

History

The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) was one of the 13 founding members of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1954.

Hong Kong qualified for three of the first four editions of the Asian Cup, including a third-place finish in 1956. They were the organizing country of that edition and became the first host of the AFC Asian Cup.

Hong Kong qualified for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup after a hiatus of 55 years but have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. However, their most remarkable victory came against arch-rivals China in the 1986 FIFA World Cup qualification, which saw Hong Kong advance to the second round of qualification.

Hong Kong won the Lunar New Year Cup in 1974 and have finished as the runners-up six times. They were also awarded the EAFF Championship Fair Play Award in 2010 and clinched the Long Teng Cup in 2011. They also finished third in the Merdeka Tournament in 1974.

Form Guide: WWWDD

Hong Kong are unbeaten in their last five matches and haven’t lost since Westwood’s first game in charge in October 2024. In their first match in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 third round qualification, they played out a goalless draw against Singapore.

They played out another goalless draw against Nepal in an international friendly last week.

Head-to-head record

India first faced off against Hong Kong in 1951 for the first time. Over the years, the rivalry between these two countries has grown, where the Blue Tigers hold an edge advantage against Hong Kong.

In their recent meeting in Kolkata, India recorded a dominating 4-0 victory over Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifier in 2022. However, the Blue Tigers secured their only victory on Hong Kong soil in 1957.

Matches Played: 24

India won: 9

Hong Kong won: 8

Draw: 7

Key Players

Yapp Hung Fai: Yapp Hung Fai is the longest-serving player in the Hong Kong team, with 105 appearances to his name. Since making his senior Hong Kong debut at the age of 19 in a 2010 East Asian Football Championship match against Japan, the goalkeeper has made the position his own.

He got his 100th cap for the national team against Mongolia in a 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship Preliminary Round match. Hung Fai’s presence between the sticks will be a deciding factor against India as his experience on the big stage will be a calming factor for Hong Kong’s defence which is expected to come under some pressure from India.

Tan Chun Lok: Tan Chun Lok is another crucial player in the Hong Kong national team. Aged 29, Chun Lok made his national debut against Thailand in 2015 and has thus far featured in 51 games for the country.

Operating at the heart of the pitch, Chun Lok has been the anchorman for Hong Kong with his excellent defensive qualities, sharp passing range and experience. Moreover, his knack for attempting long-range strikes makes him a threat. India will have to keep tabs on him as he forms the link between the team’s defence and attack.

Match Details

Fixture: Hong Kong vs India

Date: June 10, 2025

Time: 17:30 IST

Venue: Kai Tak Stadium, Hong Kong

Live Streaming: FanCode