The Indian national team are set to take on Hong Kong in their second match of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers final round at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.

The Blue Tigers are winless in their last two matches — a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening qualifier at home in March and a recent 2-0 defeat away to Thailand in an international friendly.

However, India will be eager to leave those results behind and bounce back, though it won’t be an easy task. The Blue Tigers have managed just one win on Hong Kong soil — a 2-1 friendly victory way back in 1957.

Read: India's memorable wins in Asian Cup qualifiers

Adding to the intrigue, Hong Kong are coached by Ashley Westwood — a familiar name in Indian football, having had notable stints with Indian clubs in the past. Westwood also led the Afghanistan team that defeated India in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers last year.

As both sides gear up for the crucial fixture, we take a look at the key matchups that could decide the game.

Leon Jones vs Sunil Chhetri

India’s inability to convert chances has been a recurring theme. After a 3-0 win against the Maldives in March, the Blue Tigers have failed to score in their last two games. While chances did come against Bangladesh and Thailand, they lacked the finishing touch.

Once again, the responsibility will fall on Sunil Chhetri to lead the line and lift the team. The veteran forward has a track record of delivering in crucial moments — including a goal against Hong Kong in their last outing in Kolkata.

Marking him this time will be Leon Jones — the 27-year-old Scotland-born centre-back who has become a regular in Hong Kong’s defence since making his debut last year. With his strength and positional discipline, Jones will be a tough opponent for Chhetri, setting up a key battle that could shape the outcome of the match.

Ngan Cheuk Pan vs Apuia

The midfield duel could prove decisive. Apuia, fresh off a double-winning season with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, will be expected to dictate play and provide balance in the middle.

But standing in his way will be Ngan Cheuk Pan — a disciplined defensive midfielder who plays club football for Kitchee SC and has become a key figure under Westwood. Known for breaking up play and controlling tempo, Ngan could be tasked with shadowing Apuia and disrupting India’s rhythm.

Apuia didn’t have the best outing against Thailand and will need to lift his game here. Winning this battle could tilt the momentum in India’s favour.

Juninho vs Anwar Ali

A boost for India ahead of this clash is the return of Anwar Ali, who featured in the recent friendly against Thailand after missing the opening qualifier against Bangladesh due to injury. The centre-back is expected to start again, pairing up with Sandesh Jhingan at the heart of India’s defence.

But he’ll be tested by Juninho — the Brazilian-born forward who brings mobility and creativity to Hong Kong’s frontline. Deployed across attacking roles under Ashley Westwood, Juninho often shifts between the No. 10 position and the right flank. The 34-year-old also scored in a recent hybrid friendly against Manchester United, underlining his threat in front of goal.

With Juninho constantly switching positions and looking to exploit spaces, Ali will need to stay sharp and focused to keep him at bay.

Match Details

Fixture: Hong Kong vs India

Date: June 10, 2025

Time: 5:30 PM IST

Venue: Kai Tak Stadium, Kowloon

Live Streaming: FanCode

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