The Indian football team will be eyeing a return to winning ways when they take on Hong Kong at the Kai Tak Stadium, Kowloon, on Tuesday. After a disappointing defeat to Thailand earlier this month, the Blue Tigers will be keen to bounce back in what is expected to be a tightly-contested encounter.

India’s clash against Hong Kong is shaping up to be the marquee fixture of Group C, with the sides being the highest-ranked teams in the group. India and Hong Kong are still in search of their first victory in the qualifiers.

Currently ranked 127th in the FIFA rankings, India were held to a draw by Bangladesh in their opening match in March. Hong Kong, ranked 153rd, also started with a draw, sharing the spoils against Singapore. With no team having secured a win yet, the group remains wide open.

Hong Kong are coached by Ashley Westwood, a familiar face in Indian football. The Englishman, who once guided Bengaluru FC to early success and later managed ATK FC and Punjab FC, took over Hong Kong’s national team in August 2024. He masterminded Afghanistan’s win over India during last year’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Since his appointment, Hong Kong have lost just once in 12 outings. However, only two of their wins under Westwood have come against higher-ranked teams, against Solomon Islands and the Philippines, both in friendly matches. They will be keen to continue their good run under Westwood and stun India at home.

Head-to-head record

Tuesday’s clash will mark the 25th meeting between India and Hong Kong, a rivalry that dates back to 1951. The Blue Tigers hold a slight edge historically, with nine wins to Hong Kong’s eight, while seven matches have ended in draws. However, India have found it tough on Hong Kong soil, managing just one away win. That was a 2-1 friendly victory all the way back in 1957.

The most recent encounter, though, is one Indian fans remember fondly. A 4-0 drubbing in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2022, played in a rain-soaked Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

What the coaches said

The Blue Tigers' head coach is confident in the preparations made ahead of Tuesday’s clash and expects his side to put in a strong performance.

“Our preparations have been much better this time, if we compare with the previous FIFA windows, where you practically don’t have too much time. We had about three weeks to prepare, between Kolkata, Bangkok, and here in Hong Kong. And we are ready to perform. Nothing special,” said Márquez.

Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood commended India’s current head coach ahead of the clash.

I know their coach, I watched the ISL. He’s a good coach, and he’s been doing good things with FC Goa. He coaches right, he prepares right, and his players are always fit.

“The spirit’s good in the squad, and everybody gets on with each other. We’re looking forward to it,” he said.

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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2024-2025