 "Sunil Chhetri during a practice session for India. Image: AIFF")
India’s hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 took a big hit after a 0-1 defeat to Hong Kong China in their second match of the third-round qualifiers on Tuesday. The match was being played at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong, where the home side scored a stoppage-time penalty to hand India a defeat.
The Blue Tigers, placed in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have now played two games without scoring a goal. Their campaign began with a 0-0 draw against Bangladesh at home in Shillong on 25 March. Now, with just one point from two games, India are placed at the bottom of the group.
India in trouble after two matches
The third round of qualifiers will only allow the top team from each group to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which is slated to be held in Saudi Arabia. That means India will need to win their remaining matches and hope other results go their way so they can finish at the top and make the final round.
Currently, Singapore and Hong Kong occupy the top two spots in the group with 4 points each, while Bangladesh and India both have 1 point. India are placed at the bottom due to an inferior goal difference and the same goes for Hong Kong who are second despite having 4 points.
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The Blue Tigers are scheduled to play against Singapore on 9 and 14 October and then against Bangladesh on 18 November. They will play their final match of the qualifiers against Hong Kong on 31 March 2026. Out of these four matches, India will play two games at home and two away.
How can India still qualify?
The road is now very difficult but not impossible. India must aim to win all of their remaining matches (two against Singapore and one each against Bangladesh and Hong Kong) to have the best chance. They will also have to hope that Hong Kong and Singapore lose some of their remaining games. India will have to improve its goal difference as well because teams are currently tied on points.
India may still qualify with less than four wins but the qualification scenario will only become clear with upcoming matches.
Possible drop in FIFA rankings
India’s loss may also hurt their FIFA ranking, which is expected to fall to around 133rd, making things even tougher for Manolo Marquez’s side. India were ranked 127th before the match against Hong Kong, which is ranked 153rd.