A 94th-minute spot-kick guided Hong Kong to a 1-0 win against India in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Tuesday. Ashley Westwood’s team goes top of Group C with four points in two matches while India are languishing at the bottom of the table with two points from two matches.
Manolo Marquez’s wait for his first competitive win with India continues. Hong Kong obtained the spot-kick after Vishal Kaith fouled Udebuluzor as both came to catch the ball, and the referee pointed to the spot. Pereira shoots low to Kaith’s right. Kaith goes the wrong way as the ball hits the inside of the net.
Despite playing against strong home support, India were able to create some scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes. But as usual, finishing let the Blue Tigers down.
Both teams registered two shots on target in the first-half. The scenario in the second session was almost the same with India failing to utilize opportunities and struggling to defend opposition counter-attacks. Ashique Kuruniyan’s name should be mentioned in particular who squandered the golden sitter in the second half. Sunil Chhetri substituted Ashique Kuruniyan in the 56th minute but failed to impress.
Significantly, founder of JSW Sports and owner of Bengaluru FC Parth Jindal, disappointed with the senior national team’s performance choose social media to express his frustration. He has written in his post, ‘This is completely unacceptable
@Indianfootball-just not good enough under any circumstances – deep introspection needed by the AIFF – this is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard-earned money and effort to witness – get a manager and a system that works – it’s high time – there is too much effort to see a result like this.
India’s experienced defender Sandesh Jinghan however still has hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup! In a post-match media interaction, he said, “There are still four more matches. I have trust in this team. I believe in my boys and we will give our best and finally, if god wishes then we will be in the Asian Cup.”
