Indian football team (Pic credit: AIFF)
KOCHI: India earned their first win in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Tuesday. Ryan Williams made an instant impact in India colours, scoring just four minutes after kick-off to set the tone for an impressive performance.
Akash Mishra scored the second in the 50th minute while Everton Camargo pulled one back for Hong Kong in the 65th minute.Already out of contention for the continental showpiece, India ended their campaign with five points — from one win and two draws — and at the bottom of Group C.This was a different-looking Indian side under Khalid Jamil. Largely known for his conservative approach, Jamil’s team played with attacking intent from the start against Hong Kong.Driven on by a vocal crowd, India took the lead early in the fourth minute. Manvir Singh surged down the right flank before delivering a low cross into the box. Williams timed his run perfectly and calmly fired into the net.India doubled their advantage in the 50th min through Akash Mishra who capped a sharp finish off a Rahul Bheke long throw.
