The Indian football team will lock horns with Hong Kong in their third and final Group D encounter of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers third round at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday, June 14.
Under head coach Igor Stimac, India secured their second consecutive victory in Group D after they pipped Afghanistan 2-1 in a thrilling encounter on Saturday.
After India’s talismanic captain Sunil Chhetri opened the scoring for the Blue Tigers in the 86th minute, Zohib Islam Amiri equalised for Afghanistan just two minutes later. With India desperate for a win, midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad scored an important goal in the 91st minute to help India bag three valuable points from the clash.
Earlier, India defeated Cambodia 2-0 courtesy of a brace from Sunil Chhetri. With six points from two matches, India are currently placed second in the standings.
On the other hand, the Hong Kong football team thrashed Cambodia 3-0 to jump to the top of Group D standings courtesy a better goal difference than India. Matt Orr, Sun Ming-him and Philip Chan Siu-Kwan were the goalscorers for Hong Kong on Saturday. Earlier, Hong Kong started their AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Afghanistan.
If India win their clash against Hong Kong, the Blue Tigers will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 as group winners. On the other hand, if the hosts draw against Hong Kong, they will finish second in the group due to Hong Kong’s better goal difference. However, India will still have a chance of qualifying as one of the five best second-placed teams across six groups.
If India lose against Hong Kong, the Blue Tigers will finish with six points. Even in this scenario, India will still have a chance of finishing among the five best runners-ups. A win, however, will be a favourable result for Chhetri and Co.
India vs Hong Kong head-to-head in international football
India have a superior head-to-head record against Hong Kong in international football, winning seven of the 15 matches that they have played so far. Hong Kong have secured four victories while four matches have ended in draws.
However, India have lost their last two matches against Hong Kong, suffering a 1-2 defeat in 2009 and a 0-1 loss in 2010.
India vs Hong Kong probable playing XI
India playing XI (probable): Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (goalkeeper); Naorem Roshan Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Anwar Ali, Akash Mishra; Suresh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad; Brandon Fernandes, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco; Sunil Chhetri
Hong Kong playing XI (probable): Yapp Hung Fai (goalkeeper); Yue Tze Nam, Yu Wai Lim, Fung Hing Wa, Wong Tsz Ho; Chan Siu Kwan, Huang Yang, Wong Wai; Law Tsz Chun, Matt Orr, Jahangir Khan
Where to watch India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifier live in India?
The India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers match will be telecast live on Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 1 Hindi TV channels in India from 8:30 PM IST.
Live streaming of India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup 2023 qualifiers match will be available on Disney+ Hotstar and JioTV.
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Featured photo: Indian football
