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AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: Can India still qualify after losing 0-1 to Hong Kong?
India's hopes of qualifying for AFC Asian Cup 2027 took a major blow after a 0-1 loss to Hong Kong in the third-round qualifiers on Tuesday. With two games left, here's what the Blue Tigers must do to stay alive in the competition. read more
India's hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 took a big hit 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.
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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, Hong Kong are at the top of the group with 4 points, while Bangladesh and Singapore both have 2 points. India are also on 2 points (due to an earlier draw) but has an inferior goal difference after the loss to Hong Kong. India are scheduled to play against Singapore in their next match on 9 October.
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How can India still qualify?
The road is now very difficult but not impossible. India must win both of their remaining matches (against Singapore and Bangladesh) and then hope that Hong Kong lose their remaining games. India will also have to improve its goal difference because teams are currently tied on points.
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.
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