Latest news with #2027AFCAsianCupQualifier
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'Completely Unacceptable...Just Not Good Enough': Parth Jindal Lambasts Indian Football Team
Last Updated: Indian football team lost 0-1 to Hong Kong in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier, jeopardizing their chances and likely dropping to 133 in FIFA rankings. Indian football's struggles continued as the senior men's team, lacking determination, finishing, and the will to fight, suffered a disappointing 0-1 defeat to lower-ranked Hong Kong in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match on Tuesday. Hosts Hong Kong secured victory with an injury-time goal by Stefan Pereira in the 94th minute penalty, in what was a slap in the face to the atrocious Indian team. This defeat jeopardised India's chances of qualifying for the next Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, and the team is likely to drop to 133 in the FIFA rankings, while Hong Kong will gain points and move up in the standings. India's abhorrent showing in Hong Kong tonight angered many a fans alike, including Parth Jindal, who expressed his resentment and disappointment on X. 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…— Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) June 10, 2025 '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," Jindal wrote in his post. The team's struggles have been so significant that head coach Manolo Marquez had to persuade Sunil Chhetri to come out of retirement, a year after he had decided to step away from international football. Despite Chhetri's return, the team remains stuck in its recent downward spiral. Manolo's future with the national team is also uncertain. In addition to his role as the head coach of the national team, he continues to hold his position at ISL side FC Goa. With a dismal record of one win in their last 12 matches, the Indian football team continues to show no sign of improvement, and unsurprisingly, one could bet their money on not expecting much anytime in the near future. First Published: June 10, 2025, 22:29 IST
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
India Go Down 0-1 To Hong Kong In Crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier
Last Updated: India lost 1-0 to Hong Kong in a 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier as Stefan Pereira scored a late penalty after a Vishal Kaith mistake. The Indian football team suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat against hosts Hong Kong in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier match on Tuesday, conceding a late goal from Stefan Pereira in injury time. Hong Kong were awarded a penalty after Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith came off his line and collided with Michael Udebuluzor while attempting to clear the ball. Pereira (90+4) converted the spot-kick, placing the ball to the right of Kaith, who received a yellow card for the foul. Earlier, India's coach Manolo Marquez had opted to leave veteran striker Sunil Chhetri out of the starting line-up. Despite strong home support at the newly built Kai Tak Stadium, India created several chances in the first half, even though Hong Kong enjoyed more possession. However, the Blue Tigers' persistent struggles with finishing continued to plague them throughout the opening 45 minutes. The closest India came to scoring before half-time was in the 35th minute when Ashique Kuruniyan missed from close range following a well-delivered cross from Liston Colaco on the left. After receiving treatment for an injury, Colaco unleashed a powerful long-range shot that was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper. As the half progressed, Hong Kong gained confidence. The home side nearly took the lead from a free-kick, but Asish Rai made a crucial clearance after goalkeeper Kaith was beaten. Both teams had opportunities, but neither could break the deadlock in a tightly contested first half of this vital 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier. Kuruniyan, who otherwise delivered an impressive performance on the flanks, had another chance to open the scoring early in the second half but was unable to convert. Shortly thereafter, coach Manolo Marquez introduced India's all-time leading goal-scorer, Sunil Chhetri, alongside Naorem Singh, replacing Kuruniyan and Brandon Fernandes. India continued to create chances in the second half, notably in the 81st minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte provided a superb cutback to Chhetri inside the Hong Kong box, but the veteran striker failed to connect cleanly. The result represents a setback for India, who entered the match following a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening Asian Cup qualifying match at home in March.
