Stoppage-Time Heartbreak Sinks Indian Football in Hong Kong

In a match that had the makings of a gritty away draw, India's hopes were shattered in the cruelest fashion on a humid Tuesday night at the packed Kai Tak Stadium. With just seconds remaining, substitute Stefan Pereira converted a 94th-minute penalty to hand Hong Kong, China, a dramatic 1-0 victory over the Blue Tigers in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers.

The loss leaves Indian Football team with only a single point from two games in Group C, putting their qualification hopes in jeopardy. Singapore’s 2-1 win over Bangladesh earlier in the day means they now top the table, followed by Hong Kong on goal difference. India and Bangladesh find themselves at the bottom, still searching for a win.

Making history by hosting its first-ever football match, the newly built Kai Tak Stadium was electric—42,000-plus fans turning it into a cauldron of noise. Hong Kong fed off the atmosphere early on, pushing forward with intensity and aggression. Their crisp passing and width stretched India’s defensive shape, but they lacked real penetration in the final third.

India, known for their compactness under head coach Manolo Márquez, stood firm. Sandesh Jhingan and Anwar Ali provided solidity at the back, while goalkeeper Vishal Kaith stayed alert, dealing confidently with long-range efforts and cutting off Hong Kong’s few breakthrough attempts.

India’s attack took time to find rhythm. Midway through the first half, they began to piece together some fluid moves, driven by the pace of Lallianzuala Chhangte and Ashique Kuruniyan on the flanks. Brandon Fernandes dictated the tempo from midfield, initiating quick transitions. In the 35th minute, Fernandes dispossessed a Hong Kong midfielder and released Liston Colaco down the left. The Goan winger delivered a low cross into the box, but Kuruniyan, arriving with a burst of pace, blazed over from close range—India’s best chance of the half gone begging.

Hong Kong responded almost immediately. A curling free-kick from Soares Junior Walter found Oliver Gerbig, who managed to get a touch on the ball, but Kaith’s reflex save kept things level.

The second half saw India come out with renewed purpose. Ashique had another half-chance, shooting over from outside the box. To freshen things up, Márquez turned to the experience of Sunil Chhetri, who came on just after the hour mark.

Chhetri, playing in what may be one of his final competitive campaigns for India, brought immediate calm and intent. Dropping into pockets of space, he orchestrated several attacks. In the 82nd minute, Chhangte darted down the right, cut the ball back for Chhetri inside the box—his shot was firm but deflected just wide by a diving defender.

As full-time approached, a goalless draw seemed all but sealed. But football has a way of defying expectation. A long aerial ball dropped into India’s defensive third in stoppage time. Kaith, who had been solid all night, misjudged the flight and collided into forward Michael Udebuluzor. The referee pointed straight to the spot.

Kaith, yellow carded for the challenge, could do little as Stefan Pereira stepped up and dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.

It was a bitter pill for India, who had fought with discipline and purpose for 90 minutes. Their campaign now faces a must-win scenario in October against Singapore.

Image Credit: AIFF