India Held by Hong Kong in AFC Asian Cup Qualifier as Chhetri Era Ends
KOLKATA, India (June 10, 2025) – The Salt Lake Stadium witnessed a night of contrasting emotions as the Indian senior men’s football team played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier third-round Group D fixture on Tuesday. While the result confirmed India’s progression to the next stage, the match was overshadowed by the poignant farewell of the legendary Sunil Chhetri, who made his final appearance in national colours.
Coming into the match already assured of qualification alongside group leaders Qatar, Head Coach Igor Stimac opted for significant rotation. Chhetri started on the bench, while young talents like Anwar Ali, Vikram Partap Singh, and Jay Gupta were handed starts. Hong Kong, needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive and leapfrog Afghanistan into second place, fielded a determined lineup.
First Half: Early Promise Fades
The hosts exploded out of the blocks. In just the 2nd minute, a perfectly delivered corner kick found its way to the unmarked Anwar Ali at the far post. The defender made no mistake, powering a header past the Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai to send the home crowd into raptures. It was the dream start India craved. For the next quarter-hour, the Blue Tigers looked comfortable, controlling possession and probing for a second.
However, Hong Kong gradually settled into the game. Their midfield, led by the experienced Tan Chun Lok, began to find pockets of space and started testing the Indian defence with crosses and set-pieces. India’s early intensity waned, and clear-cut chances became scarce. Despite having the lead, India struggled to truly dominate the half after the initial flurry, with Hong Kong growing in confidence as the break approached.
Second Half: Hong Kong’s Resilience and Late Reward
Stimac introduced Chhetri in the 61st minute, replacing Vikram Partap Singh. The stadium erupted as the iconic number 11 stepped onto the pitch for his 151st and final cap. The script seemed set for a fairytale ending.
India pushed for a second goal to seal the victory. Liston Colaco, lively on the left, forced a save from Yapp. Chhetri himself had a couple of half-chances, showing glimpses of his trademark movement, but the final touch eluded him. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was called into action at the other end, making a crucial save to deny Hong Kong an equalizer earlier in the half.
As the clock ticked down, Hong Kong, desperate for a goal to keep their qualification dream alive, threw everything forward. Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute. A swift counter-attack caught the Indian defence slightly off guard. The ball was played into the box, and after a brief scramble, substitute Philip Chan Siu Kwan (commonly known as Forster) found space and smashed a low shot past Gurpreet to stun the home crowd. It was a well-taken goal born out of sheer determination.
India pressed frantically in the dying minutes for a winner, but Hong Kong held firm, expertly managing the game’s tempo and defending resolutely. The final whistle blew on a 1-1 draw, a result that reflected the balance of play over the 90 minutes.
Chhetri’s Emotional Goodbye
The result, however, became secondary in the moments following the final whistle. The focus shifted entirely to Sunil Chhetri. Tears flowed freely – from the captain himself, his teammates, and thousands of fans in the stands. Chhetri was given a guard of honour by both teams, a fitting tribute to a player who has been the face and heartbeat of Indian football for nearly two decades. He addressed the crowd with a heartfelt speech, thanking fans, teammates, family, and support staff, marking the end of an unparalleled international career that yielded 94 goals – making him the third-highest active international goalscorer globally at the time of his retirement.
What the Result Means
- India: Finishes Group D in second place with 7 points (W2, D1, L1), comfortably qualifying for the fourth round of AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers alongside Qatar. The focus now shifts entirely to building for that crucial next phase.
- Hong Kong: Finishes third in the group with 5 points (W1, D2, L1). Their qualification hopes now hang by a thread, dependent on results in other groups and the complex calculations for the best runners-up spots. They needed a win to overtake Afghanistan, but the draw leaves them relying on other results falling their way.
Analysis: A Night of Mixed Emotions
While securing qualification was the primary objective achieved before kickoff, the performance against Hong Kong will give Stimac food for thought. The early goal was promising, but the inability to build on it or control the game effectively for sustained periods against a determined opponent highlighted areas needing improvement. The late concession, while avoidable, was a testament to Hong Kong’s never-say-die attitude.
The night, however, belonged to Sunil Chhetri. As veteran sports commentator Novy Kapadia remarked, “The roar for Chhetri wasn’t just for the goals; it was for the hope he embodied for Indian football through thick and thin. Replacing that presence, both on and off the pitch, is the biggest challenge Stimac now faces.”
India progresses, but the end of the Chhetri era marks the definitive closing of one chapter. The hard work of writing the next one begins now, with the demanding AFC Asian Cup qualifiers fourth round on the horizon. For Hong Kong, the anxious wait continues, their Asian Cup destiny now out of their hands.
FAQ: India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup Qualifier & Chhetri Farewell
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Did India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 despite the draw?
Yes. India had already secured qualification for the fourth and final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers before this match kicked off, thanks to their earlier results in Group D (wins against Afghanistan). -
Why was this Sunil Chhetri’s last match?
Sunil Chhetri, the Indian football captain and all-time top scorer, announced his retirement from international football prior to this match. The game against Hong Kong was designated as his final appearance for the Indian national team after a stellar 19-year career. -
Can Hong Kong still qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027?
It’s still mathematically possible, but highly challenging. Finishing third in Group D with 5 points, Hong Kong’s qualification now depends on being one of the best-performing second-place teams across all groups. They need specific results in other groups to go their way. A win against India would have significantly boosted their chances. -
Who scored the goals in the India vs Hong Kong match?
India’s goal was scored by defender Anwar Ali in the 2nd minute (powerful header from a corner). Hong Kong’s equalizer was scored by substitute Philip Chan Siu Kwan (Forster) in the 85th minute with a low driven shot. -
Where was the match played?
The match was played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) in Kolkata, India.
