India meet Hong Kong in their final AFC Asian Cup Qualifier at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Cochin on Tuesday, March 31. This is a dead rubber for the Indians since they have already been knocked out of the tournament, and harbour no hopes of making it to the next stage. India are currently ranked last in Group C with two points from five matches. The Blue Tigers are yet to win a single game in this tournament, and have drawn two and lost three of the games they have played. Therefore, Khalid Jamil’s men will arrive for this game with no great expectations.
The equation is quite different for Hong Kong. They are currently ranked 2nd in the same group with eight points from five matches. They have won and drawn two games each, losing just one in the process. Singapore are perched on top of the standings with 11 points. Hong Kong can make it through to the main event if Singapore lose their next game against Bangladesh, and the former defeat India by a goal difference of at least three. If Singapore win against Bangladesh, Hong Kong’s hopes of qualifying for the Asian Cup will be quashed.
India have been the worst of all the teams that participated in this group. Their defenders have done poorly in all the games they have played, and this has reflected in their weak goal difference of -3. They have conceded five goals in as many matches, while scoring just two in return. Their morale will be at an all-time low when they meet Hong Kong, who have found the back of the net on seven occasions in the same period. The visiting side’s defenders have done well too, keeping two clean sheets.
Predicted Teams
IND [4-2-3-1]: Vishal Kaith; Akash Mishra, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Nikhil Poojary; Danish Bhat, Jeakson Singh; Ashique Kuruniyan, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte; Ryan Williams.
HK [3-5-2]: Zhenpeng Wang; Fernando, Leon Jones, Tze-Nam Yue; Sun Ming Him, Everton Camargo, Chun Lok Tan, Juninho, Shinichi Chan; Matthew Orr, Stefan Pereira.
Key Players
Ryan Williams (IND): Attacker Ryan Williams, who was awarded Indian citizenship last year, will be one of the players to watch out for in this team. The forward, who turns up for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, is known for his raw pace and wiry nature in the final third. Although his shooting leaves a lot to be desired, he can make up for it by taking on defenders in 1v1 situations. He can also help set up weighted passes for his teammates.
Matthew Orr (HK): Hong Kong will rely on the services of Matthew Orr in this fixture. The striker starred for them in their 1-2 loss to Singapore, and the same will be expected of him in Cochin. The 29-year-old, who plays for Shanghai Port, has already scored seven goals for Hong Kong and has become a trusted name up front. The left-footed attacker appears confident in playing with his back to the goal. If he receives a good supply of balls from midfield, Orr can be expected to take shots on goal.
Match Prediction
Hong Kong, with the possibility of qualification for the Asian Cup and better form going their way, are the favourites. India’s poor defensive record goes against them, and the visiting side will be expected to take them to the cleaners. The home team have also failed to show any cohesion in their midfield. As a result, India have suffered from an inability to create transitions. Hong Kong like to attack on the counter, as they showed in the reverse fixture, in which they beat India 1-0.
