India vs Hong Kong: Three Indian players who can impress in AFC Asian Cup Qualifier clash

India have already been eliminated out of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Following a four-month break, the Indian senior Men’s National Team will return to action in the March international window. They will face Hong Kong in the last game of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Both teams have already been eliminated from the qualifications, but they will compete for their country’s pride.

Following the recent chaos produced by stadium officials, the match between the two sides should hopefully take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Khalid Jamil and the national team were refused access to the stadium to do press conferences and training sessions.

Returning to the pitch, the typically dispassionate Indian NT players have little motivation to win this game because they have nothing but dignity and self-respect to play for. While supporters are disappointed that the Blue Tigers have already been eliminated, there is clearly some excitement around the game as Ryan Williams prepares to make his Indian debut.

A win is essential for Khalid Jamil, who wants to achieve a positive outcome and put an end to India’s steady decline in the FIFA rankings. Let’s take a look at three Indian players who might influence the outcome of the match in Kochi.

Apuia

Ever since Khalid Jamil took over the reins at Indian Football, one of the players who has constantly featured in the side is Nikhil Prabhu. But this time, the Punjab FC midfielder is sidelined with an injury, so Apuia has stepped up and established himself in the midfield.

Apuia has been in terrific form for Mohun Bagan this season, playing as a lone striker under Sergio Lobera. He frequently drops between the two centre-backs in possession and functions as a third defender, attempting to build attacks from the back. Playing this role, Apuia’s positional awareness to receive the ball and keep hold of the ball looks to have improved this season.

The Indian squad could not always keep the ball in midfield and play a series of passes before launching an attack. With Danish and Jeakson not well-known for their defensive qualities, Apuia must play an important part in maintaining possession in the centre of the park if the Blue Tigers are to develop attacking patterns rather than blasting useless long balls.

Ryan Williams

If you’re wondering how Ryan Williams became an Indian player, the explanation is that the Australian-born attacker received FIFA authorization to represent the Indian National Team through his mother, who has Indian roots. He exchanged his Australian citizenship for an Indian one in order to play for the Blue Tigers.

There is no question that Ryan Williams will be an important player for the Indian squad in their next match against Hong Kong. Although the Blue Tigers have several challenges, the most pressing and unresolvable one appears to be their goal-scoring issues. Even Sunil Chhetri’s return from retirement could not fix this.

The pressure is now on Ryan Williams to step up and put a stop to Khalid Jamil’s team’s goal-scoring problems. Most of the time, Indian players do everything well except for finishing, when they fumble and miss simple opportunities or attempt to score from difficult angles and great distances. This is precisely where Ryan Williams can aid the team.

Ryan, who has played in some of the world’s top leagues, is calm and selfless in front of goal, understanding when to shoot and when to pass to his teammates. He would need to talk to his teammates throughout the game to get them to operate as a team rather than just dribble and shoot like individuals.

Edmund Lalrindika

If there’s one player in the Indian attack line that has proved himself enough to get a consistent run in the NT colors, it is this man, Edmund Lalrindika. With qualification ambitions dashed, it is high time for Khalid Jamil to give someone like Edmund a shot over Manvir, Farukh, and Liston, who have failed to capitalise on the numerous opportunities they have been given so far.

Edmund, who moved from the I-League (now IFL) to the ISL this season, has been on fire for East Bengal thus far. He has scored twice and assisted twice, while also creating multiple scoring opportunities for Miguel, Youssef and Bipin Singh. From long-range goals to close-range finishes, line-breaking passes to dangerous crosses into the box, Edmund’s efforts this season have been productive.

More than the goals and assists, Edmund’s most impressive aspect of his game this season has been his composure when the ball is at his feet. Even when he is in a potentially dangerous position in the opposing half, Edmund pauses, scans the field, and plays the right ball rather than simply launching a shot for his own sake.

With his adaptability, Khalid Jamil can start him on the wings, as an advanced midfielder, or as a second striker behind the main target man. Edmund has been exceptional in his few appearances for the National Team off the bench. His low centre of gravity, composure, ability on the ball, and directness make him a complete package.

India 23-man squad vs Hong Kong

Goalkeepers: Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.

Defenders: Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, Anwar Ali, Bijoy Varghese, Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan, Abneet Bharti

Midfielders: Ashique Kuruniyan, Danish Farooq Bhat, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sahal Abdul Samad.

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Rahim Ali, Ryan Williams.

Head coach: Khalid Jamil

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