Manolo Marquez names 25-member squad for Indian Football Team's clash against Hong Kong

Indian Football Team succumbed to a 2-0 loss against Thailand in their last game.

Indian Football Team head coach Manolo Márquez, on Thursday, June 5, 2025, announced the 25-member squad that will be available for selection for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong. India, placed in Group C, along with Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Singapore, are desperate for their first win in a home-and-away round robin format.

The Blue Tigers’ upcoming challenge against Hong Kong who they will play away on June 10 at the Kai Tak Sports Park, in Kowloon City, will be a golden opportunity to get three crucial points.

The first two matches in Group C, between the Indian Football Team and Bangladesh in Shillong, and between Singapore and Hong Kong, China, in Singapore, ended in stalemates, leaving all four teams with a point apiece.

As part of their preparations for the Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong, the Indian Football Team played out a FIFA International Friendly against Thailand on June 4, where they lost 2-0 at the Thammasat Stadium. Goals from Benjamin Davis and Poramet were enough to see off a misfiring India, led by Manolo Marquez on the night.

ALSO READ: Manolo Marquez rues missed chances as India suffer bitter loss to Thailand

Indian Football Team’s 25-member squad for Hong Kong game:

Goalkeepers: Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh, Amrinder Singh

Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, Anwar Ali, Thangjam Boris Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Tekcham Abhishek Singh

Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nikhil Prabhu, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Brandon Fernandes, Ashique Kuruniyan

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte

Head Coach: Manolo Marquez

Can Indian Football Team finally break the deadlock in Group C?

The Blue Tigers are facing a 153rd-ranked Hong Kong side led by a familiar face in head coach Ashley Westwood, who has experience coaching in the subcontinent. But Marquez will be keen to turn his fortunes around quickly as an AFC Asian Cup berth is at stake for whoever tops Group C.

While doubts have been raised over India’s ability to find the back of the net in recent games, both sides are entering the game on the back of losses. While India lost 2-0 to Thailand, Hong Kong lost recently 3-1 to European giants Manchester United FC in a recent friendly.

A win for either side will significantly boost their chances of staying alive in qualification for the event scheduled to be organized in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

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