"When you come to Kerala, you always get the support": Khalid Jamil thanks fans following Hong Kong victory
India registered their first and only win of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers campaign.
The Indian National Team finally registered a win in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign, defeating Hong Kong 2-1 in Kochi. Even with this victory, the Blue Tigers are already out of the qualifiers, after finishing last in the standings with five points, but this will give the team optimism for its upcoming matches.
The much-anticipated debut of Ryan Williams, the Bengaluru FC attacker who gave up his Australian passport to represent the Blue Tigers, dominated the buildup to the match. And boy, did he deliver! Ryan scored his first goal in Indian colors just four minutes after making his debut, guiding Manvir’s low cross into the back of the net.
The Blue Tigers dominated the first half, creating several chances but failing to score more than once. However, in the second half, Akash Mishra gave Khalid Jamil’s team a two-goal cushion with a spectacular shot from a tight angle. While Hong Kong pushed more players forward in pursuit of a goal, the Blue Tigers had opportunities on the counterattack.
Everton’s well-taken goal in the 66th minute gave the away side hope, but Khalid Jamil’s team did just enough to maintain their advantage and secure the three points. Following the triumph, Indian head coach Khalid Jamil and left-back Akash Mishra addressed to the media, and here’s what they had to say.
Khalid Jamil on the win:
This win is critical for the Blue Tigers since it is their first victory in seven games (excluding a closed-door friendly against Bhutan and a penalty victory against Oman). And, for a team that has been steadily declining in the FIFA rankings, this victory would help to stabilize it, at least temporarily.
“Everybody, especially the players, they are feeling very happy. I am very happy. All the players worked very hard. They played as a team. It is very important to win and that is the most important thing. Then you get the confidence, players feel good, then we have to build a team.”
“We need to play more matches. We are trying, everybody is trying. All India Football Federation, they are trying. And maybe you are going to outside too. So that is a good thing to do”, added Khalid Jamil following the win.
Akash Mishra on his goal and three points:
Anyone who has followed Indian football for the past year or two knows how much Akash Mishra has gone through in the previous 18 months. Akash has battled hard fights, from damaging his ACL to gradually returning to full health to start delivering for the Indian National Team, and this goal is simply a present for his hard work. The Indian left-back spoke about the goal and the team’s overall performance.
“I feel really happy (coming back from the injury). I think it’s all because of the team. They gave me a push; they gave me the confidence. Even all the senior players who are there in the team. So, I think that confidence was very important for me. And the goal is just a blessing of God, and it happened. Of course, I’m very happy that I scored the goal, but I think it was all the team’s effort”
“The three points and the win was important. Also, a very thank you to all the fans for turning up. And I think they really pushed us to perform well. All the credit goes to the team and the fans.”, commented Akash Mishra
Khalid Jamil on the atmosphere in Kochi:
The Indian national team returned to Kochi after a ten-year gap, and the supporters celebrated in style. On a Tuesday night, almost 22,000 fans transformed Kochi into a sea of blue, cheering for the squad throughout the game. Khalid Jamil praised the spectators and support workers for the facilities and assistance offered.
“The players are feeling very happy from even before the match. Everybody enjoyed playing, that is the most important thing. Because the atmosphere is very nice. Ground condition is also very good. So everybody enjoyed playing, that is the most important thing. All the players they know that when we come to Kerala, you always get the support“, stated Khalid Jamil.
Khalid Jamil praises Ryan Williams and other players:
Speaking about the players’ performance following the victory, Khalid Jamil refused to single out Ryan Williams’ outstanding performance, instead stating that every player on the field contributed to the team’s triumph and thanked his players.
“Talking about Ryan Williams, it was the first game for him and he played very good. He is fine now (from cramps). And Akash, he is also fine. That is a good thing. I cannot say only Ryan, everybody played good. Akash scored a good goal, Manvir also worked very hard. Abhishek, Mawia (Apuia), even Sandesh, Gurpreet and Rahul, they also have done good.”
“Jeakson came in, he also had done good. Ashique, he tried. There’s Anwar, Liston, Chhangte, everybody worked very good. I felt very good because everybody is working very hard and nobody is complaining and they are playing as a team. Thank you to everyone”, applauded Khalid Jamil.
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Shyam Sundar is an Indian football fan turned writer who has been covering the sport since 2023, after following it closely since 2020. He has reported on the ISL, I-League, IWL, and Indian national team matches. A passionate football enthusiast, he holds a special place in his heart for Chennaiyin FC and Manchester United.