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Indian Football Team

Three players who stood out for Indian Football Team against Hong Kong

Anuj has been part of Khel Now since October 2024, covering Indian Football and Bengaluru FC.
Published at :June 11, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Modified at :June 11, 2025 at 1:56 PM
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The Indian Football Team now faces a tough task of winning all Group C games to qualify.

India may have suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier at the Kai Tak Stadium, but not all was lost in terms of performance. While the result didn’t favour the Blue Tigers, some players showcased grit, resilience, and individual quality in a tense contest decided by a Vishal Kaith howler and a 95th-minute penalty from Stefan Pereira.

Despite the result, these standout performances offer hope and a foundation to build on as India head deeper into their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Group C campaign.

Here’s a look at the top three Indian players who stood out in the narrow loss to Hong Kong:

3. Brandon Fernandes

Brandon Fernandes made an impressive return to the starting XI, while offering composure and vision in the midfield, especially during the first half when India dominated possession and was winning the midfield battle. The attacking midfielder was tasked with unlocking Hong Kong’s defensive shape and attempted several vertical passes into the final third.

Brandon completed 15 of his 21 passes, maintaining a 71% passing accuracy, and had 25 touches overall in the game. He looked to link up play between midfield and attack and consistently sought to break down the lines with sharp movement and progressive balls.

Although none of his attempts led to a goal, Brandon’s awareness and creativity made him one of the brighter sparks in a midfield that often struggled for tempo. His substitution early in the second half had a negative impact on the game as India lost their threat from set pieces.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong vs India: Manolo Marquez’s last dance, late penalty drama and other talking points

2. Tekcham Abhishek Singh

Indian football team
(Courtesy: AIFF)

Once again, Tekcham Abhishek Singh impressed with a performance showcasing tenacity and maturity. The young defender has been a revelation in recent games, and his calm presence at the back was a vital factor in India holding off Hong Kong’s attack for most of the match.

He completed 19 of 25 passes while maintaining a 76% passing accuracy , making one clearance, and was active in individual duels winning six of 19 ground duels and one out of his three aerial duels. While the numbers might not jump off the page, Abhishek’s positioning, anticipation, and willingness to overlap into midfield to break up play were commendable.

His composure under pressure continues to grow with every outing, and he’s quickly cementing himself as a long-term option in India’s defensive setup despite only playing his second game for the Blue Tigers.

1. Anwar Ali

Ali once again delivered a towering performance in defence for the Blue Tigers. While the result was ultimately marred by a stoppage-time penalty, Anwar did everything in his power to keep Hong Kong at bay throughout the 90 minutes.

The centre-back was immense in the air and solid on the ground, winning five of seven aerial duels and four of eight ground duels. He also completed 19 of 24 passes while maintaining a 79% passing accuracy, making four clearances, one interception, and finished with 36 touches, the most among India’s defenders.

Anwar’s reading of the game, combined with his timing in challenges and distribution from the back, stood out as one of the few consistent elements in India’s performance. In the absence of attacking fluency, it was his defensive leadership that gave India a chance to take something from the game, until the final, heartbreaking moment.

While the 1-0 defeat to Hong Kong was a bitter pill to swallow, these three players proved that India still have reliable performers capable of rising to the occasion. As the qualification campaign intensifies, these players could be key in turning the tide and keeping India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 hopes alive.

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Anuj T
Anuj T

A sports journalist for over three years, Anuj has been following and covering Indian Football leagues for years. He specialises in in-depth knowledge of the game and its players. He Completed his Master's in Media and Communication Studies in 2025.

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