“We are ready to perform,” declared India head coach Manolo Marquez with quiet conviction on the eve of a pivotal AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong, China. With the final round of Group C wide open after a pair of goalless draws on Matchday 1, India know only a win will strengthen their chances of topping the group — the only route to the 2027 Asian Cup.
The Blue Tigers had a prolonged three-week preparation camp, a luxury rarely afforded during the congested FIFA calendar. Márquez, who emphasized the importance of match readiness over friendly results, played down India’s 0–2 loss to Thailand last week.
“Our preparations have been much better this time, if we compare with the previous FIFA windows, where you practically don’t have too much time. We had about three weeks to prepare, between Kolkata, Bangkok, and here in Hong Kong. And we are ready to perform. Nothing special,” said Márquez.
“The environment in the team is quite good as well. Obviously, in all teams across the world, the environment is better when you are winning games constantly. But the environment, the relationship between the players, regardless of the results, is very good,” he said.
Centre-back Konsham Chinglensana Singh echoed the optimism, stressing the team’s mental and physical readiness after a productive camp in Kolkata, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.
“We are well prepared for tomorrow, mentally and physically, after three weeks in the camp. We are ready for the game," he said.
at the brand-new Kai Tak Stadium — the first football match to be held at the 50,000-seater with a closed roof — promises to be an electric affair. Tickets have sold out, setting the stage for a raucous crowd as India look to extend their streak of Asian Cup appearances to a third successive edition.
“In my opinion, most coaches are not worried about the scores in the friendly games. We are focussing on the important match (Hong Kong),” he said. “I know everyone speaks about the score (against Thailand). But if we scored from the chances we created, it would have been different. This is football.”
“We will try to enjoy the situation in this stadium. I don’t know if it will be completely full, but a lot of people will be there. It will be a nice event, but obviously, we are focusing on winning the game,” said Marquez.
But standing in their way are familiar foes. Hong Kong, under Englishman Ashley Westwood — well-versed in Indian football — aim to spoil the Blue Tigers’ plans. With both teams equal on points and history evenly split (India lead 9-8 in head-to-heads), the stakes couldn’t be higher.
