India up against Hong Kong's 'naturalised' side

PANAJI: Manolo Marquez has been in-charge of the national team for seven games since last year, and his only win came against lowly-ranked Maldives where, by the coach's admission, his team “didn't play a good game.

”There have been disappointing results, including last week's 2-0 loss against Thailand. But given some encouraging shows – draws against Vietnam away, Malaysia at home – Manolo believes India can get a favourable result against Hong Kong in the Asian Cup 2027 final round qualifier at newly-constructed Kai Tak Stadium, a 50,000-capacity venue that will host its first football match.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“We are not very worried about the scores in friendlies,” Manolo told reporters. “What's important is that our focus should be on point.”

Given their patchy form, India will find it challenging. Having dropped points vs Bangladesh in the first round, they now must win against Hong Kong to have their noses in front as only group toppers qualify for the continental showpiece in Saudi Arabia.“The environment in the team is good.

Obviously, in all teams across the world, the environment is better when you are winning constantly. But the environment, the relationship between the players, regardless of the results, is very good. It's true that we have won just one game against Maldives, but the team is also difficult to beat. We are preparing some things for the future,” said Manolo.

Nobody knows about Indian football's future but the present certainly looks bleak. Spread over 18 months and 16 matches, India have won just two. The three trophies that India won at home in 2023 and the away win against Kuwait in the World Cup qualifiers now seem like ancient history.