AFC Asian Cup Qualification: India Set for Match Against Hong Kong

The India national football team is scheduled to face the Hong Kong national football team on March 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST in Kochi. This match is significant as it marks the debut of Ryan Williams, who has recently completed his citizenship process and is now eligible to represent India.

Despite the excitement surrounding Williams’ debut, the match carries little weight in terms of qualification for the AFC Asian Cup, as India has already been eliminated from contention and is set to finish last in their group. This outcome reflects a challenging campaign for the team.

Ryan Williams, now 32 years old, expressed relief at finally being able to play for India after a lengthy process to obtain his Indian passport. “There have been two kinds of relief. The first was getting the Indian passport in my hand, which took a lot longer than we would have liked, and then, being eligible to play now,” he stated.

Head coach Khalid Jamil emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, stating, “This is a very important match for us. We must not take it lightly. We are ready for this game, and we need your support, especially this time.” He also noted that even though the team is out of the qualification race, they aim to finish the campaign on a positive note.

India’s squad for the match includes goalkeepers Albino Gomes, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Vishal Kaith, alongside defenders such as Abhishek Singh Tekcham, Akash Mishra, and Sandesh Jhingan. The midfield features players like Ashique Kuruniyan and Sahal Abdul Samad, while the forward line includes Williams, Farukh Choudhary, and Lallianzuala Chhangte.

The match is also a chance for India to restore confidence and build momentum for future competitions. Observers are keen to see how the team performs, especially given the recent struggles, including a 2-1 loss to Singapore by Hong Kong in their penultimate match.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further changes to the team or strategy leading up to the match. However, the focus remains on the players’ performance and the potential for a morale-boosting result against Hong Kong.