AFC Asian Cup qualifier | Jamil’s men vie for consolation win against Hong Kong

The AFC Asian Cup qualifier between India and Hong Kong isn’t actually quite that. Neither side is in the race for qualifying for next year’s tournament in Saudi Arabia.

And yet, this dead rubber, to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday, isn’t entirely that. Especially for the host. It is a chance for Khalid Jamil’s boys to post a consolation win in the four-team pool and finish their campaign on a positive note. They are lying at the bottom of Group C with just two points.

This match is also worth looking forward to from the Indian point of view also because there is a possibility of Australian-born Ryan Williams making his India debut. The coach was non-committal at the press conference, but he indicated the Bengaluru FC winger could play if the team formation needed him.

The very fact that Williams is included in the squad is significant for Indian football, going forward. Remember, players like Michael Chopra from England were desperate to play for India; and he was, in fact, willing to give up his British passport.

Jamil, who has revamped the squad during this maiden season in charge, said the match was important for India still. “We are ready for this game,” he said. “We may be out of the competition, but we have to finish with a win.”

He said he was happy that his team was playing in Kerala, which had a strong tradition of football. And Kochi is hosting an international match after a decade. “Kerala has always supported football,” he said. “And it is nice to be here.”

His counterpart Roberto Losada, too, is glad to be here. “Everything has been smooth,” he said. “I hope everyone will be able to enjoy a good game.”