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Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Manolo Marquez to request AIFF to remove him as Indian head coach after deflating loss vs Hong Kong: Report
It has been an extremely unhappy period in Indian men's football, with the team struggling immensely over the last 18 months. Since the beginning of 2024, India have played 16 matches and won only once, and things have reached a tipping point after a 1-0 loss to lowly Hong Kong in Tuesday's AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Fan frustration with Marquez has increased significantly in 2025, with a string of humiliating losses in which the national team has looked absolutely toothless in front of goal. It is now three consecutive games without any goals, against fairly manageable opposition in Bangladesh, Thailand, and now Hong Kong. With India's qualification chances for the 2027 Asia Cup now hanging by a thread, there is an expectation that Marquez might step back from his role as head coach after all momentum has stalled in India's football progress. The decision to bench Sunil Chhetri for this match against Hong Kong has been seen as a managerial blunder, and as per those in the know, the Spaniard is contemplating resigning from his position within a year of taking over for Igor Stimac in July 2024. India have slipped down to 133 in the FIFA world rankings. However, an AIFF source has claimed that Marquez has thus far taken no action in terms of stepping down from his position, with India's football federation only able to await any decision he makes. Speaking on the steps required to step down from the role, a source explained to PTI that it is not a unilateral decision, and that he would only be able to leave following a mutual agreement: "He can do so only after mutual agreement, that the AIFF gives him permission to part ways.' Marquez signed on for the coaching role with a two year tender, and only 11 months into the role, results haven't gone to plan and led to immense pressure from stakeholders. Nevertheless, Marquez hasn't yet communicated a desire to resign from his position. "We have not got any request in writing from Manolo that he wants to leave from the job. We can apply our mind only after he informs us what he wants," explained the source further. India have a period of time to decide what they need to do next, with four out of four wins required to stay alive in the qualification hunt, currently at the bottom of their group. Their next Asian Cup qualification fixtures is a set of matches home and away against Singapore during the October international break, but with no guarantee that Marquez will be at the helm for those games.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Parth Jindal, fans fume at India's unacceptable 1-0 loss to Hong Kong
India's AFC Asian Cup Qualifier campaign suffered a major blow on June 10 as they fell 0-1 to Hong Kong — a team ranked 26 places below them in the FIFA rankings (India at 133rd, Hong Kong at 153rd). The upset was sealed in dramatic fashion during injury time, when goalkeeper Vishal Kaith rushed off his line and fouled Hong Kong's Michael Udebuluzor inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and Stefan Pereira calmly slotted home the penalty in the 94th minute to secure a historic win for Hong Kong. Despite dominating possession for much of the game, India's familiar shortcomings in front of goal once again proved costly. A golden opportunity fell to Ashique Kuruniyan in the first half after a clever pass from Liston Colaco, but the winger failed to convert — a miss that came to define the evening. Full-time! A tough one to take for the #BlueTigers.#HKGIND #IndianFootball ⚽️ Indian football head coach under fire Head coach Manolo Márquez's tactical decisions also came under the scanner. His choice to bench veteran striker Sunil Chhetri — who had recently come out of international retirement to boost a struggling attack — raised eyebrows. His replacement, Lallianzuala Chhangte, was largely ineffective, and the midfield lacked cohesion and creativity. 57' Substitutions!Sunil Chhetri & Mahesh Naorem ⬆️Ashique Kuruniyan & Brandon Fernandes ⬇️🇭🇰 0️⃣-0️⃣ 🇮🇳Watch #HKGIND in #ACQ2027 live on @FanCode 📺#BlueTigers #IndianFootball ⚽️ This defeat not only puts India's qualification hopes in serious jeopardy but also exposes deeper issues around the team's tactical direction and morale. Fans and experts alike are now questioning whether Márquez is the right man to lead the team forward. Parth Jindal, fans fume at India's loss One of the strongest public reactions came from Bengaluru FC co-owner and JSW Sports CEO Parth Jindal, who didn't hold back in his criticism. Taking to social media after the match, Jindal called on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to make immediate and sweeping changes, including appointing a new head coach. "This is completely unacceptable @IndianFootball — just not good enough under any circumstances," Jindal wrote. "Deep introspection needed by the AIFF. This is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard-earned money and effort to witness. Get a manager and a system that works — it's high time. There is too much effort to see a result like this." This is completely unacceptable @IndianFootball - just not good enough under any circumstances - deep introspection needed by the AIFF - this is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard earned money and effort to witness - get a manager and a… His remarks struck a chord with frustrated fans who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the national team's stagnation. The Hong Kong loss follows a 0-3 friendly defeat to Thailand, further compounding the pressure on the AIFF and Márquez's coaching staff. Don't expect any real change in Indian football as long as corrupt babus sit at the top of AIFF. :) This is just the beginning of the downfall, we're not even halfway there. Totally agree. The fans, players, and everyone involved deserve much better. Indian football has passion and potential — but without a clear system and leadership, progress will keep stalling. It's time for change, not BCCI should take over Indian football too — it… Humble Request to PM Narender Modi Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for OCI and PIO in Indian Football! 🙏🏻🇮🇳We Can't see our Indian National Team Like this! 🙏🏻 With just a sliver of hope remaining for qualification, the clock is ticking — and for Indian football, another crossroads has arrived.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
India go down 0-1 to Hong Kong in crucial 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier match
NEW DELHI: The suffered a heartbreaking 0-1 defeat to hosts Hong Kong after conceding a stoppage-time penalty in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier on Tuesday. The decisive goal came from Stefan Pereira in the 94th minute after a costly foul by India goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The referee pointed to the spot after Kaith charged off his line and collided with Michael Udebuluzor while attempting to punch the ball clear. Pereira made no mistake from the spot, calmly slotting the ball to Kaith's right. The Indian custodian was also shown a yellow card for the late challenge. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Earlier in the evening, head coach Manolo Marquez opted to keep veteran striker and talisman Sunil Chhetri out of the starting XI. Despite the raucous support for the home side at the newly built Kai Tak Stadium, India looked promising in the early exchanges and created a handful of chances in the first half, although Hong Kong dominated possession. However, as has often been the case of late, India's lack of clinical finishing once again proved costly. Their best opportunity of the half came in the 35th minute when Ashique Kuruniyan, set up beautifully by Liston Colaco's run and cross from the left, fired wide from close range. Colaco, who had earlier received treatment for an injury, also tried his luck with a powerful long-range effort, but it went straight into the hands of the Hong Kong goalkeeper. Hong Kong grew into the game as the first half progressed and nearly broke the deadlock through a set-piece, only to be denied by a goal-line clearance from Ashish Rai after Kaith was beaten. Both sides had their moments in a tightly contested opening 45 minutes, but neither could capitalize. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kuruniyan, effective down the flank throughout the match, had another opportunity early in the second half but again couldn't convert. In an attempt to inject urgency into the Indian attack, Marquez introduced Sunil Chhetri and Naorem Singh in place of Kuruniyan and Brandon Fernandes. MLC: Venky Harinarayan on growing cricket in the USA, AI-driven teams and the Olympic boost India continued to press for a goal and came close in the 81st minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte delivered a precise cutback to Chhetri inside the box, but the veteran striker failed to make solid contact. The result is a major blow to India's qualification hopes, especially after their goalless draw against Bangladesh at home in March in their opening qualifier. With only a few matches remaining, the Blue Tigers will now need to regroup quickly to keep their Asian Cup dreams alive.
South China Morning Post
10-06-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong v India: boos ring out for Westwood ahead of crucial Asian Cup clash
Ashley Westwood has doubled down on his belief in Manuel Bleda, picking the newly naturalised striker to the lead the line in his side's Asian Cup qualifier against India on Tuesday. The decision was met with a chorus of boos from the home fans, who called for the Englishman to be sacked after his side's 0-0 draw with Nepal last week. Westwood, though, has turned to the Spanish-born 34-year-old as he looks to break Hong Kong's struggles in front of goal. Also in the starting XI was Raphael Merkies, another player who has qualified through the residency rules that have so riled Westwood's counterpart Manolo Marquez. The India boss is also looking for goals, after his side's first game against Singapore ended goalless. He has recalled Sunil Chhetri to the squad, but the veteran striker only starts on the bench. Much will rely on the form of attacking midfielder Brandon Fernandes and forward Liston Colaco.
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First Post
10-06-2025
- Sport
- First Post
India vs Hong Kong LIVE, AFC Asian Cup Qualifier: Both teams eye first win in crucial clash
India vs Hong Kong LIVE, AFC Asian Cup Qualifier: India and Hong Kong China are all to face off in a high-stakes AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Both teams are yet to register a win in the group and will be desperate to claim all three points tonight. Stay tuned for live score, match updates, and more. read more IND vs HKG Live Score & Updates: India face Hong Kong China in a crucial third-round qualifier clash of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Tonight's encounter is important for keeping qualification hopes alive as both sides are yet to win their first match in this round. India and Hong Kong drew their previous encounters against Bangladesh and Singapore, respectively. The game will also be closely looked at because of the stadium, where it is being played. It is inaugural game at the Kai Tak Stadium, which was recently opened at an estimated cost of $3 billion. Follow the live blog for scores and updates. Welcome to the live blog for India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier game. Stay tuned for the live score and all the latest updates from the match! India will be hoping for a turnaround in form as they take on Hong Kong in AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier game at the Kai Tak Stadium. Sunil Chhetri will look to lead the Men in Blue to their first victory of the third round. The India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers game will take place on Tuesday, 10 June at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. The match will begin at 5:30 PM IST. The live broadcast of India vs Hong Kong 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match will be available on Star Sports Network (Star Sports 3 TV channel). Fans can watch the live streaming via the FanCode app and website. India vs Hong Kong, AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Live Score & Updates: India and Hong Kong are all set to lock horns in a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifier game on Tuesday, 10 June. The match is scheduled to take place at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong and will begin at 5:30 PM IST. Both teams are going into the game still searching for their first win in the qualification round. against Hong Kong when it comes to the head-to-head record. The Men in Blue have won nine out of 25 times they have played against Hong Kong since 1951. Meanwhile, the latter have won eight times, while seven matches have ended in draws. The last time these two sides faced each other was back in 2022, when India won 4-0. How to watch India vs Hong Kong match in India? Fans can watch the live broadcast of the India vs Hong Kong AFC Asian Cup Qualifier clash on Star Sports Network. The live streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website. India vs Hong Kong squads India's squad: Vishal Kaith, Gurmeet Singh Chahal, Amrinder Singh, Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Konsham Chinglensana Singh, Anwar Ali, Thangjam Boris Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Asish Rai, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Brandon Fernandes, Nikhil Prabhu, Sunil Chhetri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Lallianzuala Chhangte
