In a dramatic twist during the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier at Hong Kong’s recently unveiled Kai Tak Stadium on June 10, 2025, India’s hopes of redemption took a sharp decline as a tense contest ended in a 1‑0 loss, courtesy of a stoppage‑time penalty by Hong Kong’s Brazilian‑turned‑local striker Stefan Pereira; the dramatic moment arrived in the 90+4′ when India keeper Vishal Kaith misjudged a clearance, fouling Michael Udebuluzor in the box, earning a yellow card and gifting the hosts the decisive penalty, which Pereira coolly slotted past the post and into the net the-afc.com+14espn.in+14mykhel.com+14uniindia.com+10scmp.com+10sports.ndtv.com+10. Despite building solid pressure—missed chances from Ashique Kuruniyan and Liston Colaco, a heroic save by Kaith, and Sunil Chhetri’s impact off the bench—India couldn’t break through during regulation time vavel.com+6sports.ndtv.com+6sports.ndtv.com+6. Hong Kong, fuelled by a roaring 42,000‑strong home crowd, extended their unbeaten streak to ten matches and claimed four points from two qualifiers, while India were left stranded with just one point and mounting concerns over their finishing and strategy under coach Manolo Márquez espn.in+4scmp.com+4mykhel.com+4.
Coach Westwood praised Hong Kong’s composed endurance, but India’s frailties were stark: missed opportunities and a late defensive lapse have intensified pressure on their qualification campaign. With four matches still remaining, the Blue Tigers must regroup quickly to revive their hopes.