US, April 2 -- Ryan Williams and Akash Mishra scored in each half of the match as India prevailed over Hong Kong 2-1, to end their AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round Group C campaign on a high at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. With this, India recorded their first win at Kochi.

Early strikes from debutant Williams and a second-half goal by left-back Mishra ensured the Blue Tigers secured their first win of the qualifying campaign. India ended their campaign on five points, with a win, two draws, and three losses. Singapore topped the group with 14 points to seal qualification for the Asian Cup.

Head Coach Khalid Jamil handed a much-awaited debut to Ryan Williams, while Bijoy Varghese also made his first Indi...