AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: India beat Hong Kong 4-0 to finish on top of Group D

The Indian team after their win against Hong Kong in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at VYBK on Tuesday. Image Courtesy: AIFF Media

Xtra Time Web Desk: India completed their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2023 campaign in style at the VYBK Stadium in Kolkata as they thrashed Hong Kong 4-0 in the final game of Group D. Anwar Ali, Sunil Chhetri, Manvir Singh and Ishan Pandita were the goal scorers for the Blue Tigers.

India started the match on the front foot just as they did against Afghanistan and they were duly rewarded for their efforts. They were awarded a corner in the 2nd minute of the game and they took full advantage of the set-piece. The ball was swung in and after some pinball stuff, the ball fell to Anwar Ali who smashed the ball into the back of the net for his first international goal and one of the most crucial ones for India.

The Blue Tigers doubled the lead from a free-kick about 35 yards away from goal. Jeakson Singh looped in the ball from the free-kick at the far post for Chhetri. The Indian skipper found himself unmarked in the box. He took a beautiful touch with his right foot to set himself up and then dispatched the ball into the back of the net for his 4th goal of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Manvir Singh also put his name on the scoresheet in the 85th minute. Brandon Fernandes played a beautiful one-two down the right flank and found Manvir Singh with a cut back who then put the ball away brilliantly with a low shot.

In stoppage time, Ishan Pandita put the icing on the cake with a beautiful and cheeky goal. This time Manvir Singh became the provider as he put in a low cross from the right flank. Ishan Pandita got inside the six-yard box and with a defender closing down on him, Ishan cheekily backheeled the ball into the far corner and made it 4-0 in favour of the Blue Tigers.

Courtesy: AIFF Media