India's hopes of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup for the third time in a row have been hit with a major blow as the Blue Tigers were beaten 1-0 by 157th-ranked Hong Kong in their second match of the qualification third round at the Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon.

The visitors were handed a late heartbreak as Stefan Pereira scored in the 94th minute from the penalty spot. This result means India, who are ranked 127th in the world, is still winless in the group as their first match ended in a 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in Shillong in March.

It is worth noting that only group winners will qualify for the competition. As things stand, India are fourth in the table and face a tough task to qualify.

The Manalo Marquez managed team have four matches left with two games against Singapore, a home tie against Hong Kong, and an away fixture against Bangladesh.

India is three points behind Hong Kong and Singapore (if they retain 1-0 lead against Bangladesh). The Blue Tigers need to win each of their remaining fixtures and hope other results go their way. While there is still a long way to go in the qualification, the margin of error for the 1964 runners-up is minimal now.

9th October, 2025- Singapore (A)

14th November, 2025 - Singapore (H)

18th November, 2025 - Bangladesh (A)

31st March, 2026 - Hong Kong (A)

India has never before played three consecutive editions of the continental showpiece event, but has the chance to do so in 2027. The Sunil Chhetri-starrer team played in both the 2019 and 2024 editions of the competition.

India has made a rough start to life under Marquez, who took charge last year. Since his arrival, they have won just one match while playing eight games.

India missed a golden chance to seal direct qualification during the FIFA World Cup qualification's second round as they finished third in the table.