Blue Tigers out to earn stripes

Asian Cup qualifiers: Litmus test for India against new-look Hong Kong

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KOWLOON: Seeking its first win in the tournament, the Indian football team will face another acid test when it takes on Hong Kong in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Round 3 qualifier match here on Tuesday.

As per reports in the local media, all 50,000 tickets for the match have been sold out, setting a new attendance record for Hong Kong football.

Manolo Marquez's men will have their task cut out as they face a Hong Kong side that has been revitalised under the guidance of manager Ashley Westwood, who knows a lot about Indian football and will certainly look to use his knowledge to the home side's advantage.

Placed in Pot 1 for the qualifiers, India, ranked 127th, got off to a slow start with a draw against Bangladesh in March.