AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers: Parth Jindal, fans fume at India's unacceptable 1-0 loss to Hong Kong
Indian head coach Manolo M¨¢rquez¡¯s tactical decisions also came under the scanner. His choice to bench veteran striker Sunil Chhetri ¡ª who had recently come out of international retirement to boost a struggling attack ¡ª raised eyebrows.
India¡¯s AFC Asian Cup Qualifier campaign suffered a major blow on June 10 as they fell 0-1 to Hong Kong ¡ª a team ranked 26 places below them in the FIFA rankings (India at 133rd, Hong Kong at 153rd). The upset was sealed in dramatic fashion during injury time, when goalkeeper Vishal Kaith rushed off his line and fouled Hong Kong's Michael Udebuluzor inside the box. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, and Stefan Pereira calmly slotted home the penalty in the 94th minute to secure a historic win for Hong Kong.
Despite dominating possession for much of the game, India's familiar shortcomings in front of goal once again proved costly. A golden opportunity fell to Ashique Kuruniyan in the first half after a clever pass from Liston Colaco, but the winger failed to convert ¡ª a miss that came to define the evening.
Full-time! A tough one to take for the #BlueTigers.#HKGIND #IndianFootball ?? pic.twitter.com/OBRZKdQhta
¡ª Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 10, 2025
Indian football head coach under fire
Head coach Manolo M¨¢rquez¡¯s tactical decisions also came under the scanner. His choice to bench veteran striker Sunil Chhetri ¡ª who had recently come out of international retirement to boost a struggling attack ¡ª raised eyebrows. His replacement, Lallianzuala Chhangte, was largely ineffective, and the midfield lacked cohesion and creativity.
57' Substitutions!
¡ª Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 10, 2025
Sunil Chhetri & Mahesh Naorem ??
Ashique Kuruniyan & Brandon Fernandes ??
?? 0??-0?? ??
Watch #HKGIND in #ACQ2027 live on @FanCode ?#BlueTigers #IndianFootball ??
This defeat not only puts India's qualification hopes in serious jeopardy but also exposes deeper issues around the team's tactical direction and morale. Fans and experts alike are now questioning whether M¨¢rquez is the right man to lead the team forward.
Parth Jindal, fans fume at India's loss
One of the strongest public reactions came from Bengaluru FC co-owner and JSW Sports CEO Parth Jindal, who didn't hold back in his criticism. Taking to social media after the match, Jindal called on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to make immediate and sweeping changes, including appointing a new head coach.
"This is completely unacceptable @IndianFootball ¡ª just not good enough under any circumstances," Jindal wrote. "Deep introspection needed by the AIFF. This is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard-earned money and effort to witness. Get a manager and a system that works ¡ª it¡¯s high time. There is too much effort to see a result like this."
This is completely unacceptable @IndianFootball - just not good enough under any circumstances - deep introspection needed by the AIFF - this is not what all of us lovers and backers of Indian football have spent our hard earned money and effort to witness - get a manager and a¡
¡ª Parth Jindal (@ParthJindal11) June 10, 2025
His remarks struck a chord with frustrated fans who have grown increasingly disillusioned with the national team¡¯s stagnation. The Hong Kong loss follows a 0-3 friendly defeat to Thailand, further compounding the pressure on the AIFF and M¨¢rquez's coaching staff.
Don¡¯t expect any real change in Indian football as long as corrupt babus sit at the top of AIFF. :)
¡ª The ChagalaToka (@Pratyush0511) June 10, 2025
This is just the beginning of the downfall, we're not even halfway there.
¡ª MUdeet ? (@mudeet4u) June 10, 2025
Totally agree. The fans, players, and everyone involved deserve much better. Indian football has passion and potential ¡ª but without a clear system and leadership, progress will keep stalling. It¡¯s time for change, not excuses.
¡ª AbhiRaj (@AbhilekhRai) June 10, 2025
The BCCI should take over Indian football too ¡ª it¡
Humble Request to PM Narender Modi Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for OCI and PIO in Indian Football! ????
¡ª Mehar Sodhi (@gameonbysodhi) June 10, 2025
We Can¡¯t see our Indian National Team Like this! ?? pic.twitter.com/n6LlN3D6WI
With just a sliver of hope remaining for qualification, the clock is ticking ¡ª and for Indian football, another crossroads has arrived.
Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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