Ryan Williams is likely to make his India bow in Kochi when India take on Hong Kong. All eyes will be on Williams’ debut in this inconsequential match.
An Inconsequential Clash
The big picture is that there isn’t much of a big picture. This clash is an inconsequential game in this group for both India and Hong Kong, with Singapore already assured to finish top of the group. Singapore’s position means they are qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
For Khalid Jamil, the lack of consequence might have meant taking more risks with his squad selection, but that hasn’t transpired. The squad consists of largely the same names who have played throughout the failed qualification campaign, as they look for one positive result.
India’s Search for a Win
It is a given that India will now finish bottom of this group, but they don’t have a win yet. They will be looking to avoid the ignominy of finishing this campaign without a win. Unlike the last few games that India have played, this fixture comes in the middle of a domestic season. Many of the players that Jamil has picked for the squad have been playing regular football in the Indian Super League.
There are some surprises in the names that he’s picked, and ones that he hasn’t, but that is to be expected with every squad.
Hong Kong in Transition
For Hong Kong too, this game is the start of a transition. Ashley Westwood has left the job as their head coach, before eventually taking over at ISL side Kerala Blasters a few days ago. They’ve had their moments in this campaign but that 2-1 loss to Singapore in November ended their qualification hopes. India lost the reverse fixture in Hong Kong in June, when Vishal Kaith conceded a last-minute penalty. But this is now a vastly different Hong Kong squad, with most of the starting XI from that day at the Kai Tak Stadium not there in Kochi.
Williams Ready to Debut
After seeing his debut delayed in November, when international clearance didn’t arrive in time for India’s game against Bangladesh, Ryan Williams is likely to make his India bow in Kochi. He suffered an injury scare last week, as he pulled out of Bengaluru FC’s win against Inter Kashi. However, he now seems fit and ready to go.
- Bijoy Varghese and Albino Gomes are other new faces in the squad.
- There are also call-ups for Mohun Bagan players Apuia Ralte, Vishal Kaith, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Abhishek Tekcham, and Sahal Abdul Samad.
- Akash Mishra is back in the national reckoning too and will be fighting to start at left-back with Bengaluru FC’s Naorem Roshan Singh.
Williams is the new no.11 for India, meaning he will be the one to take over the burden from Sunil Chhetri, literally and figuratively. He is also India’s best attacking player. For a team that has struggled so much in front of goal throughout this campaign, he will be a necessary addition. He’s got everything you’d want for a wide player – speed, dribbling, crossing, and an eye for goal.
It will be important that India use the ball wisely in midfield.