Hong Kong learn opponents for AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Westwood set for India battle
Ashley Westwood aiming to lead city team to Saudi Arabia tournament, after predecessor Jorn Andersen broke 55-year major finals duck
Monday’s draw for qualification to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup saw Hong Kong paired with India, where manager Ashley Westwood won two league titles.
Westwood’s side will also play home and away matches against Singapore and Bangladesh in Group C between March 2025 and March 2026, with only the group winners earning a place in the Saudi Arabia finals. Hong Kong will open their qualifying campaign in Singapore on March 25. Their first home match, against India, is on June 10.
The city team ended their 55-year wait to compete in a major tournament when they reached the 2023 Asian finals under former head coach Jorn Andersen.
Hong Kong pipped Singapore to a place in pot two of the draw at the Asian Football Confederation’s Malaysian headquarters, after remaining marginally ahead of their rivals in the Fifa world rankings on the November 28 cut-off date.
As it transpired, world No 156 Hong Kong were drawn with 161st-ranked Singapore, regardless. The teams drew 1-1 in their most recent meeting, a March 2023 friendly at Mong Kok Stadium. Hong Kong are unbeaten in six matches against Singapore, dating back to August 2012, although the sides have not met competitively since a 1-1 Fifa World Cup qualifying draw in December 1980.
The Asian draw has sent Westwood back to India, where he led Bengaluru to two domestic titles, in 2014 and 2016, and also had short spells in charge of ATK and Punjab FC. Hong Kong will finish their group fixtures in India on March 31, 2026.
