Hyderabad, May 26, 2025 – As Manchester United kicks off its dazzling Asia tour, Indian football is under the spotlight. The Red Devils will face an ASEAN All-Stars team in Kuala Lumpur and play in Hong Kong, showcasing stars like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. Meanwhile, India’s national team is preparing for a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Third Round Group Stage match against Hong Kong on June 10, 2025, at the Kai Tak Sports Park. After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in March 2025, and with an aging Sunil Chhetri still leading the line, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) faces tough questions. The team’s struggles, uncertainty over coach Manolo Marquez, and slow progress on OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) policies highlight the need for change. Yet, young talents like Rahul KP offer hope. This article dives into India’s football journey, the importance of the Hong Kong match, and the potential of OCI players to reshape the future.
Indian Football’s Struggles: Can’t Find the Net
Indian football is stuck in a rut. In the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Third Round, India opened with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Bangladesh, ranked 185th in FIFA standings, far below India’s 127th .
Midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam remains hopeful, stating, “Our goal is to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup regularly”.
Manchester United’s Asia Tour: A Glimpse of Glory
For Indian fans, the tour is a thrilling distraction but also a reminder of the gap between global giants and the national team. The India vs. Hong Kong match at Kai Tak Sports Park is part of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, not a friendly, making it a high-stakes clash .
Sunil Chhetri: The Heart of Indian Football
At 40, Sunil Chhetri remains India’s biggest star. He’s the team’s top scorer, captain, and emotional leader. His return from retirement to face Afghanistan in March 2025, and his goal in a 3-0 win over Maldives, show his unmatched dedication .But relying on a 40-year-old striker is a problem. Marquez admitted, “To substitute Sunil is very difficult. Maybe we can find a solution by playing as a team” . The AIFF is looking to OCI players to fill the gap, but progress is slow. Chhetri’s leadership will be crucial against Hong Kong, but India needs new heroes to step up.
Manolo Marquez: Why the Short-Term Role?
When Manolo Marquez was named head coach in 2024, fans were excited. His success in the Indian Super League (ISL) with FC Goa and Hyderabad FC, where he won titles and built attacking teams, made him a perfect fit. But rumors suggest he might leave after the Hong Kong match to return to FC Goa, sparking outrage . Why hire a top coach for such a short time? And why isn’t the AIFF doing more to keep him?Marquez’s frustration was clear after the Bangladesh draw: “We played a bad game, and that’s all” .
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| Manolo Marquez |
OCI Policies: A New Hope or a Long Wait?
The AIFF is banking on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players to boost the national team. These are players of Indian descent living abroad, often trained in top leagues like Europe or the USA. AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey called it a “game-changer,” saying, “We are making efforts to create a policy framework that allows us to utilize the talent of overseas Indian-origin players” . With India struggling to replace Sunil Chhetri, OCI players could bring the goal-scoring spark needed for matches like the one against Hong Kong.
But there’s a big roadblock: India’s Citizenship Act of 1955 bans dual citizenship, and a 2008 rule says only Indian passport holders can represent the country in international sports .
The AIFF has been working on this for over 18 months. In 2023, Chaubey formed a task force, led by Punjab Football Association President Samir Thapar, to create a database of OCI and PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) players .
The Sports Ministry is considering relaxing the 2008 rule for sports like football and tennis, where India lags behind . Others argue that OCI players could inspire local kids, much like Chhetri has. Chaubey is optimistic, saying OCI players could fill key roles like strikers and playmakers, where India struggles.
The AIFF: Leadership Under Fire
The AIFF is facing heat for its lack of vision. The team’s struggles, reliance on Chhetri, and Marquez’s uncertain future point to poor planning. The OCI policy is a great idea, but delays show the AIFF’s struggles with execution. The Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League have brought fans and money, but they’re not producing enough national team stars. Youth academies lack funding, scouting is weak, and there’s no clear path for young players to reach the top. The AIFF needs to invest in training, hire better coaches, and use technology to find talent across India and abroad.
Rahul KP: A Star on the Rise
Despite the challenges, Rahul KP is a bright spot. The young player joined West Ham United for a TST 7v7 tournament in the USA, showing off his speed and skill. His success proves India has talent, but players like him need more chances to shine. The AIFF must build better academies and send young players to international tournaments to gain experience, which could help in matches like the one against Hong Kong.
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| Rahul KP |
AFC Asian Cup 2027: A Must-Win Moment
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Third Round is India’s chance to make history by qualifying for three straight Asian Cups .Marquez called the group tough but winnable: “We are a Pot 1 team and we need to show why we are the favourites to qualify” . A win against Hong Kong is critical to keep India at the top of Group C and boost their chances of qualifying.
The Road Ahead: How to Fix Indian Football
To succeed in the qualifiers and beyond, the AIFF needs a plan:- Find New Strikers: Train young players or fast-track OCI policies to replace Chhetri.
- Stable Coaching: Keep Marquez or hire a long-term coach with a clear vision.
- Better Systems: Use technology to scout talent and improve training.
- Stronger Leagues: Make the ISL and I-League tougher to produce national team stars.
- Inspire Fans: Use players like Chhetri and Rahul KP to get kids playing football.
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