42,570 fans, 90 minutes of non-stop cheers, and a spirit that fought until the very last moment—these elements came together to create the most moving scene at Kai Tak Sports Park since its opening. Hong Kong's football team delivered a perfect night for all local fans, embodying an unwavering "never give up" attitude amidst a sea of red, as they secured a 1-0 victory over India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers (Group C) with a stoppage-time penalty by Stefan Pereira, claiming all three points.
This marked the first time Hong Kong's home match was held at the main stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park.
The Football Association of Hong Kong announced a day before the game that all tickets had sold out. Fans began queuing for security checks three hours before kickoff, and by the time the match started, the stadium was transformed into a red sea, setting a new record for the highest attendance at a Hong Kong home game.
Hong Kong fielded a trident attack of Manuel Bleda Rodríguez, Sun Ming-him, and Raphaël Merkies, with Juninho providing support from behind.
First half: Sun nearly creates one-on-one
Rodríguez fired a powerful right-footed shot from the edge of the box after receiving a teammate's pass, but it sailed over. Soon after, Sun seized the ball in the attacking third and unleashed a left-footed long-range effort, which was blocked by one Indian defender.
India, under pressure, tried to counterattack quickly but struggled to create clear chances, with their set-pieces also being cleared by Hong Kong's defense. Hong Kong continued to press, with Merkies cutting inside from the left and shooting, only for the goalkeeper to gather it. Sun then came close to a one-on-one opportunity, but his touch was too heavy, allowing the defender to intercept.
Midway through the first half, India had a golden chance. A miscontrol allowed an Indian player to cross from the left, but he blazed his shot over from close range. The first half ended 0-0.
Second half: Michael wins the decisive penalty
Hong Kong remained aggressive after the break, with their best chance coming when Fernando's left-footed long-range strike was tipped over by India's goalkeeper. India also had several counterattacks, but Hong Kong's solid defense, outstanding throughout the match, held firm.
As the game entered its dying stages, the entire stadium rose to rally the team. Then, in stoppage time, the miracle arrived: Hong Kong's Michael Udebuluzor burst into the box to meet a long ball, only to be struck in the head by the onrushing goalkeeper's outstretched hands. After consulting the assistant referee, the referee awarded a penalty. Stefan Pereira stepped up and sent his shot in off the post, sealing a 1-0 victory for Hong Kong in front of over 42,000 fans—a historic win that will be etched into Hong Kong sports history.
Breakthrough moment
In 2006, only around 800 fans attended Hong Kong's match against India. By 2009, the number grew to 1,200. Now, against the same opponent in the new home stadium of the Kai Tak Sports Park, a sea of 42,000 red-clad supporters filled the stands. A long-time member of the supporters' group The Power of Hong Kong (TPOHK) described the scene as a "dream come true."
"This is exactly what we've been striving for all these years—everything we've done was to create this moment. I'd call it a dream realized, and I hope this isn't just a one-time spectacle but something that continues," they said.
Another core member, a familiar face leading chants from the front rows, took charge of the 4,000-strong north stand this time. He was visibly moved, "In the past, qualifying for the Asian Cup felt distant. When we traveled to Singapore, 300 or 500 fans seemed like the limit. But now, we've pushed it to this level—it's exhilarating just imagining it."
He added, "Hong Kong has never experienced an atmosphere like this, akin to European or South American teams, where fans behind the goal drive the energy. To be part of this here, it feels like witnessing history."
Having joined TPOHK in 2012, he reflected, "I took up the flag-leading role in June 2015, to be exact... It's been 10 years now."
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalists: Kwok Ching-him, Ye Shimin; English Editor: Darius)
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