Indian assistant coach Mahesh Gawali has emphasized the need to minimize errors when India faces Hong Kong in their upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Gawali acknowledged that Hong Kong is an "improving side" and stressed the importance of a strong performance following India's recent defeat to Thailand in a friendly match.

The Indian team arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday, June 6, 2025, marking their return to the city after 16 years. Their last visit was in 2009 for a friendly match. The upcoming clash on June 10, 2025, is a crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Sunil Chhetri is the only player in the current squad who was part of the team that played in Hong Kong in 2009.

Gawali, who was also part of the 2009 friendly where he provided an assist in India's 1-2 loss, shared his memories of that game. It took place after India had secured a historic qualification for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, having won the AFC Challenge Cup 2008. In that match, Hong Kong took the lead in the 70th minute, and Bhaichung Bhutia equalized in the 80th, but Hong Kong ultimately won with a late goal. Gawali recalled that it was a very even contest, and he came on as a substitute, playing as a left-back and providing a long ball assist for Bhutia's goal.

After watching Hong Kong play against Nepal at the Hong Kong Stadium, Gawali commented on Hong Kong's improvement. He also noted Nepal's strong defense in that match, which limited Hong Kong's chances. Gawali also referenced India's previous win against Hong Kong in the qualifiers in Kolkata.

The upcoming match is particularly significant as it marks Hong Kong's debut at the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium. The stadium has a capacity of 50,000. Tickets are priced at HK$200 for adults and HK$80 for concessions. This Group C encounter is crucial, as only the group winner will automatically qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia. Hong Kong drew their opening qualifier against Singapore, while India were held to a draw by Bangladesh in their first match.

Manolo Marquez, the head coach, has named a 25-member squad for the qualifier against Hong Kong. The squad had initially traveled to Thailand with 28 players for a friendly, but Hrithik Tiwari, Mehtab Singh, and Subhasish Bose have since been released. India lost the FIFA international friendly against Thailand 2-0. All teams in India's group are currently level on points after the first round of matches, making the upcoming game a vital step in India's qualification campaign.

Gawali's insights highlight the importance of this match for India's journey towards the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. His experience as a former player and his current role as assistant coach make his observations particularly relevant as the team prepares to face an improving Hong Kong side.