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Gurpreet Singh on India's Asian Cup Qualifiers Win: "Finishing Strong Was Agenda"

India concluded its AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Hong Kong in Kochi. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh expressed gratitude to the passionate home crowd for their unwavering support throughout the match. Despite the win, the team finished with five points and failed to secure qualification for the tournament. Gurpreet emphasized the importance of ending the campaign positively and building momentum for future challenges.

Key Points: India Ends Asian Cup Qualifiers with Win Over Hong Kong

  • India ends qualifiers with 2-1 win
  • Team finishes campaign on five points
  • Misses Asian Cup 2027 qualification
  • Kochi crowd of 22,690 provides strong support
2 min read

Not progressing still hurts, finishing strong was on agenda: Gurpreet on India's Asian Cup Qualifiers win

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh reflects on India's 2-1 victory in Kochi, thanking fans despite missing Asian Cup qualification.

"Not progressing still hurts. But... finishing strong and getting back to winning ways was on the agenda. - Gurpreet Singh"

New Delhi, April 1

After India ended their wait for a win at Kochi, edging past Hong Kong 2-1 to end the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round Group C campaign on a high at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh thanked fans for their support, saying, "It's been an immense privilege to be supported by the amazing crowd."

India ended their campaign on five points, with one win, two draws and three losses, missing out on qualification for the Asian Cup. Gurpreet feels that though the team failed to qualify, finishing the campaign on a winning note was on agenda.

"Not one for words after matches (as you guys know), but this is a special one to thank the fans for making our dreams come true again. For helping us reclaim the honour it is to play on the field again, with your support.

"As the Asian Cup qualifiers come to an end, knowing that we won't be progressing still hurts. But at the same time the importance of finishing strong and getting back to winning ways was on the agenda.

"Kochi, you beauty. Football is the living heart of this city, and it's been an immense privilege to be supported by this amazing crowd. There are many roadblocks in our way ahead, but we can take on all of them one at a time. Together," Gurpreet posted on X.

Early strikes from debutant Ryan Williams and left-back Akash Mishra in either half ensured the Blue Tigers secured their first win of the qualifying campaign infront of a strong crowd of 22,690 in Kochi.

Gurpreet also congratulated Williams for his much-awaited debut, "Huge congratulations to my mate Ryan on a debut goal and also Bijoy for his debut!" he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Gurpreet is pure class. Always gracious in victory and defeat. The team played with heart in Kochi. Ryan Williams' debut goal was a bright spark for the future. We stand with you, Blue Tigers! The journey continues.
A
Aman W
Five points from six matches? That's just not good enough at this level. We have the talent, but something is missing in the system. Need a proper review. Happy for the win, but the bigger picture is bleak.
S
Sarah B
The atmosphere in Kochi looked electric! 22,000+ fans is amazing support. Football truly is the heartbeat of that city. Well done to the team for giving them a victory to cheer. Small steps.
V
Vikram M
Respect to Gurpreet for his leadership. "Not progressing still hurts" – that says it all for us fans too. But we rebuild. Focus on the SAFF Championship and the World Cup qualifiers now. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Good to see new faces like Williams and Mishra stepping up! That's the positive takeaway. We need to blood more young players consistently, not just in dead rubbers. The future has to be now.

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