Kowloon, June 9 -- India and Hong Kong, China's meeting on Matchday 2 of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round on June 10 is billed as the highest-stakes clash of Group C. They are the top two-ranked sides in the four-team group and are aiming for their first win of the campaign.

Placed in Pot 1 for the qualifiers, India, ranked 127th, got off to a slow start with a draw against Bangladesh in March. Meanwhile, Pot 2 side Hong Kong, ranked 153, could also only manage a point in Singapore, meaning there is still nothing to separate the four sides after the first matchday.

For Hong Kong, June 10 will be a historic date. The game is not only a crucial qualifier in their search for only a second AFC Asian Cup berth in 59...