Williams, Akash strike as India beat Hong Kong 2-1 in AFC Asian Cup qualifier

Ryan Williams, the first foreign-born player in the Indian football system, made a dream start to his international career by scoring on debut as India defeated Hong Kong 2-1 in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier in Kochi.

The 32-year-old striker found the net within five minutes, giving India an early lead at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium. Williams tapped in from close range after a precise cross from Manvir Singh, setting the tone in front of an energetic home crowd.

India doubled their advantage in the 50th minute through Akash Mishra, who calmly finished to make it 2-0. Hong Kong pulled one back later in the match, with Everton Camargo scoring their only goal, but it proved to be just a consolation.

Lallianzuala Chhangte and Abhishek Singh Tekcham had played India out of a Hong Kong press from the defensive half before Manvir was released into a vacant area on the right flank.

Williams still had to time his run and meet the low cross at the far post to score. He did appear to be coming in from an offside position, but the flag stayed down, and the crowd was on its feet.

Williams, born in Perth and having represented Australia at various levels, recently accepted Indian citizenship. His mother hails from India, while his grandfather played for Bombay in the Santosh Trophy, making him eligible for the famous Blue jersey.

Williams has the No 10 jersey and the Blue Tigers might want to believe this is the start of a glorious era, in which more players of Indian origin would want to play under the tricolour. However, the condition that they chose to hold only the Indian passport still remains.

Williams was in line to start for India in the previous round of the Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh in November, but did not get a timely No Objection Certificate (NOC) from FIFA. Abneet Bharti, a Nepal-born defender who plays in Bolivia, had attended the national camp in Kochi but was not granted the NOC to make his debut. He, however, should become eligible in the next window.