New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) 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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