Ryan Williams Scores Record Debut Goal as India Beat Hong Kong
Australia-born Ryan Williams marked his India debut with a goal in the fourth minute against Hong Kong at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Monday — the fastest ever scored by a debutant in Indian men’s national team history.
Williams, who gave up his Australian citizenship to represent the Blue Tigers, broke the record previously held since 1963. Manvir Singh did the hard work down the right, squaring low into the box, and Williams tapped it in.
“Since we got the clearance, all I’ve been thinking about is March 31,” Williams had said ahead of kick-off. He did not disappoint.
Akash Mishra added India’s second after the break, also his first senior international goal. Hong Kong pulled one back but could not find an equalizer. India won 2-1.
The result came in India’s final AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier, a match already inconsequential in terms of progression. But it mattered for other reasons. Kochi hosted the national team for the first time in a decade.
“It is awesome to play here as home team — they backed us till the last minute,” Williams said.