Kochi, March 31 Australian-born Ryan Williams made a dream debut for India, scoring in the fourth minute to help his team win 2-1 against Hong Kong in an inconsequential Asian Cup qualifying round match here on Tuesday.
Akash Mishra scored the other goal for India in the 50th minute, also his first international goal, helping Khalid Jamil-coached side secure their first victory in the third round of qualifiers.
Having already been eliminated from the continental competition, India ended their campaign with five points – from one win and two draws – and at the bottom of Group C.
Everton Camargo pulled one back for Hong Kong in the 65th minute.
India had lost to Hong Kong 0-1 in the first leg on June 10 last year in Kowloon. Singapore, who had beaten Bangladesh 1-0 at home earlier in the day, qualified for the 2027 Asian Cup as Group C toppers with 14 points from six matches.
Williams scored with a powerful right-footed shot into the back of the net after a brilliant pass from Manvir Singh in the middle, giving the large crowd in Kochi a wonderful moment to cheer.
Williams was included in the squad after FIFA cleared his change of association, allowing the 31-year-old winger to represent India at the senior international level. He had previously been part of India's preparatory camp for the match against Bangladesh but was left out of the lineup due to pending documentation.
This was also his international debut, as he had not played for Australia in an official senior match. He represented Australia at the youth level, participating in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
A versatile attacker currently playing for Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC, Williams relinquished his Australian passport last year to play for India.
Williams was substituted in the 67th minute after limping off the field.
Minutes later, Anwar Ali was also taken off after receiving medical attention on the field.