India's assurance on the ball and willingness to run hard for ball possession appeared to be wearing down Hong Kong's resolve, when Li Hai Qiang stamped his authority on the game with a ferocious half-volley for the match-winner.
Ranked 136th in FIFA rankings, the visitor sneaked home 1-0 winner in an international friendly at the Balewadi sports complex under lights.
Qiang capped a bout of short passes by Hong Kong with a rising shot into the net beyond goalkeeper Subrata Paul. The 80th minute strike by the visiting captain punched a hole in the Indian custodian's commanding show under the bar till then, covering up for holes in the defence with timely interceptions.
India, playing a new-look side, performed way beyond its 160th FIFA ranking but it was not enough. Substitute Sushil Kumar Singh created two chances for the home team to equalise, hitting the right post the first time. Then he flashed across the goalmouth to get within range of a floater, twisted to head across into Sunil Chetri's path, only to be dismayed by Anthony Pereira's volley soaring high and wide.
The home team weathered early wave of attacks to keep the visitor under pressure at the back. Surkumar attempted to link up with Chetri with long diagonal passes, Clifford floated free-kicks beyond the defence and Anthony tested the rival goalkeeper twice.
India goalkeeper Paul was decisive from the start, starting with a diving save to stop a move from Lee Hong Lim, and then charged out to boldly pluck the ball off Ye Jia's feet as the striker shaped to connect.
Qiang's sharpness on the ball and excellent first touch resulted in the visitor's early dominance of exchanges, sneaking into gaps to receive the ball from teammates or sending his strikers bounding away with flicked passes.
India gradually settled down as the midfielders came into play, Anthony and Clifford making inroads down the flanks at the rival defence, the latter dangerous at free-kicks with angular shots low into the goalmouth. Chetri connected once but deflection flew wide.
Coach Houghton opted for a four-man midfield to support twin strikers Yadav and Chetri, Anthony and Clifford stretched the opponents with tricky runs into space. Wadoo was supposed to be a physical presence in the middle and captain Climax at hand for help.
