Ryan Williams from Perth nets goal on historic debut for India squad

Ryan Williams, born in Perth with an Anglo-Indian mother and English father, struck the first goal as India defeated Hong Kong 2-1 during Asian Cup qualifiers on Tuesday in Kochi.

This marked the quickest goal by a newcomer for India, a nation whose dedicated football supporters have yet to witness their team at the World Cup.

The Hindu described it as the most shining highlight in a tough year for Indian football.

Williams, who has one cap for the senior Australian side and youth experience with the Socceroos, described it as a dream come true.

You could not script it better, (debut) in Kerala, footballs heartland, the forward and Indias fresh star remarked in a clip from the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

It has not quite registered yet. We will take a few days to savour it.

A product of Portsmouths youth setup in the Championship, Williams has featured for multiple teams in Englands lower divisions.

He joined the Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC in 2023, earning his international spot after securing his Indian passport.

That arrived in November of the previous year, paving the way for his much awaited scoring bow.

All my mums relatives, the Indian part of the family, live in Perth. They raised me, he shared in a chat with Sportstar.

Visits to my nans (grandmothers) place meant Indian meals and a house full of uncles, aunties, and cousins.

Arriving in India felt like connecting the dots.

Though Williams debut sparked joy, India ended at the foot of their qualifying section.

The Hong Kong triumph was their sole success in six matches.

With a population of 1.4 billion, the nation sits 136th in FIFA standings, just ahead of Latvia (1.9 million people).

Before the game, coach Khalid Jamil and some players could not enter their stadium due to the state associations unpaid security fee.