Hyderabad FC dropped 2 points in a 1-1 draw against bottom-of-the-table SC East Bengal in match 40 of the Indian Super League. Hyderabad, though dominant, failed to impress in front of goal.
They lacked the cutting edge to find a winner and failed to capitalize on maintaining 67% of the possession. At the end of 90 minutes, the Men in Yellow had to settle for a draw. Meanwhile, it was a hard-earned point for SC East Bengal who defended for their lives.
The Red and Yellow Brigade are now winless in 8 games and have failed to register a single win this term. Manolo Diaz’s position is currently under scrutiny and a change is reportedly imminent.
Hyderabad FC 1-1 SC East Bengal: The Game
Hyderabad FC got the match underway and were on the front foot from the very start. Hnamte and Dervisevic spearheaded the SC East Bengal attack and were lively in attack. Joel Chianese was at the edge of the box for a corner and gathered up a loose ball. His shot challenged the goalkeeper, but Bhattacharya was up for it(13′).
Hnamte, while pressing high, won a ball in the attacking third and was through on goal. Chinglensana Singh chased him down and took him out with a tactical challenge. However, he conceded a free kick in a dangerous position. Amir Dervisevic took the responsibility and made it count. Kattiamani did a hand on it but the sheer power in the shot proved too much (0-1).
SC East Bengal squandered another chance as Chukwu was through on goal. However, he failed to hit the target. Hyderabad FC finally made good of their excessive possession and equalized in the 35th minute via Ogbeche. A floating cross from Aniket Jadhav found Ogebche in the 6-yard box to make it 1-1. The first half ended with both teams toning down the intensity.
Second Half:
Hyderabad FC had most of the ball in the second period and dominated proceedings. Meanwhile, East Bengal looked lost and were banking on counter-attacking play to find a way.
Both teams were unable to make that final pass as they scrambled through the second half. The final 15 minutes of the game was end to end. SC East Bengal’s plan execution was did almost achieve fruition when they broke with a counter-attack in the 82nd minute.
Md. Rafique found himself in space on the right flank and whipped in a delicious cross. Kattiamani misjudged the ball and left his line. Balwant Singh was on the end of the cross, but failed to hit home. SC East Bengal’s wasteful finishing continues to torment them as they struggle with each game. Things have improved on the defending front though. The match ended all square and both teams walked away with a point each.
Follow our Twitter for regular football news and updates
