ISL: Hyderabad FC stay top after beating East Bengal FC 2-0
Hyderabad FC reduced the deficit to four points in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharti Kirirangan on Friday, January 21, after a 2-0 win over a hard-fought East Bengal FC. .
Javier Saverio scored the first goal in the 9th minute of the game, and substitute Aron de Silva made it three points in the 93rd minute. In a match that could decide the eventual winner of the League Shield, the next game against the unbeaten Islanders gives them a chance to close the gap on the reigning champions.
Keen to be hot on the heels of Mumbai City FC, Hyderabad FC have landed a flyer. Borja Herrera whipped a looping cross into the box from the left side of midfield that fell straight to the head of an unmarked Saverio. The striker’s cushioning header saw the ball fly in at the far post as Kamaljit rooted to his spot.
The East Bengal FC shot-stopper was alert to deny Siverio a second goal and minutes later Hitesh Sharma’s shot from inside the box was straight at the Spaniard, whose close-range shot was blocked by Kamaljit.
Midway through the first half, in a game dominated by the defending champions, the Torch Bears advanced into Hyderabad FC’s half after a series of good passes, misusing a decisive pass into the box. A few minutes later, Lalsungnunga’s long throw from the right side was saved by Zuhair VP.
Less than ten minutes from the break, Bartholomew Ogbeche slid a pass straight to Siverio, who put it away for the oncoming Ragip. The full-back burst into the box and forced another save from Kamaljit from a tight angle as Hyderabad FC went in at half-time with a narrow advantage.
Rakhine’s first start for the club lasted just 45 minutes as Gerry Lalrinzuala came on to replace him at left-back in the second half. Four minutes in, Mohamed Yasir’s slide clearance sent the ball straight to Clayton Silva in front of goal, but the Brazilian couldn’t keep his effort on target.
In the 66th minute, a Hyderabad FC corner worked well, but only as far as Ogbeche, who attempted an overhead kick but his effort went wide. Moments later, at the other end, Silva Odeyi beat Onaindia but failed to beat Gurmeet Singh’s outstretched legs with his goal-bound strike.
In the third minute of stoppage time, a cheeky back-heel from Ogbeche allowed D’Silva to make a run towards goal from a tight angle. The substitute kept calm and buried Kamaljit to seal the win.
The defending champions go into their break four points behind Mumbai City FC, with the title race intensifying in their next game against the league leaders on February 4.
East Bengal FC failed to qualify for the playoffs. The Torch Bears are still in ninth place, eight points off the final playoff spot, currently occupied by their next opponents FC Goa.
