Hyderabad FC went up against the team at the bottom of the table, Odisha FC. The Nizams had a goalless draw in their last match against Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. They wanted to bag a win to become equal with the third-placed FC Goa on points. Odisha FC lost their previous venture in the league against Chennaiyin FC. The team is not in shape but have not lost hope. Their captain Cole Alexander played an important role in today’s fixture and help his side score a point.
Hali’s fourth goal gave Hyderabad the initial lead but Odisha skipper spoiled the party
Halicharan Narzary seemed to give Odisha FC a lot of trouble. The 26-year-old left-winger had penetrated into Odisha’s defence quite many times and lodged dangerous shots. He had the chance to make a difference in the 11th minute when Ashish Rai’s low cross skewed off Arshdeep. Narzary hit a shot towards the goal but Jacob Tratt blocked it with instant reflex.
The first goal of the match was a spectacle to watch with the beautiful build-up from Hyderabad FC. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani played a longball onto Aridane Santana who flicked it to Colaco. Liston made the run but was unselfish in his decision in front of the goal as he passed it to Halicharan. The number 19 made no mistake in putting the attack to bed and gave Hyderabad the lead in the 13th minute.
Narzary had the chance to double the lead with his brace. However, it was unfortunate to watch him hit the woodwork as Arshdeep Singh looked on. Odisha FC made their goal count after the restart from a throw-in. Rakesh Pradhan dropped the ball onto the feet of Diego Mauricio who fed it to a charging Cole Alexander outside the box. The skipper registered a half-volley with immense power as Kattimani could only watch his net bulge.
Akash Mishra: the saviour for Hyderabad FC
Odisha nearly completed a successful comeback as Diego Mauricio dribbled to penetrate into the box and lob a shot over Kattimani. It was Akash Mishra who headed the ball out from the goal-line as it hit the frame of the goal on the way out. Mishra also made another goal-line save during the dying minutes as Nanda Kumar cut-in and lodged a shot.
Hyderabad FC had possession of the ball for about 60% and registered 17 shots on Odisha FC but could only manage five on target. It was the away side who looked dangerous during the last quarter of the match but Akash Mishra ensured both teams take one point from the match.
Manuel Marquez would be far from impressed with this performance
Manuel Marquez shall be dejected with the performance as they have been limited to a draw. They also retained their position in the league table and are nine points off the league leader with a match in hand for Mumbai City. Odisha FC clinched a hard-fought draw but could not change their position from the bottom of the table. Baxter’s men should start preparing for their next challenge in the form of Bengaluru FC as Hyderabad FC will have their away fixture against Jamshedpur FC.
