Margao, Goa: Watch all the highlights from ATK FC’s 3-1 win over Chennaiyin FC in the final of the Indian Super League 2019-20 held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Goa.
Margao, Goa: ATK FC became the first team in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) history to win the title thrice after overcoming Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in the Hero ISL 2019-20 final played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Saturday. It was the Marina Machans who saw more of the ball throughout the tie, but ATK were more clinical in front of goal and a sensational display by goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja saw them through.
Chennaiyin were on the front foot from the first whistle and put the ATK defence under serious pressure early on. Nerijus Valskis almost gave his team the lead in the third minute as he created space for a shot inside the box and had ATK goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja beat with a thumping effort. Unfortunately for Owen Coyle’s side, the ball came out after hitting the underside of the crossbar.
After surviving the early scare, ATK started to create a few chances of their own and Michael Soosairaj came close with a long ranger which narrowly missed the far post. In the 10th minute, it was the red and whites who took the lead, perhaps against the tide of the game. Roy Krishna was set free down the left wing and the Fijian fizzed in a cross from out wide. Javier Hernandez found himself on the end of Krishna’s cross and volleyed past Vishal Kaith to make it 1-0.
ATK could have extended their advantage midway through the first half after Krishna drove into the box from the left. The Fijian’s initial shot was blocked off by Kaith but the rebound fell for Javier, who had two cracks at the Chennaiyin goal back to back. His first attempt was cleared off the line by Laldinliana Renthlei while his follow up was kept out by Lucian Goian.
3⃣-1⃣ to @ATKFC!
Watch all the major action from the #HeroISLFinal where Antonio Lopez Habas’ side overcame @ChennaiyinFC 📺
Full highlights 👉 https://t.co/ZsCPwPcD9Y#ISLRecap #HeroISL #LetsFootball #TrueLove pic.twitter.com/6YKlfq5jeT
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 14, 2020
At the other end, Valskis had a couple of shots on target within a short span of time but Arindam did enough to thwart the Lithuanian on both occasions. Around the 30-minute mark, the ATK custodian pulled off a brilliant save to keep out Andre Schembri’s header. With just over five minutes to go for half time, ATK were dealt a big blow as Krishna had to come off due to an injury. Armando Sosa Pena replaced the ace striker.
Despite Chennaiyin’s best efforts to draw level before the half time whistle, the first half ended with ATK 1-0 up.
Chennaiyin started the second half brightly but following the narrative of the first half, it was ATK who struck the back of the net against the run of play. A quick counter attack culminated in David Williams freeing up Edu Garcia for a shot. The Spaniard made no mistakes as he placed his effort past a diving Kaith to make it 2-0 in the 48th minute.
With the onus on the Marina Machans to script a comeback, Coyle’s men began crowding the ATK box, while Habas’ men were content defending in numbers and looking for the odd opportunities to launch counter attacks. Chennaiyin’s sustained spell of pressure finally bore fruit in the 69th minute as Valskis fired home to make the scoreline 2-1. The Lithuanian could have made it all square seconds later but this time, Arindam was up to the task and kept his team’s narrow lead intact.
ATK had a big chance around the 75th minute after Soosairaj danced down the byline and cut the ball back for Mandi. The Spaniard, however, skied his shot. In the 80th minute, Garcia was sent through on goal by a long pass but the Chennaiyin custodian rushed out just in time to deny the Spaniard another crack at goal.
𝙃𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙!@ATKFC are the #HeroISL 2019-20 CHAMPIONS 🏆#HeroISLFinal #LetsFootball #TrueLove pic.twitter.com/GfYxm1Vyzu
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 14, 2020
Despite ATK’s periodic raids, it was Chennaiyin who were bossing the proceedings and it needed some brilliant goalkeeping by Arindam and a resolute defensive display by the ATK defenders to keep them at bay. Having endured the Chennaiyin pressure, Hernandez wrapped up the game and the trophy with ATK’s third in added time.
(ISL Media)
New Delhi: The Blue Tigers are scheduled to play an international friendly match away against Tajikistan in on March 31, 2020, the venue for which, will be confirmed at a later date.
Tajikistan, who are currently ranked 121 in the FIFA rankings, recently played against the Igor Stimac-coached boys in the Hero Intercontinental Cup 2019 at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The Blue Tigers, even after going 2-0 up in the first half, had to swallow a 2-4 loss eventually.
“Tajikistan are a respectable side in Asia and we’re looking forward to a tough challenge from them. That is going to be a great opportunity for us to assess ourselves ahead of our final two qualifiers in June,” coach Igor Stimac continued. “It would be interesting to find out how much we advanced our game from our last encounter in Hero Intercontinental Cup.”
India 🇮🇳 are scheduled to play an international friendly against Tajikistan 🇹🇯
🗓️3⃣1⃣/0⃣3⃣/2⃣0⃣2⃣0⃣#BackTheBlue 💙 #IndianFootball ⚽️ #BlueTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/5zIbhbVuOE
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) February 27, 2020
Tajikistan, who are clubbed with Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Myanmar and Mongolia, having amassed seven points from five matches, are currently placed third in Group F.
Meanwhile, the Indian expats in Tajikistan poured in the Central Republican Stadium in their support for the Blue Tigers when they cross swords with Afghanistan on November 14, 2019.
“The support we enjoyed in Tajikistan was quite extraordinary and we’d love to go back there once again. Let’s win it together,” Stimac announced.
(AIFF Media)
Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), on Wednesday, unveiled the ‘League Winners Shield’ for Hero Indian Super League (ISL). The silverware comes with a cash prize of Rs 50 Lakh for the club winning the league stage. The League winners will be the first Indian club to participate in the group stages of the AFC Champions League.
Currently, ATK and FC Goa are locked in an intense battle heading for a possible photo-finish with much at stake and an opportunity to grab a historic place in Indian football. Having already qualified for the Hero ISL knock-out phase, FC Goa have a slender advantage with a 3-point lead, currently at 36 points from 17 games. The Gaurs next play Jamshedpur FC, against whom they had suffered their first loss (0-1) at home earlier in the season. On the other hand, ATK have 33 points and will hope to leapfrog to the top in the event Goa loses to Jamshedpur and they overcome a Bengaluru FC challenge.
A win for @FCGoaOfficial will make them the #HeroISL League Winners 🥇
Will @JamshedpurFC prove to be a roadblock for the Gaurs?
#JFCFCG #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/jKnd5C06CQ— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 19, 2020
The Shield will be presented to the club at their home playoff fixture.
The table-toppers of this #HeroISL season will be presented the League Winners Shield and a historic opportunity to be the first club to get direct entry to the group stage of @TheAFCCL! #LetsFootball https://t.co/S7PVwuPxey
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 19, 2020
The League Winners Shield, weighing approx. 5 kg with a diameter of 22 inches draws inspiration from global football traditions and design tones of the Hero ISL trophy. The wreath surrounding the silver football symbolises the victors of the beautiful game.
The stage is set for the future stars of women’s football as the match schedule and host cities for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020™ were unveiled by FIFA and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) today, alongside the Official Slogan for the tournament.
With only 258 days to go until the action gets underway, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai have been confirmed as the five host cities for the tournament. Sixteen teams featuring the rising stars of women’s football will compete across 32 matches to lift the coveted trophy in Navi Mumbai on 21 November.
Following the launch of the Official Emblem in November 2019, the unveiling of the five host cities and the match schedule marks a major milestone for the tournament as fans in the host cities and across India prepare to welcome the future stars and heroes of women’s football.
Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs (I/C) Shri Kiren Rijiju said, “It gives me immense pleasure to congratulate the five cities hosting the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020. As India prepares to host yet another FIFA event, I look forward to the support from the whole country in making this tournament a rousing success. Our Indian U-17 women’s team will be playing in a FIFA tournament for the first time. It is a proud moment for the nation and we will provide all possible support to ensure its success.”
In another significant announcement, the Official Slogan – Kick Off The Dream™ – was also unveiled at a press conference in Delhi today.
Building on the passion and excitement generated by last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ in France, as well as the legacy left by the FIFA U-17 World Cup™ that was hosted by India in 2017, Kick Off The Dream represents a powerful message that aims to encourage and inspire both men and women in India and beyond to pursue their dreams and help to kick start a new era of growth for women’s football in the country and around the world.
Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, said, “Today’s announcement of the match schedule, host cities and Official Slogan for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 represents a major moment for the tournament and football fans across India and around the world.
“As we look to build on the incredible success of last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, as well as the legacy left by the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017, the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India provides an exciting opportunity, not just for the development of women’s football, but for fans across India and worldwide to watch the next superstars of the women’s game.
It’s time for the girls! The match schedule for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 is out. Guwahati to kick off the tournament on the 2nd November and Navi Mumbai will host the finals for this year’s edition. #U17WWC pic.twitter.com/ZSJf7NwXEy
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) February 18, 2020
“As the official tournament slogan, Kick Off The Dream perfectly captures the aspirational and empowering message for the tournament as we look to grow women’s football and use the tournament as a platform to inspire girls of all ages across India and around the world.”
Mr Praful Patel, LOC Chairman and FIFA Council member, added, “The announcement of the match schedule is an important moment on the road to the tournament as we not only know which cities will host what number of matches, but fans too can start saving the dates for this November. I am confident that the five host cities will do a wonderful job hosting the best young footballers in this important tournament.”
Roberto Grassi, FIFA Head of Youth Tournaments, said, “With five host cities and 16 teams playing across 32 matches, the stage is set for the rising stars at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020. Tournament preparations are well underway and approaching their final stages, and we are excited to work closely with the LOC to bring the tournament to life. We are confident that India will deliver a truly spectacular FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup later this year, while providing the players with a platform to perform at their highest level.”
Roma Khanna, LOC Tournament Director added, “This is the first time that an Indian women’s team will take part in a FIFA World Cup. It is a significant moment for women’s sport in the country, and in recognition of the excitement, and the hope that this Tournament brings with itself, ‘Kick Off The Dream’ was the most fitting choice as the Slogan for us and we hope to kickstart the growth of women’s football in the nation and ask everyone to join us to realise this dream”.
Group-stage matches will be played in four host cities (Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati and Kolkata), with the knockout stages also taking place in four cities (Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and Navi Mumbai). The winners will lift the trophy at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on 21 November.
The key dates for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2020 include:
- Opening match – 2 November
- Quarter-finals – 12 and 13 November
- Semi-finals – 17 November
- 3rd/4th-place playoff & final – 21 November
- Further information on ticketing will be announced over the coming months. Fans wishing to secure their seat for this unique tournament are requested to regularly check FIFA.com/tickets.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: In what can be described as a nail-biting final, Gokulam Kerala were crowned champions of the 4th Hero Indian Women’s League (IWL) after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Kangchup Road Young Physical and Sports Association (KRYPHSA) FC at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Friday (February 14, 2020).
Gokulam Kerala raced to a 2-0 lead through early goals from Prameshwori Devi and Kamala Devi but Dangmei Grace pulled one back for Kryphsa to reduce the deficit before half-time. Ratanbala Devi levelled the scores in the second-half to set her team on course for what would have been a phenomenal comeback. However, it was Sabitra Bhandari who rewrote the headlines by striking a late winner for Gokulam.
The Malabarians took the lead after just 49 seconds on the clock. Kryphsa were caught napping when a speculative clearance from the Gokulam half found Sabitra Bhandari. She got away with her sheer pace before delivering an inviting cross into the box. Prameshwori Devi was the first to react and found the back of the net with an instinctive finish.
The lead could have been doubled just five minutes later after Kamala Devi had put Bhandari through on goal. The latter made no mistake with her finish but her goal was ruled out for a foul on a covering Sweety Devi.
FT: Congratulations, @GokulamKeralaFC 🎉🎇🙌🏻
KRY 2⃣-3⃣ GKL#HeroIWL 🏆 #IndianFootball ⚽ #ShePower 👧🏻 #KRYGKL ⚔ pic.twitter.com/Zo4j7HZxXZ
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) February 14, 2020
In the 25th minute, Gokulam earned a free-kick just on the edge of the 18-yard box for a foul on Michel Castanha. Kamala Devi volunteered for the dead ball and with a stroke of luck, her curling effort took a deflection of the yellow wall and crept beyond the reach of keeper Linthoingambi Devi, who didn’t stand a chance.
Kryphsa roared back in the 33rd minute to change the complexion of the game altogether. Ranjan Chanu’s immaculate set-piece delivery from the left found Anju Tamang, who managed to flick it to the far post with the back of her head. Gokulam keeper Aditi Chauhan’s punch lacked power, leaving Dangmei Grace with an empty goal to aim at. The Kryphsa skipper hit bull’s eye with a flurry of Maroon shirts closing her down as the deficit was reduced going into the break.
The second half resumed with a slightly more cautious approach as either side refrained from hitting full throttle early on.
A clearance from Aditi Chauhan in the 69th minute found Kamala Devi, who put Sabitra Bhandari through on goal but Linthoingambi Devi did brilliantly to come off her line and avert the danger.
With the match picking up pace, Kryphsa’s Roja Devi chipped one into the box and Ratanbala Devi did brilliantly to read her intent and make the overlapping run. She stretched her favoured right foot and got the touch she was hoping for, beating an onrushing Aditi Chauhan to get her side back on level terms.
The drama wasn’t over yet, as Kryphsa’s fairy-tale had a familiar antihero.
With just three minutes remaining of normal time, Manisha Kalyan won an aerial battle on the edge of the 18-yard box, before providing a low-driven delivery across goal. Gokulam talisman Bhandari was there again to finish as she struck a dagger through many Kryphsa hearts.
Five minutes were added on, but Gokulam retained possession and saw out the final, yet precious seconds by introducing Agbo Esperence. Scenes of jubilation erupted at full-time as Gokulam Kerala were crowned the new Hero IWL Champions.
Final Score: KRYPHSA FC 2 (Dangmei Grace 33’, Ratanbala Devi 72’) lost to Gokulam Kerala 3 (Prameshwori Devi 1’, Kamala Devi 25’, Sabitra Bhandari 87’)
Awards
Champions: Gokulam Kerala FC (Prize of Rs. 1000000/-)
Runners-up: Kangchup Road Young Physical and Sports Association (KRYPHSA) FC (Prize of Rs. 500000/-)
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Ms. Ratanbala Devi of KRYPHSA FC (Prize of Rs. 125000/-)
Highest Scorer: Ms. Sabitra Bhandari of Gokulam Kerala FC (Prize of Rs. 100000/-)
Best Goalkeeper: Ms. Linthoigambi Devi of KRYPHSA FC (Prize of Rs. 100000/-)
Emerging Player of the Tournament: Ms. Manisha of Gokulam Kerala FC (Prize of Rs. 75000/-)
(AIFF Media)
New Delhi: Mizoram emerged triumphant in the final of the Hero Junior National Football Championship for the Dr BC Roy Trophy at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, Meghalaya on Thursday (February 6, 2020), defeating Punjab on penalties.
Malsawmtluanga put Mizoram in the lead in the first half, while Tania Raji scored the equaliser right after the change of ends, as the teams finished at 1-1 after both regulation and extra time. Mizoram, thereafter, clinched the tie 5-4 on penalties.
It was the defending champions Mizoram, who got off the blocks early on, as they looked to keep the ball on the deck and pass it around. It took them one-third of the match to get the breakthrough that they were looking for.
Lalawmpuia Sailo worked a short corner and sent in a left-footed cross that was nodded powerfully into the ground by Malsawmtluanga, as the ball rippled the roof of the net.
This was the first time that Punjab conceded in the tournament.
That goal gave Punjab some impetus, as they began to work the ball to the flanks. Amanjeet Singh looked lively down the right flank, sending in dangerous crosses.
However, it was after the change of ends, that Punjab mustered-up their equalising goal. Having been awarded a free-kick around 35 yards out, Punjab captain Mangminlun Singson leathered the ball as Mizoram keeper Lalrinzuala H could not gather it. Substitute Tania Raji emerged from the chaos to tap it into the net for Punjab.
Late in the second half, FC Pahnai was put through on goal but the Mizoram attacker’s attempted shot into the bottom corner was well saved by Punjab keeper Harpreet Singh.
As the match went into extra time, Mizoram winger Lalrintluanga got into the box to tap a low cross into the net. However, he was flagged offside by the assistant referee.
With about five minutes of extra time left on the clock, both the sides looked to make the final push in order to extract a late winner. Seilenthang Lotjem had a crack at the Mizoram goal from the edge of the area but the ball whistled past the post.
Mizoram had two close-range free-kicks, which were both well taken, but the two kick-takers – Lalawmpuia Sailo and Lalpekhlua Jongte – sent their respective efforts over the bar. As extra time came to a close, the match went into the dreaded penalties. Mizoram produced a perfect showing in the penalty shootout, netting all of their five goals. Tania Raji missed Punjab’s third penalty — sending it over the bar — to hand Mizoram the advantage that they capitalised on and went on to lift the Dr BC Roy Trophy.
The full-time whistle blew as the Indian Arrows vanquished Churchill Brothers to record their first win of the Hero I-League 2019-20 season. On the touchline, Head Coach Venkatesh Shanmugham and Assistant Coach Mahesh Gawli sported wide smiles as they joined in the celebrations. For the duo who have both enjoyed decorated playing careers and celebrated a multitude of trophies and triumphs together, this victory at the Fatorda Stadium was special — marking their first win since joining forces to take charge of the Arrows.
“Mahesh and I have been together from our India U-19 days,” Venkatesh said. “We played age-group level together, at club level as well and then for the India senior team for almost a decade,” he continued.
Venkatesh was named the Head Coach of the Indian Arrows prior to the start of the season and is also the Assistant Coach of the Indian senior side. He talked about his relationship with Mahesh, while hailing him as one of India’s “finest-ever” defenders.
He said: “Everyone knows that he is among the finest defenders ever that India has seen. There really hasn’t been any other player like him. He has played at the top level for so many years and his knowledge of football is brilliant. He is supremely disciplined as well and a great role model for aspiring pros. We were very good friends when we were players and are comfortable with one another, which is a plus point for us.”
Mahesh shared his thoughts on Venkatesh as well – about his qualities on the pitch and how the two worked in tandem for both club and country. “Venkatesh was a highly creative midfielder and a very good dribbler. He was cool and composed, and also very sharp. His work rate was brilliant and he covered ground up and down the pitch very well, which was great for the team and for me as well, being a defender,” he expressed.
According to Mahesh, his best memories with Venkatesh are from the time they played together at Mahindra United FC, including the incredible 2005-06 season where they lifted the National Football League Title along with the IFA Shield, Federation Cup and Mumbai Football League – a feat that stands out as among the greatest in the annals of Indian football history.
Going down memory lane, Venkatesh said, “I consider that Mahindra side to be one of the best teams in Indian football. That year was an enjoyable one as we won all the trophies. We were a great bunch – we had some top Indian players who were in the National Team too and two great foreigners as well. We worked hard and gelled together really well, which is why we were successful.”
Both Venkatesh and Mahesh have been stalwarts for the Senior National team over the years, winning multiple trophies for the nation — which includes the 2005 SAFF crown in Pakistan and saw the duo play a major role in the title win. Mahesh observed that the “dedication” among the team members at the time was a standout feature.
“The atmosphere in the senior team in our team was really good and all of us were hard workers. We were dedicated and determined to do something great for the country and for ourselves as well, and it was that grit that took us where we wanted to go. All players were top-quality and were really strong as a bunch,” the centre-back recalled.
Having joined forces once again, both icons are keen to pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation that will take the baton forward. While admitting that being a good player and coach requires different skill-sets, Venkatesh stressed on the importance of inculcating a “winning mentality” in the Arrows players – something he and Mahesh have cultivated over the years.
He stated, “Both of us have been part of winning sides and won trophies together. It has made us understand the importance of developing a winning mentality, which is something we want the boys to have as well.”
“Being a player and coach is quite different. As a coach, it is more important to have management and leadership skills, and one has to understand the individual attributes and characters of each player,” he added.
However, being a former player does have its unique advantages as well while taking charge on the touchline, according to Mahesh. He said, “The experience and knowledge are definitely there. Having been their shoes already, we practically know how to understand and react to certain situations. We understand the capacities and roles of players and know what we need to teach them.”
(AIFF Media)
- Hero I-League to feature two high-voltage local derbies in this its 13th edition
- 110 games across five months and 17 weeks of highly competitive league football
- 11 teams to represent eight states and one union territory
- Double header on Saturday, November 30, 2019, to begin proceedings
- Defending champions Chennai City and former champions Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC to be on show on matchday one
- All 110 matches to be broadcast LIVE on DSPORT
New Delhi: A brand new 13th edition of the Hero I-League kicks-off this Saturday, 30th November, 2019, with a double-header featuring a clash between former champions Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC to start the ball rolling, followed by Gokulam Kerala FC taking on Neroca FC in the same evening at home.
A total of 110 games are on schedule to be played across five months and 17 weeks. The Hero I-League, this season, will feature 11 teams representing eight states and one union territory of India, vying for the coveted trophy and a chance to represent the country in the AFC Cup.
Speaking ahead of the opening match-day, Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-League said: “What makes the Hero I-League special I believe is its competitiveness and unpredictability. You cannot earmark a team and be absolutely sure that they are going to win. That unpredictability is rare in football these days, which makes me proud of our league. It’s almost time and I could not be more excited. I would like to thank the AIFF leadership, our sponsors Hero, our marketing partners FSDL as well as our production and broadcast partners Instat and Dsport for making the 13th edition better than ever before. I wish all the clubs all the very best and may the best club win.”
The Hero I-League has had a total of eight winners since its inception back in the 2007-8 season. Five different clubs have won it in the past five years, making for memorable fairytales.
Dempo Sports Club of Goa have the maximum three titles followed by Churchill Brothers and Bengaluru FC with two each. Churchill are among five clubs in the present edition who have won the Hero I-League.
In a year of many firsts, the 13th Hero I-League will feature two, instead of one high voltage local derby. Besides the Kolkata derby featuring a clash between the legendary Mohun Bagan and Quess East Bengal, the Imphal derby will also be played out for the very first time on the national stage, when newly-promoted TRAU FC takes on Neroca FC at Manipur’s capital Imphal.
This year will also see new production and live broadcast partners for the Hero I-League with Instat being responsible for production and premium sports channel Dsport, broadcasting the league live.
Also to the fore will be many young and exciting players particularly in the forward line that would be looking to make their mark in this edition of the Hero I-League and catch the eye of the national coach Igor Stimac amongst the likes of Vikram Pratap Singh, Nongdamba Naorem, Abhijit Sarkar, Vinil Poojary and Techi Tatra.
The 13th edition of the Hero I-League will also feature around 45 foreign nationals from such strong footballing nations such as Brazil, Spain, England, Japan, Nigeria, Scotland, Cameroon, Gambia, Uganda, Liberia, Trinidad, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Togo, Mali and others for a total of close to 21 countries, besides India.
(I-League Media)
Hyderabad, Telangana: Hyderabad FC struck late to make it 1-1 and secure a point against Bengaluru FC in their Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 clash at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Friday. Sunil Chhetri scored the fastest goal of the season and put Bengaluru ahead in the second minute. Hyderabad tried to fight back and found it difficult after being reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute with Sahil Panwar’s sending off. Robin Singh came off the bench to net the equaliser in injury time.
The visitors went ahead just two minutes in after a poor pass by Kamaljit Singh followed by a giveaway from Hyderabad led to Chhetri getting the ball in a dangerous area. The 35-year-old drove into the hosts’ box and found the back of the net to make it 1-0.
The Blues had another opportunity four minutes later after some good interplay created a good chance for Raphael Augusto. The Brazilian’s effort, though, failed to test the goalkeeper and only troubled the side-netting.
The Brazilian had another chance in the 13th minute when a ball from the left found him with space in the box. This time Augusto’s attempt was blocked by Hyderabad, who were very much on the back foot and also survived a penalty appeal moments later.
Kamaljit was called into action shortly after when Juanan headed a corner on target, which the Indian goalkeeper dealt with confidently on this occasion. Bengaluru continued dominating possession and created chance after chance on the back of some great passing and movement.
Augusto had another opportunity presented to him in the 24th minute, this time via a Chhetri backheel, but the Brazilian failed to make the most of the chance again and dragged his shot wide. The Blues kept threatening Hyderabad for the remainder of the half without adding a second goal. The hosts rode their luck somewhat to head into the break trailing by a single goal.
Hyderabad started the second-half with more intent and purpose and were rewarded with a chance seven minutes into the half when Bobo had a sight at goal. He got his shot away but failed to test the goalkeeper as the hosts finally began to threaten. However, their chances of making a comeback was made even more difficult in the 56th minute after Sahil – the last defender in the scenario – brought down Udanta, who was through on goal.
Bengaluru could have put the game beyond Hyderabad in the 72nd minute when Chhetri squared to Ashique Kuruniyan in the box. The Indian youngster’s shot was on target but was well saved by Kamaljit as Hyderabad hung on. The chances, in fact, kept coming for Bengaluru but the defending champions failed to find that elusive second goal. Augusto, Chhetri and Udanta all had good chances but failed to convert.
Bengaluru were made to pay for their missed opportunities in the second minute of injury time and it was super-sub Robin, who was at the right place at the right time to tap home an equaliser and stun Bengaluru after a Gurpreet Singh Sandhu save fell perfectly for him. Bengaluru tried hard for a late winner but Hyderabad held on to secure a hard-earned point.
Robin Singh was on the pitch for a little over 10 minutes but made his presence felt by scoring the equaliser. He was perfectly placed to tap home the equaliser and was adjudged the Hero of the Match for his role in 10-man Hyderabad getting a point.
(ISL Media)