Ten-man Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC played out an exciting but goalless 0-0 encounter in the 19th match of the Indian Super League at the Maidaan in Gachibowli on Tuesday, October 1.
This was the Nawabs’ first point of the season coming as they went into the game with just one win in their last 26 matches. That they achieved it despite being a man down in the second half speaks volumes about their skillset. They finally moved out of the bottom of the league table to the 12th spot while Chennaiyin rose to the 7th position.
With rain being their constant companion, the players’ steel and nerves were on display throughout the game. Ahead of their warmup, lightning was seen in the area surrounding the stadium but the game was proceeded with nonetheless.
The wet, sticky conditions had a definite say on the proceedings, but players from both sides stood firm and did not allow it to dictate their tactics. Long balls were the need of the hour, but Hyderabad, specifically, chose to build through the middle.
Lukas Brambilla proved to be a good attacking threat for the Machina Marans early on in the first half, but Alex Saji and Stefan Sapic’s constant marking put paid to that eventually. Hyderabad’s defensive lines were hardly breached in the first half.
New signing Allan Paulista showed glimpses of brilliance for the Nawabs up front, providing Thangboi Singto’s side with much-needed relief after almost a season without a proper target man who was equally adept with his feet and head.
One of the biggest attacking threats for Hyderabad was Abdul Rabeeh. The 23-year-old formed a talking partnership with Isaac Vanmalsawma, with the latter supplying him with delicious balls all game.
Int the 29th minute, after being released by central midfielder Vanmalsawma on the right flank, the Malappuram-born winger stumbled but recovered quickly enough to pass it to Cy Goddard in the striker’s position, by when the attack had fizzled out.
Goddard found himself on corner duties in the 39th minute, only for the ball to land sweetly to Ramhlunchhunga just outside the box. Although he skied this opportunity, another presented itself soon enough which was saved by Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra with impeccable grace.
Hyderabad dictated the pace of the game
The second half began much the same way the first did – in Hyderabad’s favour. It was to the great credit of the Nawabs’ backline that they nullified the threat that Brambilla and Marina legend Connor Shields brought to the game.
The biggest talking point was the red card that Hyderabad defender Parag Shrivas received in the 70th minute, merely seven minutes after he had been shown a yellow. While jumping to steer a ball clear off Shields, Shrivas’ hands went up to send the former down.
Earlier, the left-back was cautioned by referee Ashwin for aiming a kick far too high and hitting Brambilla on the abdomen. Shrivas’ is the second red card in two games Hyderabad have encountered – right-back Leander D’Cunha was sent off in their previous game against Punjab FC.
Soon after Shrivas’ departure, Chennaiyin found their feet and seemed confident enough of creating chances from set pieces. Despite their noble intentions, they were kept in check by Sapic and Saji, who stood like rocks.
Wilmar Jordan Gil and Gurkirat Singh came on in the second half and almost immediately one could sense a depth in attacking opportunities in the Machans’ final third, but the Yellow and Black remained unmoved.
Coyle’s decision to keep new signing Kiyan Nassiri on the bench for majority of the game astounded everyone present at the stadium, especially after Shrivas was sent off, and Vanmalsawma – on his Hyderabad debut – was assigned as left-back.
Fullback Soyal Joshy made his ISL debut when he came on Ramhlunchhunga in stoppage time, and seemed impeccable on the flanks in the few minutes he played. Sapic, Saji and Vanmalsawma, however, were the best players on display in Yellow and Black.
Hyderabad go into the international break after this game, travelling to play against Jamshedpur FC on October 21 while Chennaiyin will visit Guwahati to take on NorthEast United FC on October 17.
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