Hyderabad FC stun Chennaiyin FC to register historic win
The young Hyderabad side that has impressed many this season, finally managed to get their first win of the 2023-24 Indian Super League campaign here in Chennai on Monday.
Sajad Parray scored in the 90th minute as Hyderabad stood strong against a tough Chennaiyin side
Thanks to the goal, the youngsters registered a 1-0 win on a memorable night on the Marina coast.
The hosts started the game well and tested Laxmikant Kattimani on goal on a couple of occasions in the first half.
But the Goan shot-stopper, aided by a massive defensive effort from Alex Saji, Muhammed Rafi, Jeremy Zohminghlua and Sajad, pulled off Hyderabad FC’s first clean sheet of the season.
The likes of Lalchhanhima Sailo, Abijith PA and Ramhlunchhunga stuck to their task well for most of the game.
The duo of Makan Chothe and Abdul Rabeeh were a menace in attack, along with Joseph Sunny who started as the striker.
However, Hyderabad continued to create chances at the other end, even under pressure at the back.
Rabeeh hit the crossbar in the first half, with his shot coming off the crossbar and bouncing on the line.
Joseph Sunny hit the upright, while Kattimani pulled out a couple of massive saves to keep his side in the game.
But it was Sajad, in the final minute of regulation time, who made the difference in the end.
With sheer persistence, he managed to poke the ball beyond Debjith after getting on the end of a Sailo free-kick from deep.
It was a team effort with youngsters fighting right till the end as Hyderabad kept Chennai away from goal to register their first win of the ISL campaign.
Alex Saji, who won six aerial duels and registered 13 clearances was named the Player of the Match on the night for his solid outing.
This win takes Hyderabad to eight points as the players jet off for the International break coming next week.
They are back in action when they welcome Mumbai City FC to the Gachibowli Stadium on Monday, April 1.
