East Bengal FC go down 0-2 to Hyderabad FC despite fighting effort

Despite putting up ample resistance, East Bengal FC lost 0-2 to reigning Hero ISL champions Hyderabad FC at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday, January 20.

EBFC Head Coach Stephen Constantine made 3 changes to the starting XI as Kamaljit Singh, Mohammad Rakip and Jordan O’Doherty replaced Suvam Sen, Ankit Mukherjee and Ivan Gonzalez.

Hyderabad FC got an early lead via Javier Siverio’s header in the 9th minute.

Borja Herrera whipped in a cross that dipped straight into the head of Siverio, whose header beat Kamaljit at the far post.

Midway through the first half, there was a solid chance for East Bengal FC to get the equalizer.

A long throw from Lalchungnunga on the right flank found V.P. Suhair, who did well to head the ball towards the goal.

However, it hit the crossbar.

The Red & Golds came out with more intent in the second half and the man-marking by the defenders and midfielders was spot-on.

Moreover, the attackers pressed for the ball in a bid to make frequent inroads.

In the 67th minute, Cleiton Silva received the ball well with his chest and tried triggering a shot towards the right corner of the goal.

But HFC custodian Gurmeet Singh did well to thwart that challenge.

In the 77th minute, Naorem Mahesh Singh dribbled past several opposition defenders and found V.P, Suhair with an inch-perfect cross inside the penalty box.

However, a collision with the opposition goalkeeper keeper meant that a goal couldn’t be scored.

Hyderabad FC found the back of the net once again during the stoppage time as Aaren D’Silva netted his maiden Hero ISL goal from a tight angle.

The win elevated HFC to the second spot with 35 points, while EBFC are rooted to the 9th spot with 12 points (4 wins and 10 defeats)
The Kolkata Club will next play against FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on January 26, Thursday.