Mohammad Sajid Dhot gives Chennaiyin FC the lead against Hyderabad FC with an accurate header.
Chennaiyin FC had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the eighth Indian Super League against Hyderabad FC. The Marina Machans failed to make the top four at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
Mohammad Sajid Dhot opened the scoring for Chennaiyin FC in the 13th minute with a brilliant header. Immediately being 1-0 down, the Nizams started a barge of attacks but couldn't pierce the Chennaiyin defence.
Then, at the 45 + 3-minute mark, Javier Siverio equalized Hyderabad. Asish Rai curled up the ball into the box and precisely found Siverio to make the score 1-1. Both teams failed to make any amends in the second half as the match ended as a 1-1 stalemate.
Hyderabad FC has 17 points and is placed third in the league. The Nizam with a +10 goal difference has pushed Mumbai City FC to the fourth position. After the draw, Chennaiyin FC remained at the sixth position with 15 points after 11 games.
In the post-match press conference, Chennaiyin FC Head Coach Bozidar Bandovic talked about the team's performance. Bandovic said, "We started the game very well, scored the goal and looked good on the field. The last 10 minutes before halftime, we could not play well. In the second half, last 20 minutes also we were good but it could have been better."
Hyderabad FC coach Manolo Marquez reflected his disappointment with the team's performance. He said, "I am very disappointed with the team, myself and my staff. We had some chances and we could win the game. I am very angry at my players today but I share the blame too. When we were attacking in the second half, I don't know why we stopped in the last 10 minutes. Maybe the players are happy with the point. With due respect to this country, one negative thing about Indian players is their mentality and some of our foreigners have a weak mentality too. You cannot teach this. If you have a weak mentality, it is tough to win."
Hyderabad FC captain Javier Siverio spoke about his performance against Chennaiyin FC. He said, "The pressure is the same as always. When I came onto the match, I tried to help the team. Today I could just help with one goal. The senior players have a lot of experience to share and it is great to train with them and learn from them, especially Bart [Ogbeche] because he plays in my position."
Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper Debjit Majumder won the Hero of the Match. Majumder was elated with his performance as he said,"I used to work hard every day and the coach trusted me and I hoped I did well. I would have been happier if we had clinched all three points. Now, we will focus on recovery and work train for the next match."
