- विज्ञापन -
Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto rued his side’s missed chances after losing 3-1 against Kerala Blasters FC in their Indian Super League (ISL) game at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday.
In the 34th minute, Kerala Blasters FC’s Mohammed Aimen netted his debut ISL goal with a precise header, giving his team a narrow lead heading into half-time. Early in the second half, Daisuke Sakai extended the Blasters’ advantage with another goal. Nihal Sudeesh, who came on as a substitute, sealed the victory for Ivan Vukomanovic’s side with a goal in the 81st minute.
Throughout the game, Hyderabad FC had several opportunities to score, with players like Makan Chothe and Ramhlunchhunga threatening, but their chances were either thwarted by Kerala Blasters FC goalkeeper Lara Sharma or missed the target. However, in the dying moments of the second half, Joao Victor salvaged a consolation goal for the hosts with a powerful strike using his right foot.
Reflecting on the match, Singto expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s defensive lapse leading to the first goal and rued their missed chances in front of the goal.
“We started well and then we made the decision from where we can concede goals. Exactly that happened today. Till the 31st minute, we were quite competitive, but one mistake (and we conceded the goal). I can’t blame the young players, who have been playing continuously and have given all for their all, their best for the club. So I can’t complain about that one mistake. But we created two big chances. If we had converted, that would have been a different story. We knew we would be able to score,” Singto said in the post-match press conference.
The head coach commended their captain, Joao Victor, who was the solitary goal scorer for his team in their 3-1 loss against Kerala Blasters FC. Victor, who joined Hyderabad FC in 2020, has played a pivotal role for his club this season despite facing challenges, including the departure of several foreign and Indian players during the January transfer window. As the only foreign player remaining in Hyderabad FC’s current squad, Victor has emerged as one of the senior figures, providing leadership and guidance to the younger players.
