ISL 2024-25: Hyderabad FC run into Mohun Bagan next
HFC look to upset the Kolkata heavyweights at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli on Wednesday.
Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC, fresh off a dominant 4-0 win over Mohammedan SC, are set to face another Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their Indian Super League 2024-25 (ISL) clash at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli on Wednesday.
The resounding victory against Mohammedan marked the end of Hyderabad’s seven-game winless streak, providing a much-needed boost as they prepare to take on one of the league’s strongest teams.
HFC head coach Thangboi Singto expressed satisfaction with his team’s recent performance, highlighting their ability to implement strategies effectively. “The players showed quality and spirit in the last game. Before facing Mohammedan, I told the team to build on the promising start we had in the first 20-25 minutes against Jamshedpur FC. They delivered well and played with conviction,” Singto noted.
He emphasised that the team’s growth is evident across individual roles, from the forward line to the midfield, with players not only understanding their responsibilities but also executing them with greater consistency. However, facing Mohun Bagan presents a bigger challenge. “Playing against Mohun Bagan is always tough. Their squad is among the best in the league, and it will take a strong effort to win. Mohun Bagan’s lineup boasts several prominent names from the Indian national team but we are prepared for the task, and unafraid to face the high-caliber opponent,” Singto added.
In the ISL, the two sides have met 12 times, with Mohun Bagan winning five games, while Hyderabad have secured two victories. The remaining five encounters ended in draws. To change the tide, Hyderabad will rely on key players like striker Allan Paulista, midfielder Cy Goddard, and the centre-back duo of captain Alex Saji and Stefan Savic. Allan has contributed two goals in his four appearances, while Goddard has a goal and an assist to his name, with both players excelling in off-ball movements and creating opportunities.
In defense, Savic, who recently scored his first goal for the club with a well-timed header against Mohammedan, will partner with skipper Alex to contain Mohun Bagan’s prolific forwards. Their combined efforts will be critical to stopping the attacking prowess of Jamie Maclaren, Greg Stewart, Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings and Manvir Singh, each capable of turning the tide in the Mariners’ favour. Mohun Bagan, last played in their 2-0 victory over East Bengal FC in the Kolkata derby, arrive as favourites, however, Hyderabad FC will look to capitalise on their newfound momentum.
“With each day we’re getting better”
Hyderabad left-back Parag Shrivas is optimistic about the team’s upcoming clash with Mohun Bagan, reflecting on the team’s recent improvements. “With each game, the players are settling in, and day by day, we’re getting better, which is evident on the pitch. We didn’t score in the opening three games, then netted one goal in the fourth against Jamshedpur, and scored four in our last game against Mohammedan. There’s a growing confidence within the group, and we hope to carry this momentum forward,” Parag said.
Parag, who scored his first Indian Super League goal with a stunning long-range strike in the last match, credited the extra training time encouraged by the coaching staff. “After every training session, the coach gives us 10 minutes to work on individual skills – some focus on crosses, others on finishing, and others on different aspects of their game. I’ve been working on my finishing, which paid off in that goal,” the 27-year-old shared.
