ISL: Hyderabad FC earn first point of the campaign

10-man HFC held Chennaiyin FC to goalless draw during their Indian Super League 2024-25 season clash in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC earned their first point of the Indian Super League 2024-25 season with a 0-0 draw against Chennaiyin FC at the rain-soaked GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Tuesday.

Battling through the wet conditions, Chennaiyin initially took control. In the fifth minute, Daniel Chima Chukwu’s well-placed header from a set piece was comfortably gathered by HFC goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh. Hyderabad responded in the ninth minute with their first real chance. Cy Goddard came close to breaking the deadlock, but his right-footed shot inside the box was blocked, following Abdul Rabeeh’s brilliant run down the right flank. Rabeeh was a constant threat, troubling Chennaiyin’s left-back Ankit Mukherjee with his quick feet and pace.

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In the 35th minute, Chima Chukwu had another opportunity but failed to hit the target. Moments later, Hyderabad’s Ramhlunchhunga found space in the box after a well-weighted pass from Rabeeh, but his shot was saved by Chennaiyin goalkeeper Samik Mitra. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0-0. Hyderabad started the second half brightly, with Rabeeh continuing to cause problems down the right. In the 57th minute, Chennaiyin’s Lukas Brambilla tested Arshdeep with a header, but the HFC goalkeeper’s quick reflexes kept the scoreline level.

The game took a turn in the 71st minute when Parag Shrivas was sent off for his second yellow card, following a reckless foul. This was Hyderabad’s second red card in as many games, leaving coach Thangboi Singto visibly frustrated on the sidelines.

Despite being down to 10-man, Hyderabad defended resolutely. The centre-back duo of Alex Saji and Stefan Sapic stood firm, ensuring the home side held on to secure their first point of the season in a hard-fought match.