HYDERABAD: Hyderabad FC opened their tally in the points table in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 with a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC at the Gachibowli Stadium on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

The home team was down to 10 men after Parag Shrivas’ sending off due to a second yellow card in the 71st minute following a foul on Chennaiyin FC forward Connor Shields. However, they held together admirably well to keep the Marina Machans at bay and earn their first point of the campaign.

Boosted by the presence of Cy Goddard and Allan Paulista upfront, Hyderabad FC seemed eager to press their intent in the proceedings right from the onset. They stretched the Chennaiyin FC defence by dragging their defenders wide as the aforementioned duo of Goddard and Paulista entered the box from the centre to pounce upon the open spaces.

Chennaiyin FC aimed to capitalise on that with dynamic striker Daniel Chima Chukwu taking the onus to get Owen Coyle’s men a step ahead in the contest. Chukwu’s fleet footwork helped him get past the Hyderabad FC duo of Alex Saji and Isaac Vanmalsawma in the 35th minute. He then tested goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh from an acute angle, but the effort didn’t trouble the custodian.

In the later stages of the match, Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto focused on consolidating the one point and they maintained absolute defensive discipline and kept Chennaiyin FC away from goal.

Alex Saji of Hyderabad FC was named the Performer of the match.

Hyderabad FC will play Jamshedpur FC on October 21, whereas Chennaiyin FC will lock horns against NorthEast United FC on October 17.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)