KOCHI: Hyderabad FC scripted a comeback to beat hosts Kerala Blasters 2-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign on Thursday, November 7, 2024.

The hosts started the game brightly and earned an early lead through Jesus Jimenez but a brace from Key Player of the Match Andrei Alba saw the visitors register their second win of the ongoing season. Kerala Blasters FC have suffered three consecutive losses.

In the 13th minute, winger Korou Singh, the youngest player (17 years 340 days) to feature in ISL for Kerala Blasters and the third-youngest overall, despite his young age, showed great maturity from a counter-attack as he lost his marker with some trickery before finding an on-rushing Jimenez in the box, with a fine low cross. The Spaniard did the rest to hand the team a lead.

While Kerala Blasters FC maintained the lion’s share of possession, Hyderabad FC waited for their opportunity. It eventually came in the 43rd minute when Chhunga Hmar made a darting run forward from the left flank before he played Parag Shrivas in space. The fullback got the better of Ruivah Hormipam before squaring to Andrei Alba. The Brazilian, who was unmarked at the edge of the penalty area, hammered the ball home to restore parity right before half time.

The visitors took the lead in the 70th minute, completely against the run of play when Alba completed his brace, beating Som Kumar from the spot. Hyderabad FC were awarded a penalty following a counter-attack when the referee pointed towards the spot following a hand-ball by Hormipam.

Kerala Blasters will welcome Chennaiyin FC on November 24 after the international break. On the other hand, Hyderabad FC will lock horns against Odisha FC at home on November 25.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)