As we near the business end of the Hero Indian Super League, the 91st match of this season ended as an entertaining draw. Although the scoreline was 1-1, tonight’s match was a definite entertainer.
The first half saw the players sweat it out but none of the two teams could score. The second half saw more action as it was filled with skilful attempts, fouls, cards, beautiful goals and a red card. It also saw the two goals that were scored tonight.
SC East Bengal scored the first goal right after the first half break and it wasn’t until the 90th minute that Hyderabad FC could finally manage to score an equaliser. Better late than never, as they say, the Nizams could manage to draw the match and maintain their 4th position in the points table.
The match started with Hyderabad FC looking good on the ball as they kept a pressing style of play from the beginning itself. They enjoyed possession and played short passes, not allowing the Red and Golds to gain any momentum. In the 21st minute, Subrata Paul pulled off an amazing save to counter Hyderabad FC’s venomous strike. Joel Chianese ran into SC East Bengal’s box off a defensive error. He rushed in from his line and dived in using his body to block the strike. Absolutely top stuff from the experienced goalkeeper.
The next missed opportunity came from Ankit Mukherjee in the 40th minute as he was denied twice by Hyderabad FC goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani. His first shot was deflected straight back to him and his second attempt went straight to the keeper. Again, a couple of minutes later it was Anthony Pilkington’s turn to be denied by the keeper again. Pilkington sneaked in from the right flank and took a shot from the edge of the box but it was tipped out by Kattimani.
The second half started in favour of SC East Bengal as Bright Enobakhare broke the deadlock early on in the 59th minute. Narayan Das‘s clearance went to Pilkington who then sent the ball towards the Nigerian forward. Bright Enobakhare then flew into the box beating defenders and scored one right past the keeper.
Hyderabad FC tried their best to find the equaliser in the meantime but a resilient Subrata Paul denied them with ease until the 73rd minute as Fran Sandaza slotted one past him from Mohammad Yasir‘s pass but the goal was not allowed as the linesman signalled offside.
SC East Bengal were then proved unlucky as Bright Enobakhare went down inside the penalty box after a tackle from the rival goalkeeper but the referee did not allow a penalty. The next goal of the match thus did not come until the final minute of the match as Aridane Santana scored for the Nizams. Fran Sandaza sent in a low cross towards the far post from the right and Aridane Santana poached in the goal to save his side from defeat.
Mohammad Yasir was caught attempting a very rough challenge on Wahengbam Luwang just outside his box, minutes before the final whistle. Raising his foot, Yasir stabbed his studs onto the latter and was immediately given the marching orders. The match ended in a draw which meant ATK Mohun Bagan now qualified for the semi-finals.
Hero of the Match: Akash Mishra
The DHL Winning Pass of the Match Award was taken by Anthony Pilkington and the Hero of the Match Award was bagged by Akash Mishra for his outstanding performance in the pitch.
With the draw, the Nizams held their place in the third spot, as they now have 24 points from 17 matches. Hyderabad FC will face Kerala Blasters FC in their next match on 16th February. The playoff qualification will get harder for SC East Bengal, as they have 17 points from 17 matches now. They will face arch-rivals ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby in the next match on 19th February.
