Indian Super League, Round 12

Hyderabad FC put in a strong performance against Odisha FC but failed to take their chances as they had to settle for a point against Stuart Baxter’s men in Round 12 of the Indian Super League. Here are a few talking points from the game, that could have easily ended with a different scoreline.

Injuries to Key Players

In the 12 games they have played so far, Hyderabad FC have never had their whole overseas contingent fit in a single game. Joel Chianese, who has been in fine form since the turn of the year, was unavailable for the game against Odisha while the likes of Joao Victor and Fran Sandaza have not been a part of the squad for over a week now.

In spite of the absentees, Hyderabad did manage to create chances and should have put the game to bed in the first half but the lack of experience on the field was telling in the second half. Manolo Marquez’s men lost control of the game and could have easily gone behind on a couple of occasions. But they are still in a decent position to fight for a place in the top-4 as we head into the business end of the competition.

A Matured Left-back

Hyderabad FC have a group of Indian youngsters that are making headlines in the Indian Super League this season. The consistency of this group has been a real treat for the Indian football fans and one player that is showing great maturity for the club is full-back, Akash Mishra.

A smart and energetic left-back, the 19-year-old pulled out three goal-line clearances against Odisha to win his side a point and his performances have been key to their position in the league table. He has hardly put a foot wrong this season and his consistency has been a real asset for the Hyderabad side, in this unique season.

In-form Narzary

One of the most experienced wingers in the country, Halicharan Narzary has been in fine form this season for Hyderabad. He continued his goal-scoring form against Odisha, scoring the opener and also came close on a couple of more occasions on the night.

He plays as an attacking winger in Manolo’s system and has been productive in front of goal. He is a senior among the young HFC squad and has taken to that responsibility pretty well. His calm head and energy in the field has immensely helped the squad in his most-productive personal season.

Killing-off Games

HFC are in a decent position in the league table but could have been higher if they were able to kill off games this season. They have dropped seven points from winning positions, drawing against Jamshedpur and Odisha while losing against FC Goa. With fixtures coming thick and fast, Manolo’s men will have to find ways to kill games off and win points, even when they are not at their best.

The Schedule

While it is the same for almost every team in the competition, the lack of rest between games was telling in Hyderabad’s performance against Odisha. Marquez’s men started well and were the better side in the second half but they failed to keep up the intensity in the second half and gave away too many chances to the visitors on the night.

A part of the reason was the fact that Hyderabad played a high-intensity encounter against league leaders Mumbai City just a couple of days before this game and it was always going to be hard to repeat that against Odisha. But most teams face this problem in this shortened season so they will have to find ways to get the right results.