Substitute Koustav Dutta scores 96th-minute equalizer to register a point for HFC
Goa: Hyderabad FC’s reserve side put on a resilient performance on Thursday as they came back from a goal down, twice, to register a 2-2 draw over FC Goa at Benaulim in the fourth game of their RF Development League campaign.
Skipper Lesly Rebello (21’) and Vasim Inamdar (90 +4’) were on target for the Gaurs while Lalchungnunga Chhangte (89’) and Koustav Dutta (90 +6’), who came off the bench, secured a point for Shameel Chembakath’s side.
Both teams started the game well with chances at either end were denied before Lesly made the breakthrough for the hosts from a corner. Hyderabad managed to pile the pressure on as Abdul Rabeeh and Chhangte had a couple of good moments in the final third.
But Hyderabad went into the break a goal down and needed to make a strong statement in the second half to get back into this game. Lalbiakhlua Jongte, who has been in fine form this campaign, pulled out a super save on the hour mark while Mark Zothanpuia drew a save at the other end from a set-piece situation.
😍 Late goals hit different!
Koustav Dutta with a 96th minute equalizer that brought us level at Benaulim.#FCGHFC #RFDevelopmentLeague #LetsPlay #మనహైదరాబాద్ #HyderabadFC 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/6tKAzIilTd
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) April 28, 2022
Chhangte was growing dangerous but it was the substitution of Koustav Dutta that changed the game for Hyderabad.
Koustav came on in the 89th minute, and just seconds later, provided the assist for Chhangte’s screamer. He was lively in the few minutes he got at the end of the game and this was not his last contribution.
Vasim, who came off the bench for Goa, looked to have won them the game as he rounded Biaka to score a tap-in, just two minutes from time. But Koustav found the equalizer from a long throw, with virtually the last kick off the game to secure a much-needed point for HFC.
Hyderabad FC are back in action when they take on Mumbai City FC at Nagoa in an 8:00 am kick-off on Wednesday, May 4.
