HFC played out stalemate in group opener; need positive result to stay alive in Durand Cup
Guwahati, Assam: After a valiant effort to register their first points on board in the 132nd edition of the Durand Cup on Sunday, Hyderabad FC are back in action when they take on Chennaiyin FC in their second Group Stage clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.
Hyderabad and Delhi FC shared a point each in the opening clash of Group E while Delhi moved up to the top spot in the points table after another 1-1 draw against Tribhuvan Army on Wednesday in Kokrajhar.
Chennaiyin FC, under new head coach Owen Coyle, will feature in the competition for the first time this season, and have a few new faces who are expected to make debuts in this game.
🤩 Coming up 👉 @thedurandcup Round 2️⃣!
🆚 @ChennaiyinFC
🗓️ 10th August
🏟️ Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium
📍 Guwahati
🕢 3:00pm IST
🖥 @SonySportsNetwk and @SonyLIV#HFCCFC #DurandCup2023 #WeAreHFC #మనహైదరాబాద్ #HyderabadFC 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/MrxSAOSm3V— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) August 9, 2023
Hyderabad, who saw Ramhlunchhunga score a belter to secure a point in the last game, will hope to put in a stronger performance against their fellow-ISL side, in search of some crucial points.
The duo met in the previous edition of the Durand Cup group stage too, with Hyderabad running out 3-1 victors but with plenty of changes in both camps, this game could totally be a different affair.
With the top spot and an early advantage in Group E up for grabs, this game is expected to be another closely contested Durand Cup affair.
The game kicks off at 3:00 pm on Thursday and will be telecasted live on Sony Sports 2 and Sony Liv.