Andrei Alba’s brace hands Hyderabad a comeback 1-2 win in Kaloor
Kochi: Hyderabad FC put in a stellar performance to beat Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday.
Brazilian star Andrei Alba (43’, 70’ (p)) scored in either half as Hyderabad registered their second victory of the 2024-25 Indian Super League season.
Hyderabad started the game with more Kerala players on the pitch than the hosts, who will all be proud of their performances in this game.
The Yellow and Black did not have a great start to the game and went a goal down to Jesus Jimenez’s 13th-minute goal on the counter.
🔥🔥 BRINGING ALL 3 POINTS BACK FROM KOCHI 🔥🔥
Back from a goal down but Andrei Alba wins it with a brace on a sparkling night in Kochi ✨️✨️
We are growing stronger by the game 👊#KBFCHFC #TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/bIlppSjGn5
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) November 7, 2024
The team settled in slowly and pushed for the equalizer before finding the back of the net just before the break.
Parag Shrivas did well to cut the ball back and Alba made no mistake to score his first ISL goal.
Hyderabad scored at the right time in the game and came out of the break a stronger unit.
Edmilson Correia came on at halftime and did well to push the Blasters back right from the first whistle.
He, Abdul Rabeeh and Ramhlunchhunga all had their chances to run away with the game in the second half.
🔥 That winning feeling 🔥#KBFCHFC #TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/i0pghveTSO
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) November 7, 2024
But it was a soft, spot-kick that sealed the deal for Hyderabad.
Hormipam Ruviah’s rash tackle at the edge of the box was penalized and Alba stepped up to take the penalty and converted with aplomb.
The hosts did put the backline of Stefan Sapic, Alex Saji, Muhammed Rafi and Parag Shrivas under pressure late in the game.
But the quartet covered well for Lalbiakhlua Jongte, who also pulled out a few super saves to keep Hyderabad in the lead.
Local lad Abijith PA plus Isaac Vanmalsawma in the first half and Lenny Rodrigues plus Ayush Adhikari who came on in the second half were solid in the midfield.
They helped Hyderabad get stuck in and get a positive result in a tough away game.
✨️ Massive night in Kerala!
Lets go, Hyderabad 👊#KBFCHFC #TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/PV97vwnpbe
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) November 7, 2024
Coach Thangboi Singto praised his side’s character on the night, coming back from a goal down to take all three points.
But he also conceded that the Blasters may have been, slightly, the better side on the night after the game.
The lads jet off for a mini-break with the International break beckoning and will hope to come back fresh.
Hyderabad are back in action just over a fortnight later, as they welcome Odisha FC to the Gachibowli Stadium on Nov 25
Andrei Alba 
