HFC lost 2-3 to East Bengal; Nim Dorjee and Ramhlunchhunga score for the Nawabs

Bhubaneswar: The Kalinga Super Cup 2024 was off to an exciting start as Hyderabad FC and East Bengal FC played out an electric, high-scoring game at ground 1 in the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday.

Cleiton Silva (32’, 53’) and Saul Crespo (80’) won it for East Bengal while Ramhlunchhunga (44’) and Nim Dorjee Tamang (78’ (p)) equalized twice but Hyderabad were unlucky to come out of the game without a point.

Carles Cuadrat’s men rode their luck early in the game, with a dubious offside call and a penalty shout both going against Hyderabad before Cleiton managed to beat Laxmikant Kattimani at the other end.

Unlucky defeat for the youngsters in Bhubaneswar…

Ramhlunchhunga and @nimdorjeet on the scoresheet in a valiant effort!#EBFCHFC #KalingaSuperCup #TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/iv73rAZm4k

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) January 9, 2024

But the Hyderabad youngsters put in a superb shift and found an equalizer just before the break. It was a sweeping move from the right that opened the East Bengal defence but Cleiton took his team back in the lead just after the break.

The Brazilian ace unleashed another free-kick, his second of the season and fourth goal of the season against the Nawabs. Ramhlunchhunga won a penalty which was dispatched by Nim late in the game but a Saul Crespo goal from a corner sealed the deal for East Bengal on the night.

The youngsters from Hyderabad put in a valiant effort and will look to continue their run and go toe to toe with the Mariners when they take on Mohun Bagan Super Giants at Ground in Kalinga on Sunday, January 14.