Matchday
Hyderabad return to action at Maidaan tomorrow
March 5, 2025 HFC Media
  Hyderabad FC players in training ahead of clash against Punjab

The Nawabs host Punjab; look to extend unbeaten home run

Hyderabad: Shameel Chembakath’s young Hyderabad FC are back in action at the Maidaan this week.

The Nawabs welcome Punjab FC to the Gachibowli Stadium in Thursday, March 6 in a fiery Indian Super League encounter here in Hyderabad.

Both teams out of the race to finish in the top-6, but will want to end the season on a high and will settle for nothing less than three points on the night.

Panagiotis Dilmperis’ side have picked up just one point from their last five league games in the ISL.

They last beat a team on the road way back in November and will hope to turn things around in this tie.

Ezequiel Vidal, Filip Mrzljak and Luka Majcen remain the most consistent performers for Punjab so far this season.

Former HFC defender Nikhil Prabhu is also a mainstay alongside Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Asmir Suljic and Ivan Novoselec, all of who will test the HFC side in this tie.

“Punjab have not been on a great run recently but they are a strong side on their day,” said HFC Interim Coach Shameel Chembakath, speaking to the media ahead of this game.

“We just need to focus on ourselves and stick to our game plan. The message is very clear. We need to be solid in our defence and play with discipline,” he added.

The Nawabs, are fresh from a 2-0 defeat in Kolkata but have picked up good results at home since the turn of the year.

Allan Paulista, Edmilson Correia, Joseph Sunny, Andrei Alba, Devendra Murgaonkar and Ramhlunchhunga have been among the goals recently and will want to add to their tally on the night.

Andrei Alba, Ayush Adhikari and Isaac Vanmalsawma will be expected to marshal the midfield against a physical PFC side.

But it is the duo of Alex Saji and Stefan Spaic, along with Manoj Mohammad, Muhammed Rafi and Arsdheep Singh, that have made the Yellow and Black hard to beat this season.

The backline, however, will be tested against Punjab, and this battle could go a long way in deciding the outcome of the game.

Hyderabad’s recent run of results at home will give them a massive boost ahead of this game, said coach Shameel.

“Every game we play, home or away, the aim is to always win,” he said.

“But playing at home, it is different. We feel more confident playing a game here at the Gachibowli and the team is very positive about tomorrow’s game,” the coach added.

The Nawabs remain unbeaten playing in front of their home support in 2025.

The loud and hostile environment created by the HFC faithful has certainly helped the youngsters push for results.

Here is your chance to make the difference yet again.

Join the Yellow and Black army as we take on Punjab FC together at the Maidaan tomorrow. Book your tickets now on TicketGenie

The game kicks-off at 7:30pm IST on Thursday, March 6, and will be telecasted live on Star Sports and Jiohotstar.

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Further Reading
Matchday
Hyderabad end ISL season with a draw
1 week ago
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Hyderabad aim to end season on high
1 week ago
Matchday
We have made plenty of progress as a team: Shameel Chembakath
1 week ago

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