Hyderabad look to build on recent run; will aim to continue unbeaten run at Sarusajai
Guwahati: Hyderabad FC are back in Indian Super League action this week.
The Nawabs are all set to take on NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, January 29.
Hyderabad FC have never lost a game at the Sarusajai Stadium, but the reverse fixture in Hyderabad earlier in the season ended in a 5-2 loss for the Nawabs.
Juan Pedro Benali’s side are currently sixth in the league table.
Alaeddine Ajaraie, with 15 goals and five assists, has arguably been the player of the season this ISL.
Ajaraie’s form has been complemented by the performances of Macarton Nickson, Buanthanglun Samte, Redeem Tlang, Mohammed Bemammer, Jithin MS and Michel Zabaco, who are in decent form for the Highlanders.
💪 Focused and ready our trip to Guwahati!#TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/SQEyCpxMrl
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) January 27, 2025
The hosts are not only one of the top teams in attack, but they are a tough team to beat at the back and are sure to test the Yellow and Black in this game.
Speaking to the media ahead of this clash, Hyderabad FC Interim Coach Shameel Chembakath was confident of his side’s chances to take a positive result on the night.
“NorthEast United are a strong and aggressive team. We need to be smart and control the tempo of the game,” said the coach.
“We need to avoid making mistakes and I think the boys are ready to take on this challenge in Guwahati,” he added.
Shameel Chembakath’s side have now lost just one of their last five league games.
The Nawabs took points off FC Goa, Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC, who were all in the race for the top spot, and will be high on confidence going into this game.
The backline led by Muhammed Rafi, Stephan Sapic and Manoj Mohammad will be tested by a free flowing NEUFC attack as skipper Alex Saji serves his suspension for an accumulation of four yellow cards.
✨️ HFC MOMENT OF THE MATCH, presented by Jindal India✨️
A superb touch and a stunning finish. Joseph Sunny’s first @IndSuperLeague goal was a banger 👊
Ramhlunchhunga the Creator in Chief, with a quick steal and a smart assist 💪
Watch #ISL 2024-25 live on @JioCinema,… pic.twitter.com/a8GO1DDM7j
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) January 25, 2025
Isaac Vanmalsawma and Andrei Alba will also want to put in a solid performance to try and frustrate the hosts in the middle of the park.
Joseph Sunny, Ramhlunchhunga and Allan Paulista were superb against JFC and will hope to put in a similar performance in this game.
And his side are ready to fight for a win, said coach Shameel, speaking about his side. “The win against JFC was a big confidence boost for the entire squad. Even the results before that game, gave the team plenty of positives to learn from,” said Shameel.
“These results gave us the confidence that we belong here and take on the best in the league. So the players are focused and ready to fight for the three points against NorthEast United,” he added.
The game kicks off at 7:30pm IST on Wednesday, January 29, and will be telecasted live on Sports 18 and Asianet with free streaming on Jio Cinema.
