Coach Thangboi’s side continues search for first win in City of Joy
Kolkata: Hyderabad FC are back in action tomorrow after a tough result at the Furnace last weekend.
The Yellow and Black have yet another tough visit awaiting, as they take on the newly promoted Mohammedan SC at the hostile Kishore Bharati Krirangan this Saturday, October 26.
Both teams have shown moments of brilliance but have not had the results go their way so far this season.
Fresh from a defeat against the Mariners and the Blasters, Andrey Chernyshov’s side have a solitary win for their efforts this season.
New signings Franca, Mirjalol Kasimov, Alexis Gomes and Florent Ogier have all been impressive in patches.
Gaurav Bora, Cesar Manzoki, Zodingliana Ralte and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak have also stuck to their task and will surely pose a threat to the visiting HFC side.
Former Hyderabad players Makan Chothe and Sajad Hussain are now a part of the Mohammedan squad and could feature against the Yellow and Black in this game.
In the City of Joy next 👊
🔜 @IndSuperLeague Round 5️⃣
🆚️ Mohammedan SC
🗓️ Saturday, October 26
🏟️ Kishore Bharati Krirangan
📍 Kolkata
🕢 7:30pm IST
🖥 @JioCinema | @Sports18 #MSCHFC #TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/sj0YgKSNPS— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) October 25, 2024
The Mohammedan crowd has already made headlines this season and will also add another layer to the challenges for the Nawabs in this game.
HFC Assistant Coach Shameel Chembakath spoke to the media ahead of the game and said that his side is prepared for this challenge.
“Kolkata is traditionally a tough place to come to. And against a newly-promoted team like Mohammedan, who have a really strong squad, it will not be an easy game for the young boys tomorrow,” said Coach Shameel.
Hyderabad FC have also put in some fighting performances so far this season.
However, with a poor conversion rate in front of goal, they have rued missed chances far too often and have just a point from their first four games.
Midfielder Cy Goddard scored the first goal for the Yellow and Black, in the last game and will once again be the man incharge of creativity against MSC.
Andrei Alba was solid in the middle while the pairing of Alex Saji and Stefan Sapic is settling in well together.
Defender Parag Shrivas is back from suspension but Muhammed Rafi and Leander D’Cunha have also done well so far this season.
The wing-pairing of Abdul Rabeeh and Ramhlunchhung will all be eager to get on the score sheet, having put in some brilliant outings in the last few games.
Allan Paulista also needs to break the duck and will want to go all in, in a tough away game.
Plenty to learn from 👊#JFCHFC #TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/k7b5GYVeJv
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) October 22, 2024
Even with some harsh results, there were plenty of positives from the season so far, opined Coach Shameel.
“We put in a good performance in Jamshedpur but were unlucky with the result,” he said.
Now, we have prepared well, assessed our opponents and are ready. With the fans behind them, Mohemmadan will be a tough team and we take this game as a challenge and hope to get a positive result on the night,” Coach Shameel added.
Hyderabad FC are still in search of their first win of the season but have shown that they are getting better by the game.
But an away game in the city of Kolkata is never easy and will surely be a tough test for this young HFC side.
The weather in Kolkata will also provide its own challenge.
The Cyclone Dana saw the City of Joy receive continuous rainfall for over a day now, and will not make it easier for either side in this clash.
The game kicks-off at 7:30 pm IST on Saturday, October 26, and will be telecasted live on Sports 18 and Asianet with free streaming on Jio Cinema.
