Action from the HFC-KBFC match.
| Photo Credit: ISL
In what could be the final match of Hyderabad FC’s existence, it was held to a 1-1 draw by Kerala Blasters in an Indian Super League clash at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Wednesday.
Both teams started with a spring in their step. Seven minutes into the contest, the visitor broke the deadlock when Mohammed Aimen’s lob into the box was headed home by an unmarked Dusan Lagator at the far post and headed home.
There was a penalty appeal by HFC in the 17th minute when Nora Fernandes brought down Stefan Sapic. While the referee was not interested, replays showed that the goalkeeper had made contact with the Serbian. Blasters was also denied a penalty after Arshdeep Singh brought down Adrian Luna in the 29th minute.
The Nizams’ industry was finally rewarded in the dying minutes of the first half when Blasters failed to clear Abdul Rabeeh’s cross. Sourav met the loose ball with an overhead kick that nestled the back of the net, with the keeper grounded. The Indian, making only his second start in the ISL, broke his duck with a picture-perfect finish.
The second half began with similar intensity from both teams. Five minutes after the break, Abhijith PA broke into the box and was brought down by Dusan Lagator’s outstretched leg. However, Andrei Alba saw his tame penalty saved and a big chance to complete a comeback went begging.
Despite its best efforts, Hyderabad could not get the elusive second goal and was forced to share points with the Tuskers.
The result: Hyderabad FC 1 (Sourav 45+3) drew with Kerala Blasters 1 (Lagator 7).
Published – March 12, 2025 10:51 pm IST
