Hyderabad FC midfielder Chinglensana Singh revealed their strategy which helped them register a 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 match at the Athletic Stadium, in Bambolim, on Wednesday.

Bartholomew Ogbeche’s strike in the 7th minute of the game was enough to secure full points from the game, as Bengaluru FC were wasteful of the opportunities that came their way in the second half.

“It was a very open game, I think we started well in the first half. We created good chances, but we converted only one and we managed to keep a clean sheet in the first half. Our idea in the second half was to continue doing the same, to be compact and stay as a team and see for the chances upfront,” said Chinglensana, during the post-match interview.

Cleiton Silva, who came close to scoring a few times for the Blues, felt that they were unfortunate not to convert in the second half. The Brazilian feels that the presence of Prince Ibara could have made a difference in the game.

“Yes, of course (the team was missing) Price (Ibara), he is a quality player, Sunil (Chhetri) as well. When you have players around you with this quality, of course, you have to improve yourself. We were good in the second half. I think what we missed was a little bit more of fighting in the first half. In the second half, we did a good job, we created chances, but unfortunately did not work for us,” said Silva after the win.

Hyderabad FC’s Souvik Chakrabarti, who was the Hero of the Match for his consistent performance throughout the match in the midfield, believes that the win will renew their energies ahead of the upcoming match against NorthEast United FC.

“The credit goes to all the players, it was a team effort. Each of them played well, even the substitutes. We are progressing as a team at this stage, the next game is four-five days away, we will get rest for a couple of days. The three points will work as a boost going forward and also give us more energy to perform better in the next game,” stated the Indian footballer.

Although Bengaluru FC created openings in the second half, head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli termed the first half as their worst display since his arrival at the club.

“I think the first half was the worst football Bengaluru FC have played under me, we lost all the first duels, all the second balls. Also, when we had the ball, we had no idea (what to do). During the half-time, I told my team to forget it, it happens in football, come out, start new and I think in the second half, we saw how Bengaluru FC can play,” said Pezzaiuoli.

Bengaluru FC will be up against FC Goa in their next match on Saturday evening, at the same venue. Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC is set to face NorthEast United FC on December 13, also at the Athletic Stadium, in Bambolim.