Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath expressed his delight as they secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Jamshedpur FC at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, earning Hyderabad FC their first home win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.

Hyderabad FC took an early lead in the 12th minute through Muhammed Rafi, who scored his first ISL goal. However, Jamshedpur FC struck back with two penalties converted by Javi Hernandez in the 24th and 28th minutes, putting the visitors ahead 2-1.

Despite the setback, Hyderabad FC showcased resilience. Joseph Sunny’s 69th-minute goal brought them back on level terms, and a stunning strike from Andrei Alba in the 74th minute secured their first home win of the season. The win is also the first under the interim head coach, who expressed his joy at the result.

“This is one of the most memorable moments in my entire coaching career. I think all the boys did well,” Chembakath remarked.

“For me, I just asked them four demands before they entered the pitch. The consistency, what we did in the last few matches. Work rate I need that. And the commitment, that also they showed. And the last part which I asked, don’t share the points.

“And (lastly) the clean sheet. The clean sheet we did not get, but we didn’t share the points. That’s what I asked – three points that they gave us. I don't know the other season but maybe for me, this is one of the best results for us,” he added.

The victory also marked Hyderabad FC’s second comeback win of the season, with the first being against Kerala Blasters FC in November.

Chembakath acknowledged the team’s defensive errors but highlighted the importance of their response.

“I think the mistake which we did in the defence was one of the things which always I’m concerned…a mistake happened in the game. But the comeback, of course, that is what we need. That is great. Mistakes happen, but we need to correct it. We need to improve it. We will keep on improving.”

The coach emphasized the impact of training sessions on the team’s progress. “There are a lot of situations we are doing, mainly in the final third moments, more on the face of players. If they are converting, that is one of the big successes for us in the team,” he explained.

Chembakath also praised Arshdeep Singh’s goalkeeping performance, noting his crucial saves in the latter stages to make sure his side left the pitch with three points.

“I think he is keeping on improving match by match. The last two crucial saves were brilliant by him. He gave the last-moment win for us,” the coach added.

Speaking about young talents like Joseph Sunny and Muhammed Rafi, who not only got on the scoreboard but gave their all to secure the win, Chembakath expressed satisfaction with their contributions.

“If you see his work rate, (Joseph) Sunny is one of the players who runs the most in our team...And (Muhammed) Rafi, I know he is a very intelligent player. You see the last match against Bengaluru FC, how the way he just maintained the defence without Alex (Saji) ...For me overall, everyone is giving their best whenever they are coming on the bench also,” he said.

Chembakath also addressed the need for his team to improve their game management skills, particularly given the youthful composition of the squad.

“I think as a team, there are many young players. So we just need to understand when to calm the game, and when to control the game. So when you are winning, how to play, that’s not there...They need to understand the situation, like when to slow down, when to go up, when to press. We are working on that,” Chembakath concluded.


Hyderabad FC will aim to build on this momentum when they face NorthEast United FC on January 29.