Chembakath on Bengaluru FC's draw, Hyderabad FC's youngsters, and key absentees
Hyderabad FC’s interim head coach praised his side’s resilience and adaptability after a well-contested 1-1 draw.

Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath remained optimistic following his team's 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chembakath praised his players for their spirited performance, especially given the absence of key players, and emphasized the importance of such games as learning experiences for his squad.
Hyderabad FC started strong at the Gachibowli Stadium, taking an early lead in the 20th minute with a goal from Devendra Murgaokar. However, Bengaluru FC equalized in the 77th minute, with Sunil Chhetri heading in a goal from Ryan Williams’ accurate delivery.
A fiery encounter ends all square here in Gachibowli!
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) January 18, 2025
Thank you for the support, Hyderabad. See you again 👊#HFCBFC #TheNawabs 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/hnBw2ANrVr
The result was bittersweet for the hosts, who have struggled this season and stay at the bottom of the table with 10 points from 10 matches. Hyderabad FC remain unbeaten by Bengaluru FC at home, a positive takeaway amidst their challenging season.
Reflecting on the match, Chembakath said, “I think the first half was like dominating in terms of controlling the game. But we didn’t keep the ball well because they were pressuring. And in the second half, I think if we could have converted some of the chances which we got, we could have won this match.”
Chembakath also acknowledged Bengaluru FC’s adjustments in the second half, which increased the pressure on Hyderabad FC.
Despite the draw, he remained proud of his team’s effort, adding, “Brilliant performance from my players, and we were missing some of the key players today. I think we will come back stronger in the coming match.”
Hyderabad FC’s depleted squad featured only three foreign players, a challenge Chembakath said they tackled admirably, emphasising the potential boost from returning players like Cy Goddard, who is recovering from a calf strain, and Edmilson, who was rested after a small injury in the FC Goa match.
“I know how Joseph [Sunny] will do, how Devendra Murgaokar will do. I know their quality.. Once Edmilson Correia and Cy Goddard come back, we will have more chances to create,” he remarked.
Chembakath reiterated the importance of consistency, especially under pressure.
“We know that Bengaluru FC is a good team, and football is always a pressure game. When you are leading 2-0, 3-0, we may concede also. So the only message was consistency both in attack and defence,” he explained.
He also commended his younger players for their resilience, saying, “That is more important. But you know young guys, how long they can just... I mean, whatever it is, the 90 minutes was really interesting the way we watched. And yeah, of course, like I always say, it is all a learning experience for them.”