Hyderabad FC moved to third in the 2020-21 Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) standings after a 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Vasco on Sunday. Fran Sandaza scored Hyderabad’s first in the opening period and substitute Joel Chianese doubled their lead in the second.

• Fran Sandaza opened the scoring for Hyderabad in the 28th minute.
• Even though they didn’t score, Chennaiyin had good chances and hit the crossbar twice in the second half.
• Substitute Joel Chianese scored Hyderabad’s second to secure the three points.

Neither side managed to get any chances of note early on. Esmael Goncalves, who looked like he was in an offside position at the time, came closest among Chennaiyin’s players to giving them the lead in the 26th minute with a shot from the edge of the penalty area that failed to test the goalkeeper. 

Hyderabad, on the other hand, were more clinical in front of goal when they created an opening two minutes later courtesy of Sandaza, who broke the deadlock by exchanging a one-two with Joao Victor before entering the box with the ball and producing a neat left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper to put his team in front.

Chennaiyin began seeing more of the ball after going behind but their possession wasn’t translating into chances in the final third. Hyderabad also struggled to build any momentum after going ahead as they took a slender one-goal lead into the break.

The Marina Machans began the second period with purpose and intent. They hit the crossbar from the edge of the box two minutes into the half through Eli Sabia, who had made an overlapping run through the middle and was found with a smart pass from Goncalves before getting his shot away.

The two-time champions registered their first shot of the match on target after the hour mark when a Jerry Lalrinzuala shot from the left went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Chennaiyin also hit the crossbar for a second time in the half in the 67th minute when substitute Fatkhulo Fatkhulloev directed a cross from the right goalwards and ended up rattling the woodwork.

Another Chennaiyin substitute Edwin Vanspaul then came close in the 74th minute after receiving the ball in the box while making a darting run into the penalty area. Unfortunately for Csaba Laszlo’s men, his effort was off target and went into the side-netting.

They had a golden chance to level the score five minutes later when Goncalves found Lallianzuala Chhangte with space and time on the right. Chhangte went on to put in a dangerous cross into the box but Rahim Ali failed to get a proper touch on the ball and guide it into an empty net as the chance went abegging.

Hyderabad made Chennaiyin pay for the Marina Machans’ profligacy in front of goal by doubling their lead in the 83rd minute. Victor was once again the provider after he played Chianese through on goal for the Australian to slot into the far corner and make it 2-0.

The second goal took the wind out of Chennaiyin’s sails and halted the momentum that they had while just trailing by a goal. Hyderabad, in fact, saw out the closing stages of the contest in a comfortable manner as Manuel Marquez’s men completed the double-over the Marina Machans.

Hero of the Match – Asish Rai

Asish Rai continued his fine showing in Hero ISL 2020-21 by putting in a Hero-of-the-Match display against Chennaiyin. The Indian fullback was a threat going forward and played his part in earning his side a clean sheet by making three successful interceptions, three blocks, four clearances and six successful tackles.

Other Match Awards:

Club Award – Hyderabad FC

DHL Winning Pass of the Match – Joao Victor (Hyderabad FC)

Watch the Match Highlights here: