Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto expressed pride in his players despite his team succumbing to a narrow defeat to East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Saturday.

Cleiton Silva's goal proved to be the decider, marking the 11th defeat of the season for Hyderabad FC and securing the first away win of the season for East Bengal FC.

Despite the loss, Hyderabad FC delivered a resilient performance, creating numerous promising opportunities throughout the match. Their quest for an equaliser came close when Jeremy Zohminghlua's header hit the post. Singto, while lamenting his team's missed chances, expressed satisfaction with the overall effort and performance from his side.

“In football, however good you play, unless you score goals, the results remain the same. It’s difficult to say anything at the moment. But the performance of the boys was 10 out of 10,” he said in the post-match press conference.

Once again, Joseph Sunny spearheaded the attack for Hyderabad FC and showcased his potential in the forward line. His presence around the box posed a constant threat, and despite not converting some promising chances, he displayed remarkable maturity for his age.

Sunny exhibited adept hold-up play and established effective connections with his teammates. Singto commended the 20-year-old Kerala-born attacker, expressing confidence in his promising future.

“Some of the boys have not even played regularly for the reserve team and they have been put into the furnace to dance - Joseph (Sunny), Aaren (Dsilva), Jeremy for example,” Singto said.

“Joseph, when we brought him, was to build him into our future No 9. But he got an opportunity sooner than later. I think he needs time but he is a hard worker, a great listener, a good boy and he’ll keep on improving. His days will come for sure,” Singto added.