Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto lamented his side's missed chances after suffering a 0-2 defeat against Punjab FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The visitors enjoyed slightly more ball possession and created a couple of chances throughout the match, but a lack of precision in the final third cost them points. Pulga Vidal broke the deadlock with his left-footed stunner in the 35th minute that found the bottom left corner, beating Arshdeep Singh in goal. Croatian midfielder Filip Mrzljak scored his second goal of the season, guiding the Shers to their third consecutive victory in the ISL 2024-25 season.

The Indian head coach acknowledged that they were well aware of the challenges that Punjab FC could present and felt that that their inability to capitalise on their offensive moves made them pay the price.

“I think with the young players, we created chances. In the first half, I think, it wasn’t too open, but with two, three chances, I think we should have taken those chances. The same happened in the first match, also against BFC. But overall, I think I would say that it was going to be a tough game and it went as a tough game,” Singto said in the post-match press conference.

“Punjab FC were much fitter. They kept the ball much better than us. So, I think the only thing we can do is go back and keep training and keep coming back and improving on the areas we have to improve,” Singto further added, sharing his thoughts on their overall performance.

After a solid defensive performance in the opening 30 minutes, Hyderabad FC conceded a goal from a set piece, with Vidal scoring from a long-range free kick. The Hyderabad FC head coach believed that Vidal’s goal had a significant impact on the game, changing the dimension in the hosts’ favor.

Speaking in context, he stated, “I think the goal, the free kick goal. Because Punjab FC knew that with a goal lead, they could play more, more confidently. I think before that we were equal to them. I would say in terms of playing, maybe not in terms of fitness.”

“But they (Punjab FC) too were on the runs in terms of trying to block counter. We step by step in my match then. But that free kick. Credit, credit to (Pulga) Vidal. But Arshdeep (Singh) should have done better; I have to see again. That was stunning for him,” he continued.

Allan Paulista, their latest signing, made his ISL debut for Hyderabad FC as he came on as a substitute in the 58th minute.

While quizzed about the Brazilian forward’s impact and his performance in his very first game, the head coach remarked, “Allan (Paulista) has come in (after) one day of training, and credit to him that he lasted maybe 30-32 minutes.”

“I didn't expect much from him. The only instruction to him was that you don't run too much when you get the ball, then maybe do something, with the players running behind you. But I think the Brazilian played technically well,” he signed off.

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Hyderabad FC2024-2025Punjab FC Thangboi Singto