Hyderabad FC, faced a narrow 1-0 defeat against Mumbai City FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.

A first-half header from Mehtab Singh in the 29th minute, stemming from a defensive lapse during a set piece, secured the victory for the Islanders. While the visitors tried to make their way back into the game by creating a few promising chances, they were unable to find a way past Mumbai City FC keeper Phurba Lachenpa which led to their second straight defeat and their sixth of the season.

At the post-match press conference, Hyderabad FC’s head coach Thangboi Singto acknowledged his team’s effort while pointing out areas that require improvement.

Reflecting on the match, Singto said, "I think the goal was a bit of an individual error because when a player is given a responsibility, and despite that, the opponent gets a clear header and scores, we have to ask ourselves some questions. I’m not a coach who blames players, but this was one of those moments where responsibility wasn’t fully taken."

"We tried to come back stronger. The players ran, ran, ran. Against Mumbai City FC at home, I already said it was going to be tough, and it was. We couldn’t get the ball to the strikers, especially Allan de Souza Miranda and Edmilson Correia, and that hurt us."

This marks Hyderabad Fc’s sixth loss in the ISL. With seven points they remain on the 11th position on the table.

When asked about the high-tempo start by the Islanders, Singto admitted it caught his team off guard.

"It’s a common phenomenon. When you’re at home, you want to take the game to the opponent. That’s what Mumbai did. Once you win the ball, it’s about keeping it and creating more. Today, we only had two or three shots on target compared to seven in the last match. That really sums it up," he explained.

He added, "When you’re trailing, there needs to be urgency, a bit more tempo and speed. I understand the players were tired, but we need to work on playing with more intensity when behind."

A group of Hyderabad FC supporters, including members of the Deccan Legion fan group, were present at the Mumbai Football Arena. Although they were outnumbered by the home crowd, their cheers and chants made sure their presence was felt.

“We need fans. Thank you to the Maharashtrian Hyderabad FC fans who came. If they’re willing to come to Hyderabad, we’d be happy to sponsor something to cheer us at home," Singto said.

Looking ahead, Singto said: "Tomorrow (on Sunday_ we travel, then try to recover. Maybe one day to train, and then the match. It’s not ideal, but it’s the same for every team. The boys are down, but we need to lift them. FC Goa just won, so it will be tough. A draw today would’ve been a fair result, but now we focus on what’s next."

Hyderabad FC will host FC Goa in their next ISL fixture at GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on 4th December.