ISL 2020 -- Hyderabad FC show promise in 1-1 drawn match with ATK Mohun Bagan

Hyderabad FC maintained their unbeaten run in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 after holding ATK Mohun Bagan to a 1-1 draw at the Fatorda Stadium on Friday. Manvir Singh opened the scoring for the Mariners before Hyderabad equalised from the spot in a game that saw both sides create many goal-scoring chances.

ATK Mohun Bagan showed their attacking intent early in the game after a beautiful through ball from Edu Garcia was played into the box by Prabir Das in the seventh minute. Mariners striker Roy Krishna’s shot beat the defenders but wasn’t powerful enough to trouble Hyderabad custodian Subrata Paul.

A couple of minutes later, ATK Mohun Bagan were at it again. Pritam Kotal’s floated cross was met by Krishna. The header needed saving from Subrata as the Mariners began the match on a strong note.

A well-worked free-kick almost broke the deadlock in the 17th minute after ATK Mohun Bagan’s Garcia chipped the ball for Krishna. The Fijian calmly collected the ball and took a shot which went wide by inches.

Prabir had the next clear opportunity in the 28th minute. The full-back however met Manvir’s low cross with a tame effort that was easily parried away by the goalkeeper.

In what was an end-to-end first half, Hyderabad created a number of goal-scoring chances as well. Young attacker Liston Colaco won a free-kick on the edge of the box but the subsequent shot lacked enough dip and went over the crossbar.

The young guns of Hyderabad stretched their opponents but were unable to put the ball in the back of the net as both sides went into their dressing rooms at half time without a goal in their pockets.

ATK Mohun Bagan continued their attacking forays in the second half, quickly creating a couple of chances. Their intent eventually paid off in the 54th minute. Following a poor goal kick, Manvir collected the ball in the midfield and burst into the attacking third before poking the ball into the net to score his second goal of the season.

Hyderabad FC struck back in the 65th minute after Manvir was penalised for a foul on Nikhil Poojary. The penalty was coolly converted by Joao Victor, allowing the Hyderabad midfielder to open his account in the Hero ISL as well as score the 50th goal of the season.

Hyderabad continued to threaten ATK Mohun Bagan but could not add to their tally. In the 82nd minute, Mariners defender Sandesh Jhingan’s failed clearance was capitalised by Colaco. The 22-year-old striker made his way into the attacking third but his shot was blocked by Jayesh Rane.

ATK Mohun Bagan were on the back foot through much of the second half. Hyderabad however could not make the most of their opportunities as the game ended 1-1.

ISL Media Release