Guwahati: Defending Champions Hyderabad FC defeated North Eastern United FC 3-0 at the latter’s home stadium in Guwahati. Bartholomew Ogbeche, Hallicharan Nazary, and Borja Herrera scored for the Nizams.
Bartholomew Ogbeche, a legend in Indian Super League history, opened his account for the season by side-footing a pass from Yasir Mohammed in the 13th minute. Mohammed Yazir is Nizam’s most-capped player recording 49 appearances for the team. The Nizams put on some effort in the first half to extend their lead however it went in vain. The scores were 1-0 in the halfway period.
Taking advantage of NEUFC’s slightly sloppy mistake, Hallicharan Nazary slotted his chance into the nets in the 69th minute. Hallicharan Nazary’s goal celebrated Hyderabad’s 100th goal in Indian Super League history. The club was established in 2019 when it replaced Pune City FC. After placing 10th in their first season, Hyderabad sprinted from the rags to riches in the next. Hyderabad FC defeated two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters in the finals to win the Indian Super League title in 2021-22.
Minutes later, Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera took the assist from Hallicharan into the goal post to celebrate a 3-0 lead and their 101st goal. With the victory, Hyderabad climbed up to the 1st position in the table with four points. In their first match, they drew with Former champions Mumbai City in 6 goal thriller. Meanwhile, NEUFC dropped down to the last position after suffering two defeats in two games. Earlier on Saturday, Bengaluru FC sent them packing at a lit Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
The next fixture for the Highlanders is East Bengal. East Bengal is yet another team that has been performing poorly this season. They have lost both of their games so far and are just above NEUFC. The East Bengal vs NEUFC match takes place on Thursday, 20th October in Guwahati. Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC locks horns, in a former champions’ battle, with Bengaluru FC at their home stadium, Gachibowli.
Also Read: Paulo Dybala might miss FIFA World Cup due to a thigh injury against Lecce
