Some robust defending on both ends of the pitch saw Northeast United FC record their fourth clean sheet of the season after 9 games following a 0-0 draw against Hyderabad at the Tilak Maidan.
In the first half both the sides were on the top of their game defensively with Hyderabad FC having the majority of possession. Asish Rai created the first chance of the game through a shot from his left foot in what was the first shot on target for Hyderabad.
Machado created a big chance for Northeast after dribbling past the defense from the left flank but it was too high for Idrissa Sylla or Ninthoi to hit it past the goalkeeper but Apuia made sure he reaches but his header was straight into Kattimani’s hands. In the 36th minute Ninthoi’s shot went between Akash Mishra’s legs but yet the keeper came at rescue for Hyderabad.
Not much changed in the second half with Hyderabad FC having more possession without any clear cut chances. The backlines of both the teams deserve credit as they kept the attackers in check throughout the game.
The first clear cut chance of the second half came in for the Highlanders. A Federico Gallego free-kick found Benjamin Lambot and the Belgian’s glancing header missed the target.
Liston Colaco, the X factor for Hyderabad tested Subhasish from distance but the former Indian International was well prepared for it. Aridane Santana’s header on target directly found Subhasish’s safe pair of hands.
The Highlanders could have left it late as they came in with the biggest chance in injury time when Uruguayan lynchpin Federico Gallego’s through ball found Luis Machado but Laxminath Kattimani came off his line to make a save and the fulltime whistle saw both sides share a point apiece.
Hero of the Match – Lalengmawia
The Indian wonderkid bossed the midfield for Northeast United despite Khassa Camara’s absence. His passing accuracy of 85% was the standout stat amongst all the players on the pitch.
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