A 10 men Hyderabad FC managed to get a point against ATK Mohun Bagan. Aridane opened teh scoring for the Nizams and Manvir equalised for the Mariners. Hyderabad’s winter signing Roland Alberg scored the second for them and ATK Mohun Bagan skipper Pritam Kotal rescued a point for his side with a late equaliser.
A crazy opening 10 minutes saw Hyderabad going down to 10 men as Chinglensana Singh was shown a red card following a challenge David Williams who was through on goal. But, things took an unexpected turn as the Mariners were punished for their defensive errors by Aridane Santana who scored the opener in the 8th minute.
Antonio Lopez Habas’s side dominated possesion and looked to capitalise on their man advantage on many occasions. In the 17th minute, Roy Krishna’s header went wide of the target.
Krishna’s sent in a looping ball into the box for David Williams through the right flank but Odei came at rescue for the Nizams with a slight and vital touch that denied Williams a shooting opportunity.
A few more defensive errors from Tiri and Sandesh Jhingan saw Liston Colaco having a clear sight on goal. The Goan born forward could have passes the ball to Halicharan Narzary who was making a run into the box but decided to go all by himself and his shot went straight into Arindam’s gloves.
Hyderabad were awarded a free kick for a dengerous position and Halicharan Narzary’s close ranged free-kick found the side netting in the 56th minute. The Mariners yet again proved why they are known as a second half team as David Williams played a through ball for Manvir who scored his fifth goal for ATK Mohun Bagan.
But, Ronald Alberg had different plans. Aridane’s flick on header found Alberg who had a blear sight on goal and the 30 year old slotted home Hyderabad’s second goal with a perfect left footed finish in the 75th minute.
The League leaders did not panic and kept knocking at the door. Their efforts finally paid off as Pritam Kotal brought things back on level terms for his side. The last pice of action from the game saw Fran Sandanza almost scoring the winner but his perfectly timed header went straight into Arindam’s hands..
Hero of the Match – Aridane Santan
led from the front for his side. He broke the deadlock in the 8th minute despite going down to 10 men and even assisted Roland Alberg for the second. He made a clearance, two successful interceptions and two blocks for his side.