A six goal thriller saw Hyderabad FC take all three points against Northeast United FC in an end to end contest as the match ended 2-4 at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco.
The Nizams took the lead just three minutes into the game after some delightful work by Chianese. The Aussie forward displayed some brilliant skills and got the ball past the defense and standing at the end of it was Aridane Sanatana who scored his first ever goal against the Highlanders.
A few minutes later, the Highlanders were awarded a set piece and Federico Gallego’s free kick found Idrissa Sylla but yet again the Guinean striker’s disappointing attempt went wide.
Luis Machado’s attempt on goal was saved by the keeper’s fingertips. The Highlanders kept pushing themselves for an equaliser and Idrissa Sylla fired a long ranger and brought the keeper into action just before the water break.
Some miscommunication between the players saw Joel Chianese getting his name on the score sheet for a second consecutive match and the Australian did finish it off in style to get his side a two goal cushion.
Northeast United FC looked determined to start comeback and they did start one when Ashutosh Mehta was brought down into the box by Halicharan Narzary and the referee pointed to the spot. Federico Gallego got his first goal of the season and it was 1-2 during the 45th minute.
The last kick of the first half of the game saw the Highlanders bring things back to level terms. Ashutosh’s header on target was denied by Laxmikant Kattimani and after some scramble inside the box, Benjamin Lambot fired one in and it 2-2 going into the break.
Northeast United FC had the chance to take the lead in the initial stages of the second half when Luis Machado’s attempt found the crossbar. 15 minutes later, Luis Machado forced the keeper to save his shot from outside the box. Next up Idrissa Sylla made some room for himself and released a shot but the Indian showstopper looked confident and made a save.
Halicharan Narzary’s cross from the left flank found an unmarked Joel Chianese but the Aussie forward couldn’t make the full use of that opportunity at around 80th minute. Few minutes later it was Halicharan Narzary who found himself in a position to release a shot but couldn’t make the most out of the situation.
Liston Colaco loves to score against Northeast United, isn’t it? The Goan born forward registered his third Hero ISL goal against the same opposition courtesy of some individual brilliance and a sublime left foot finish.
The Highlanders kept on knocking at their door but Hyderabad’s defence denied their way back into the contest and a long ball from Hyderabad’s half found Aridane’s shoulder and then found super sub Liston Colaco who sealed the deal for Manuel Marquez’s men.
Hero of the match :
Joel Chianese
The Australian forward caught Northeast United FC defence off guard a couple of times and did punish them with a goal and an assist.