Indian Super League: Hyderabad scores another clean sheet after winning over Odisha
Hyderabad defeated Odisha 1-0 in the Indian Super League (ISL) and extended their lead as the table toppers. It marks their fourth consecutive clean sheet, and the defending champions seem to be heading towards another deep run or victory in the league
Image credit: pia.images.co.uk ISL: Hyderabad defeated Odisha 1-0Both teams implemented a change in their lineups. Manolo Marquez sidelined Bartholomew Ogbeche and replaced him with Borja Herrera behind striker Javier Siverio.
Shubham Sarangi sustained an injury in the previous match and couldn't show up for the visitors. Denechandra Meitei assumed the right-back position.
Eight minutes into the game, Mohammad Yasir netted for Hyderabad. Halicharan Narzary shot up a beautiful cross from the left flank past Meitei.
An unmarked Mohammad Yasir headed home into the bottom right corner. Sixteen minutes in, Borja Herrera missed the target when he tried a long-range shot. It was followed by Raynier Fernandes limping off the field and Isaac Chhakchhuak's consequent entry.
At the half-hour mark, Nikhil Poojary made a poor assist that bounced right in front of Halicharan Narzary, who then missed his shot. Diego Mauricio was sent off, and Pedro Martin came on for the visitors.
The Spaniard eluded his marker shortly after but couldn't convert the chance he created. Jerry Mawihmingthanga's header and Hitesh Sharma's attempt at scoring met with subsequent failure.
Bartholomew Ogbeche replaced Javier Siverio just before the hour mark, and the Nigerian made a decent attempt in the 70th minute that Amrinder Singh blocked.
Hyderabad is now four points ahead of Goa, and the defending champions will face ISL 2021-22 League Shield winners Jamshedpur on November 9.
Sahal Samad's effort helps Kerala Blasters down NorthEast United 3-0
Kerela Blasters thrashed a struggling NorthEast United 3-0 and got themselves back on track at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
Dimitrios Diamantakos netted the first goal from Kerala Blasters, and Sahal Samad came off the bench to score a brace for the visitors. Sahal Samad's second goal arrived in the sixth minute of the second-half stoppage time.
Ivan Vukumanovic switched five players in the starting lineup, including three defensive changes. The match started at a steady pace, and both teams looked guarded.
The midfield was in close contention, and the field lacked opportunities in the final third. Romain Philippoteaux came close in the eighth minute, but both sides ultimately remained goalless in the first half.
The air grew tense in the second half, and Kerala Blasters finally drew blood in the 56th minute when Dimitrios Diamantakos bundled in Saurav Mandal's shot.
NorthEast United received two chances to level the score but missed attempts by Imran Khan, and Emil Benny pushed the home team into an increased state of despair.
NorthEast United conceded two minutes later due to Sahal Samad's terrific counterattack. The substitute netted six minutes into second-half stoppage time to seal a lop-sided victory for his side.
NorthEast United is currently stagnating at the bottom of the rankings. They will face ATK Mohun Bagan in Kolkata next week and seek their first win of the season.
Kerala Blasters FC is seventh in the table with six points in five games and will encounter FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.