Match Summary: KBFC vs HFC

In a gripping encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Hyderabad FC staged a second-half comeback to edge past Kerala Blasters 2-1, with Alba scoring twice to secure the victory.

First Half – A Promising Start and Early Lead:

The game began intensely as Kerala Blasters created early chances, with Sandeep Singh nearly scoring in the second minute, only for his shot to deflect off the post. The hosts kept up the pressure, and their persistence paid off in the 13th minute. Korou Singh showcased impressive footwork on the wing, beating his marker and delivering a precise pass to Jesus Jimenez, who slotted it past Jongte to give the Blasters a 1-0 lead.

Hyderabad FC responded strongly, with Alba leading their attack. In the 43rd minute, Parag Shrivas sent in a beautifully timed cross to Alba, who finished with a powerful side-footed shot to level the score at 1-1 just before halftime. Both teams went into the break with everything to play for.

Second Half – Penalty Seals Hyderabad’s Comeback:

Both teams pushed hard for that decisive breakthrough immediately in the second half. In the 68th minute, the referee awarded Hyderabad a penalty after a contentious handball call on Hormipam. Alba stepped up and converted the spot-kick, securing his brace and giving Hyderabad a 2-1 lead.

Kerala Blasters fought back, with substitutes Noah Sadaoui and Rahul KP adding fresh perspective to our attack. Despite creating several promising opportunities, Hyderabad’s defence, held firm. Parag’s crucial interception in the 89th minute denied Noah a clear scoring chance, preserving Hyderabad’s lead. The Blasters’ best efforts couldn’t alter the outcome, as Hyderabad FC emerged victorious and claimed all three points.

Kerala Blasters will look to bounce back from this narrow defeat when they face Chennaiyin FC in their next fixture. Set to take place on November 24th at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

Full-time: Kerala Blasters FC 1-2 Hyderabad FC

Kerala Blasters Starting XI:

Som Kumar (GK), Adrian Luna (C), Milos Drincic, Alexandre Coeff, Sandeep Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Jesus Jiménez, Huidrom Naocha Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Korou Singh, Mohammed Aimen

Goals:

13’ Jesus Jimenez (KBFC)

Substitutions:

33’ Mohammed Aimen ➡️ Freddy Lallawmawma
45’ Alexander Coeff ➡️ Noah Sadoui
55’ Korou Singh ➡️ Rahul KP
77’ Hormipam Ruivah ➡️ Pritam Kotal
77’ Sandeep Singh ➡️ Muhammed Saheef