ISL 2021-22: Koman penalty helps Chennaiyin beat Hyderbad FC

ISL 2021-22 LIVE: Hyderabad FC vs Chennaiyin FC [HFC vs CFC LIVE] – A Vladimir Koman penalty proved to be the ultimate difference between the two sides as Chennaiyin FC sealed three points in a hard-fought win over Hyderabad FC. Anirudh Thapa won the crucial spot-kick in the 66th minute before Koman converted it for the only goal of the game. Follow Insidesport.in for ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates.

ISL 2021-2022: Vladimir Koman’s crucial penalty hands Chennaiyin FC opening game win over Hyderabad FC

In a game of determination to last the longest, Chennaiyin FC pulled off a hard fought 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC, here in a 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Tuesday. Vladimir Koman (66′ P) scored from the spot to give Chennaiyin a crucial lead, ultimately sealing all three points as Hyderabad were left to rue their wastefulness in front of goal, especially in the first half.

Hyderabad, whose average age of its Indian players in the lineup was just 24, was dealt a major blow early on with Halicharan Narzary limping off in under 10 minutes. That did not deter their resolve to stamp their impression as former ATK Mohun Bagan man Edu Garcia’s shot was cleared away in a hurry but Bartholomew Ogbeche could not follow through.

Chennaiyin had goalkeeper Vishal Kaith to thank for keeping the former champions in the game. The Himachal Pradesh-born was tested a few times but he emerged unscathed. Hyderabad were in fact wasteful in the opportunities the brittle Chennaiyin defence gave them. Ogbeche missed more than handy chances but substitute Nikhil Poojary’s work-rate near the box only gained him new admirers.

Kyrgyz playmaker Mirlan Murzaev almost gave Chennaiyin a glimmer of hope late in the first half, but his header went off-target from a darting cross in by Reagan Singh. Chennaiyin carried over the momentum post the break. Mirlan Murzaev and Lallianzuala Chhangte proved hard to contain. Chhangte arguably had the best chance of the night when he beat Akash Mishra on the run, cut in and shot hard, only to be tipped off by Kaith.

New captain Anirudh Thapa then made it count for his side to win a penalty as he was brought down by Hitesh Sharma inside the box. Former AS Monaco man Vladimir Koman stepped up to deliver a powerful piledriver that gave goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani no chance, breaking the deadlock with little over 20 minutes to play.

Chennaiyin led against the run of play leaving Manolo Marquez to make four changes at a go. Joel Chianese, Javi Siverio, Sahil Tavora and young striker Rohit Danu were introduced in the 77th minute. However, there wasn’t to be another goal as Hyderabad will look for answers ahead of their big game against defending champions Mumbai City next.

Also read: ISL 2021-22 LIVE: Bengaluru FC dish out strong performance to defeat NorthEast United in campaign opener

HFC vs CFC LIVE – Head to Head

The head-to-head record between Chennaiyin FC and Hyderabad FC is very neck to neck. HFC and CFC both have won two games each out of the four games played between them so far in the history of ISL.

Total Matches Played – 4

Hyderabad won – 2

Chennaiyin won – 2

ISL 2021-22 LIVE: Chennaiyin FC start their campaign against Hyderabad FC in search of their third title

Also read: ISL 2021-22: Mumbai City FC begin title defence with tough match against FC Goa – Check Match Predictions, Live Streaming, Head to Head

HFC vs CFC LIVE – Match Predictions

Hyderabad FC – In the 2020-21 Indian Super League season, Hyderabad finished in the sixth spot with just six wins in 20 games they played last year. This time they will be trying to start their campaign on a high and will try to win their maiden title this year.

Chennaiyin FC – Chennaiyin FC have won two titles earlier and will be thinking of lifting the title for the third time which will bring them equal to the titles that of ATK Mohun Bagan. In last season, CFC finished in eighth position with just three wins in 20 games played.

InsideSport Prediction: 2-1 in favour of Chennaiyin FC

ISL 2021-22 LIVE: Chennaiyin FC start their campaign against Hyderabad FC in search of their third title

Also read: ISL 2021-22 LIVE STREAMING: How to watch live Mumbai City FC Vs FC Goa in your country, India

HFC vs CFC LIVE – Probable Playing XIs:-

Hyderabad FC – Laxmikant Kattimani (GK), Asish Rai, Juanan, Chinglensana Singh, Akash Mishra, Joao Pedro, Hitesh Sharma, Mohammad Yasir, Halicharan Narzary, Edu Garcia, Bartholomew Ogbeche.

Chennaiyin FC – Vishal Kaith (GK); Reagan Singh, Salam Ranjan Singh, Slavko Damjanovic, Narayan Das, Anirudh Thapa, Ariel Borysiuk, Ninthoi Meetei, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Mirlan Murzaev, Lukasz Gikiewicz.

Football