ISL: Defending champions Hyderabad FC thrash NorthEast United 3-0

Defending champions Hyderabad FC opened their account in the ongoing ISL with a thumping 3-0 win over NorthEast United FC on Thursday. The visitors dominated the game and it was one-way traffic throughout at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, leaving the hosts demoralised.

Bartholomew Ogbeche opened the scoring in the 13th minute, while Player of the Match Halicharan Narzary doubled the lead in the 69th minute. Substitute Borja Herrera ensured the game was done and dusted with his 73rd-minute strike.

Trailing by a goal, NEUFC started off well after the break but it was HFC who won a penalty five minutes into the second half. Arindam Bhattacharja, however, made a brilliant save at the NEUFC post to keep his side in the game.

Halicharan Narzary has been on fire so far in this #HeroISL season! 😍🔥

2️⃣ Matches
2️⃣ Goals
1️⃣ Assist#NEUHFC #LetsFootball #HyderabadFC #HalicharanNarzary | @HydFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/6sJWCkd8tV

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 13, 2022

However, HFC soon managed to put one past Bhattacharja courtesy of a defensive error. HFC took the lead when Ogbeche, after a fine cross from Mohammad Yasir, got rid of his marker on the far post before finding the back of the net. In the 53rd minute, HF were awarded a penalty.

Ogbeche shot it to the keeper’s left but Bhattacharja guessed it right. NEUFC had a golden chance to level the scores in the 61st minute but Matt Derbyshire’s header off a cross went wide. Halicharan scored HFC’s second goal after a massive defensive error by the home team.

A first #HeroISL goal for @borjaherrera6 💪❤️#NEUHFC #LetsFootball #NorthEastUnitedFC #HyderabadFC pic.twitter.com/S59qV88TZC

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 13, 2022

Coming off the bench, Borja took no time to make his presence felt and made it 3-0 for HFC with an excellent effort.

HFC were the better of the two teams. NEUFC played well but were not consistent enough to test the opposition keeper, suffering their second straight defeat of the season. This was NEUFC’s first home game of the season but they failed to make use of the familiar setting. HFC drew their opening fixture against Mumbai City FC.