ISL 2022: Hyderabad reached the final for the first time, goalkeeper Laxmikant became the hero of victory
Football
By-Rahul Singh
Goa : Hyderabad FC have entered the final for the first time in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL). Where, the team of coach Manolo Marquez will face Kerala Blasters FC for the title in the final on March 20. Even though Hyderabad lost to ATK Mohun Bagan 0-1 in the second leg of the second semi-final of ISL 2021-22 on Wednesday. But Hyderabad managed to reach the final 3-2 on aggregate goals as they beat Bagan 3-1 in the first match of the two-leg semi-final, which proved to be the deciding factor between the two teams.
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In this match played at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolin, Spanish coach Juan Ferrando brought down the Green and Maroon Brigade with a strategy of attacking. Seeing no goals in the first half, he took the offensive players out of all his defensive players, center-back Sandesh Jhingan and defensive midfielder Carl Magee. But in front of all his plans, goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani came out as an unshakable wall. Hyderabad’s Golchi successfully defended most of Bagan’s attacks and was awarded the Hero of the Match award.
The lone of the match came in the 79th minute, when Fijian striker Roy Krishna broke the deadlock to give Mohun Bagan a 1-0 lead. Fast-paced attack from the left end, winger Liston Colasso, with his quick pace from the half-line, entered the D-box and then hit a cross, which the Indian-origin striker hit with his right foot while running towards the second post. The direction of the goal was shown and this time goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani had no chance to defend.
The first half was goalless as ATK Mohun Bagan could not score despite putting Hyderabad FC’s defense under constant pressure while playing extremely aggressive football. Because of this, the ball remained close to the D-box from Hyderabad’s half for most of the time. During this, Bagan’s striker Roy Krishna and wingers Liston Kolaso and Prabir Das repeatedly troubled the Hyderabad defense and at times forced goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani to defend. But the Green and Maroon Brigade also made 12 shots but all these efforts were wasted and at half time both the teams went on break at 0-0 score.
Story first published: Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 22:01 [IST]
