Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], March 13 (ANI): Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath described the match against Kerala Blasters FC as a hard-fought contest. Both teams shared the points at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad, marking the end of the league phase of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, the league's official website reported.

The visitors started strongly and took the lead in the 7th minute when Dusan Lagator nodded home from a corner. However, Hyderabad FC gradually found their rhythm and began dominating possession as the game progressed into the second quarter. Just before halftime, Sourav K produced a stunning acrobatic finish in the 45th minute to level the score-- a goal that could be a strong contender for the Goal of the Season.

Hyderabad FC had a golden opportunity to take the lead early in the second half, but Nora Fernandes denied Andrei Alba from the penalty spot. In the end, both sides settled for a draw, bringing their ISL campaign to a close.

'It was one of the hard-fought games; the intensity level was good. In the beginning, we conceded a goal and the aggression was not there defensively, but we kept the ball well, and we controlled the game after the first fifteen to twenty minutes. I think the penalty which we got, if we could have converted, it would have been three points,' Chembakath said at the post-match press conference.

'But, of course, we need to make sure that in every game, we take it as a learning experience. And I think we need to focus on this game's momentum going into the Super Cup,' he added.

Hyderabad FC finished the campaign in 12th position with 18 points, which included four wins and six draws.

Speaking about the progress the team has made since he took charge in December, Chembakath said, 'Definitely, we have made some progress. I think it's all part of how we need to bring structure and discipline, which I think we have done. And some consistent situations come at times, but, definitely, the result was good.

'We competed against a good team in the league. And, we were a threat to everyone. Everyone appreciated us. The players gave their best, and almost everyone performed well, like the goal that Sourav scored today. I think when we and they get a chance, they need to prove themselves, which is what the young boys need to do,' he added.

Hyderabad FC could have secured three points at home had their Brazilian midfielder converted his penalty. However, the coach does not want to single out any player and instead sees it as part of the game.

'Alba is one of the most consistent penalty takers in training. Alba said 'I take the responsibility, but I told him, 'It's all collective things.' He made a mistake, and that's fine,' said the coach.

With the conclusion of the ISL 2024-25 league phase, attention now shifts to the March international break and the upcoming ISL playoffs. However, Hyderabad FC, having missed out on the playoffs, will have plenty of time to prepare for the Super Cup, which kicks off on April 21 in Odisha.

'There's a break for everyone. They deserved it, and we'll be regrouping soon and working on the errors that we need to improve. That is one of the things we need to work on, and we will have that time. Once we get the Super Cup fixtures, then we'll prepare for that,' he commented. (ANI)