Hyderabad FC emphasized their class on Trou

Indian Super League champions Hyderabad FC beat Trou 2-0 in their first Group C match of the Durand Cup football tournament at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on Monday.

Halicharan Nazari took his first blood in 28 years ^Th Borja Gonzalez scored the second goal in the minute and 53 ^RD Minute to script Hyderabad’s stunning victory.

This is Trou’s second defeat in a row.

An experienced Hyderabad side had more control over the ball and the match. Although Trou created some fine moves early on, Hyderabad’s defenders – captain Nikhil Pujari and Chinglensana Singh – were unable to pose a real threat.

Nazri curled in a loose ball from 25 yards to give Hyderabad the breakthrough. Gonzalez’s stunner extended Hyderabad’s lead after the change of ends. The Spaniard received the ball from the right and fired home a left-footed long-ranger to take the wind out of a spirited Trou.

A stark difference in class was evident as Hyderabad, who gave some of their foreign recruits game time, launched plenty of attacks. However, all efforts went in vain as the ball either bounced over the goalpost or was saved by the capable Samarth Bishorjit under the bar.

Later, 16-time champions Emami East Bengal started their campaign on a calm note, playing out a goalless draw against Indian Navy in Group B. Playing under former national coach Stephen Constantine, East Bengal failed to hit the desired tempo and were chasing. Most of the first half. Both sides were found to be desirable in the striking zone.

Having started team-building and preparations for the season much later than other Indian Super League teams, East Bengal struggled against a fit Navy with a well-organized defence.

Result: Hyderabad FC 2 (Halicharan Nazari 28, Borja Gonzalez 53) bt Trow 0; Emami drew with East Bengal 0, Indian Navy 0.