Hero Club Playoff Match: On Wednesday, May 3, Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan faced off in the Hero Club Playoff at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode. Both teams were eager to secure a spot in the preliminary round of the AFC Cup 2023-24, and this match did not disappoint. The Mariners emerged as the winners, defeating the Nizams 3-1 in penalties, securing their place in the AFC Cup for the third consecutive year.
Here’s a breakdown of the match, including highlights and key moments: Hero Club Playoff Match
First Half
The game got off to a lively start, with Hyderabad FC controlling the play and passing the ball with pace in midfield. Joao Victor and Mohammed Yasir were the architects of everything good for the Nizams. However, against the run of play, ATK Mohun Bagan opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Hugo Boumous dribbled into the box from the right and cut the ball back on the top of the six-yard box to Dimitri Petratos, who slammed it into the roof of the net, giving ATKMB the lead.
Hyderabad FC did not let their heads drop and took more control of the ball, constantly switching flanks and patiently building up play. A host of chances fell their way, with the best of the lot supplied by Akash Mishra. But the finish from Borja was lacking. However, two minutes before halftime, Borja turned supplier, cutting the ball back from the byline for Joel Chianese to apply the finish, equalizing the score.
Hero Club Playoff Match: Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
Second Half
The second half was played mostly to the tunes of Hyderabad FC, with chances few and far between. The best chance of the half fell to Chianese in injury time, but he shot wide from six yards. The game ended 1-1 after regulation time, forcing a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Extra Time
Both teams were cautious in extra time, and chances were few and far between. Hyderabad spurned multiple half chances in both periods of extra time, but the best chance fell to Liston Colaco, who tried to chip the goalkeeper but missed the target entirely.
Hero Club Playoff Match: Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
Penalty Shootout
The penalty shootout saw Hyderabad FC’s next three shooters miss the target entirely, despite Anuj Kumar pulling off one superb save off Carl McHugh. ATK Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, converted three of their penalties, with Petratos, Liston Colaco, and Kiyan Nassiri finding the net. As a result, the Mariners emerged as the winners, defeating Hyderabad FC 3-1 in penalties, securing their place in the AFC Cup for the third consecutive year.
Hero Club Playoff Match: Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
Key Highlights
- The game was closely contested, with both teams having their chances to win the match.
- Hyderabad FC controlled the play in the first half, while ATK Mohun Bagan came back strong in the second half.
- The game ended 1-1 after regulation time, with neither team able to find a winner in extra time.
- ATK Mohun Bagan emerged as the winners, defeating Hyderabad FC 3-1 in penalties.
- Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez was sent off just after regulation time, leading to tempers flowing at the final whistle.
Hero Club Playoff Match: Hyderabad FC vs ATK Mohun Bagan
The Hero Club Playoff match between Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan was an exciting and closely contested game. Both teams gave their all, but it was the Mariners who emerged as the winners, securing their place in the AFC Cup for the third consecutive year. Despite the loss, Hyderabad FC can be proud of their efforts and will look to bounce back stronger next season.
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