Hyderabad FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters: 3 talking points as Nizams qualify for semifinals for the first time

Hyderabad FC strengthened their position at the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters. Here are the three key points from the game. 

Hard loss for Kerala Blasters 

The Tuskers had more shots on goal than the league leaders. But, their lack of clinical finishing proved to be the difference maker in the game. Young winger Vincy Barretto came off the bench to score a consolation goal for Kerala Blasters late in the game. However, it was not enough for them to earn anything from the game. 

Semi-final spot sealed for Hyderabad FC 

The Nizams have become the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the ISL after missing out on the last four in 2020. They are currently at the top of the ISL table, and are also in line to win the league title if they are able to win their next games, and have their competitors slip up. 

This is the first time that Hyderabad FC have made it to the semifinal of the league for the first time in their history. And the celebrations from the players on the pitch showed exactly how much the big win meant to them. 

Strong showing up front and in goal 

Bartholomew Ogbeche took his goal tally in the ISL to 17 from the same number of games. With Igor Angulo his closest competitor, at seven goals behind the Hyderabad FC forward, it seems certain that Ogbeche will win the Golden Boot at the end of the season. 

Laxmikant Kattimani also played a big part in the win over Kerala Blasters, making some key saves throughout the game to help the Nizams stay in the game.