ISL 2024-25: Ambitious FC Goa Takes on Struggling Hyderabad FC
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Margao (Goa), Jan 7 (NationPress) FC Goa will face Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Margao on Wednesday.
A victory with a clean sheet in this match would represent the first occasion that FC Goa achieves four successive shutouts against a rival in ISL history, while also extending their longest winning streak against Hyderabad FC to four games.
On the flip side, Hyderabad FC is looking to halt a troubling run of three consecutive away defeats without finding the back of the net.
The Gaurs currently sit third in the standings with 25 points from 13 matches, having secured seven wins and four draws. In contrast, Hyderabad FC is languishing in second-to-last place with just eight points from 14 matches. FC Goa has triumphed in four of their last five league encounters, whereas Hyderabad FC has suffered defeats in four out of their previous five outings.
With FC Goa striving to establish a record for consecutive clean sheets while Hyderabad FC battles to reverse their downward trend, there is significant motivation for both teams in this showdown.
FC Goa enters this clash riding a robust scoring wave, having scored in each of their last 13 ISL fixtures, accumulating a total of 27 goals during this period. A goal in this match would extend their streak, inching closer to their longest run of scoring in 16 consecutive games in ISL history (from December 2022 to October 2023). Moreover, the Gaurs have demonstrated defensive strength, conceding only eight open-play goals from inside the box this season, a figure only surpassed by Mohun Bagan Super Giant (5). The stability of their defense has been instrumental in facilitating offensive plays.
Hyderabad FC has experienced a difficult season, having trailed for 57.4 percent of their game time, the highest percentage in the league. They must enhance their offensive performance to seize control of the match and dictate its flow. The team has conceded 16 open-play goals from inside the box, the most by any team this season. The Gaurs’ attack will look to outnumber the visitors in their 18-yard area to create more scoring chances.
In their 11 encounters, FC Goa has emerged victorious in six matches, while Hyderabad FC has claimed victory three times, with two matches ending in draws.
FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez reaffirmed his team’s ambitions for the season, stating, “We have to be ambitious. The target is to win the shield. If that doesn’t happen, then at least finish in the top-2.”
Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath emphasized the necessity of securing points on the road, saying, “There are some key players in FC Goa, whom we have assessed. We will try to stop them. The focus is to get points from this away match.”
