Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath hailed his players’ mentality and commitment after a 1-1 draw against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 on Wednesday.

After a goalless first half, Armando Sadiku scored in the 52nd minute to put the Gaurs in front. However, the Nawabs bounced back to equalize as Allan Paulista scored in injury time to help his team share a point. 

The visitors had 49.1% possession and took four shots on target against the hosts.

“I think in the game when you come back for an equaliser, it’s always pressure. For me, it’s not just about the equaliser; it’s about the mentality and commitment that the players showed. That is more important. This will take us forward into the coming matches with more confidence, and I appreciate the players—the way they played and the effort of those who came off the bench. The commitment and mentality they displayed were crucial. When the captain was down, they took it very seriously, and I think this was one of the best comebacks in our ISL season,” he said at the post-match press conference.

The coach showered praise on forward Edmilson Correia’s for his impressive show, noting, “He had food poisoning in the morning, but he is a very committed player. We were planning to give him a rest, but he insisted he could play. The minutes he played demonstrated his commitment and his value to the team.”

Reflecting on tactical changes during the match, Chembakath said, “I was planning two substitutions at one point, but when Saji went down, we changed the plan…Overall, it worked out well. For me, every match is an opportunity to gain experience and improve.”

Hyderabad FC will next take on Bengaluru FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on 18th January.