Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Hyderabad FC came from behind in dramatic fashion to draw 2-2 against Bengaluru FC in the Hero Indian Super League at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Thursday.
BFC led 2-0 through goals from Sunil Chhetri (9’) and Leon Augustine (61’). However, Aridane Santana pulled a goal back in the 86th minute before Fran Sandaza scored a 90th-minute leveler, as BFC’s winless run extended to eight games.
Naushad Moosa’s side got their noses in front from yet another set-piece. Cleiton Silva whipped in a precise delivery into the box. Chhetri lost his marker and jumped above the rest to find the back of the net.
Liston used his trickery and quick pace to get into the final third, but an excellent Rahul Bheke stood tall to avert any danger as Moosa’s side walked into the breather with a slender 1-0 lead.
Then, a defensive lapse saw the Nizams fall further behind in the game. Hitesh Sharma misplaced a pass and Augustine darted into the box and shot with the outside of his right foot to beat the onrushing Laxmikant Kattimani.
Hyderabad, who dominated the evening in terms of possession and passing, finally pulled a goal back in the 86th minute from a counter-attack. Rohit Danu on getting the ball on the right flank put in a brilliant cross into the box. The ball took a slight touch of Srivas and reached Santana, who tapped in past the BFC keeper. Roland Alberg miscued a shot from outside the box, which fell to Sandaza. The Spaniard took a touch before smashing past Gurpreet for the equaliser.
