Kolkata : Defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions Hyderabad FC (HFC), book semi-final tickets of the 131st Durand Cup, defeating Rajasthan United FC (RUFC) 3-1. Bartholomew Ogbeche scored the opener for Hyderabad FC with Akash Mishra and Javier Siverio getting the other two. Uruguayan Martin Chavez scored off a penalty for Rajasthan United.
Hyderabad FC gaffer Manolo Marquez meant business as he started with Ogbeche, it was not long before the Nigerian got on the score sheet. Borja Herrera gifted the curler with his left from the left flank which Ogbeche got ahead of his marker. He drilled a header past keeper Vishal Joon, beating him at the near post. It was just six minutes on the clock.
Hyderabad FC slowed down after the opener which costed them. Rajasthan United took the opportunity, were awarded with an indirect free-kick just outside the six-yard box. However, Akash Mishra handled it inside the box and Rajasthan were awarded a penalty. Chavez drew Rajasthan to level.
Akash Mishra was destined to make amends and he did it with a brilliant diagonal left-footed grounder from outside the box, which went like a bullet to beat the outstretched hands of Vishal Joon to nestle into the bottom left-corner. Hyderabad FC had taken the lead at the stroke of half-time.
Kundu brought in Brazilian Barboza Jnr in place of Lebanese Youssef Atriss in search of a goal. But it was the move made by Marquez in the 68th minute which made the difference.
To their credit Rajasthan United did not stop trying. Kattimani denied them with a fantastic reflex save in the 75th. Even in added time, a Chavez free-kick from the left-flank curled and dipped and beat Kattimani, only to hit the bar and come back.
As a result, both semi-final lineups are now finalized with Mohammedan Sporting taking on Mumbai City FC on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, while Hyderabad go up against Bengaluru FC a day later. Both those games will be played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK).
Hyderabad FC– 3(Ogbeche 6’ Akash 45’ Siverio 69’) Rajasthan United FC- 1 (Chavez (P) 29’) .
