(Football news) Chennaiyin FC drew 1-1 against Hyderabad FC at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday, resulting in the Marina Machans failing to break into the top 4 after getting just a point from the fixture. Chennaiyin got the lead in the 13th minute through Mohd Sajid Dhot but failed to maintain their advantage as Javier Siverio equalized in the 45th minute for the Nizams.

Both sides failed to score a winner in the second half even though Debjit Majumder made a few saves to deny Hyderabad FC who sorely missed Bartholomew Ogbeche as the league’s top scorer missed the match due to suspension after picking up four yellow cards. With this result, Hyderabad FC climbed to third position in the Indian Super League table with 17 points from 11 games while Chennaiyin FC remained in sixth place with 15 points from 11 matches.

Few would have predicted the goalscorer for Chennaiyin FC as young defender Mohd Sajid Dhot’s header found the back of the net in the 13th minute after a perfect free-kick delivery by Anirudh Thapa. The early setback was the perfect wake up call that Hyderabad FC needed as the side maintained the majority of possession and started creating chances in the final third. The Nizams were eventually rewarded for their efforts when Javier Siverio scored the equalizer at the cusp of half-time with a calm and composed finish by heading past Debjit Majumder from Asish Sai’s assist.

The second half started with Hyderabad FC maintaining their momentum as Debjit Majumder was forced to make saves from Siverio and Edu Garcia. Both teams failed to create many real opportunities but Ninthoinganba Meetel was unlucky to not score as his shot ricocheted off the bar and his rebound was a meek one. Chennaiyin FC displayed greater urgency in the latter stages of the match after the introduction of the pacy Rahim Ali but the fixture eventually ended with both the teams settling for a point.

Hyderabad FC will face Jamshedpur FC next on Monday, 17th January at the GMC Athletic Stadium while Chennaiyin FC will take on NorthEast United on Saturday, 22nd January at the Fatorda Stadium.

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