(Football news) Hyderabad FC climbed to the second spot in the Indian Super League table with a 1-1 draw against SC East Bengal at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Thursday. Hyderabad FC extended their unbeaten run to six matches while SC East Bengal remained without a win in eight games. SC East Bengal got the lead in the 20th minute through Amir Dervisevic who scored a brilliant freekick but Bartholomew Ogbeche levelled the scoring for Hyderabad FC in the 35th minute with a header.

Arindam Bhattacharja was first tested by Joel Chianese in the 12th minute as both the teams started off cautiously. However, it was SC East Bengal who dealt the first blow through a powerful direct freekick by Amir Dervisevic. Laxmikant Kattimani was caught unaware with his left footed shot and the Hyderabad FC goalkeeper should have dealt with the situation better. Daniel Chima Chukwu had the opportunity to double SC East Bengal’s lead but sent his shot wide in a one-on-one situation just before the half hour mark.

After the drinks break, it was Hyderabad FC who had the momentum and got the equalizer through Bartholomew Ogbeche. An accurate cross by Aniket Jadhav found the 37 year old’s head who scored in the 35th minute. However, SC East Bengal reacted immediately as Mohammad Rafique’s shot from outside the box hit the crossbar and both the teams ended the first half on equal goals.

Hyderabad FC head coach Manolo Marquez replaced Rohit Danu with Sahil Tavora at half-time as both teams looked to become more compact to ensure they don’t lose the game. In the 85th minute, Sahil Tavora’s long range effort was parried by Arindam while the rebound shot by Siverio was off target. Naorem Singh and Juanan got a yellow card each in the dying moments of the game as the fourth official indicated seven minutes of added time. Neither side could grab a winner and both SC East Bengal and Hyderabad FC shared a point each.

SC East Bengal will face Bengaluru FC on Tuesday, Jan 4th at the GMC Athletic Stadium while Hyderabad FC will take on Odisha FC on Tuesday, 28th December at 7:30 pm IST.

Also read: FC Goa look to make winning start under new coach Pereira