ISL 2022-23: Yasir goal helps Hyderabad edge past Odisha

Updated: May 16, 2023, 11:52 pm

Hyderabad FC players celebrate Mohammad Yasir's goal which gave them the win against Odisha FC
Hyderabad FC players celebrate Mohammad Yasir's goal which gave them the win against Odisha FC
Faheem Hussain/Focus Sports/ ISL

Hyderabad FC extended their lead at the top of the table with their fourth consecutive cleansheet in a 1-0 win over Odisha FC in Hyderabad. Mohammad Yasir scored the only goal of the match in the eighth minute.

Both sides made just one change to their respective line-ups from last week - Manolo Marquez benching Bartholomew Ogbeche for Borja Herrera and the injured Shubham Sarangi being replaced by Denechandra Meitei.

The early goal came after good work down the flanks from Hyderabad. Halicharan Narzary twisted Meitei inside out on the left flank, before whipping a cross past the right back. The cross was headed into the bottom right corner by a remarkably unmarked Yasir in the eighth minute.

Sixteen minutes into the game, Herrera tried his luck from range, but his effort flew wide of goal. Three minutes later, Raynier Fernandes limped off with an injury and was replaced by Isaac Chhakchhuak.

At the half-hour mark, the hosts were presented with a glorious opportunity to double their lead. Nikhil Poojary sprinted into the box from the right flank and opted for a lob towards Narzary instead of a low pass. The ball bounced right in front of the winger as his shot flew over the bar.

Odisha FC head coach Josep Gombau made one change at halftime as Pedro Martin came on to replace Diego Mauricio. Six minutes after coming on, the Spaniard dodged his marker before getting a shot on goal. However, the effort lacked power and was collected comfortably by the keeper.

Two minutes later, Nandhakumar Sekar crossed the ball in from the left before Jerry Mawihmingthanga's header was blocked by Akash Mishra. On the counter, Joao Victor slid the ball through to Hitesh Sharma but the midfielder could not keep his shot on target.

Ogbeche came on for Siverio just before the hour mark. The Nigerian had a great opportunity to score in the 70th minute. His powerful close-range strike was saved by a diving Amrinder Singh.

The defending champions will travel to Jamshedpur to face the Hero ISL 21-22 Shield winners on November 9, Wednesday. Odisha remain in third, level on points with FC Goa. They will get a break during Matchweek 6 and then travel to Kolkata for their next game against East Bengal FC on November 18, Friday.