Shameel Chembakath hails Hyderabad FC’s grit after their first home victory

Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath lauded the team’s grit after their 3-2 win against Jamshedpur FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Super League on Thursday. 

The tourists took a 1-0 lead after Muhammed Rafi scored the opening goal in the 12th minute. However, the Red Miners bounced back strongly as Javi Hernandez scored a brace to help his team take a 2-1 lead.

After the first half, Joseph Sunny and Andrea Alba scored for the Nawabs to help their team clinch all three points against Jamshedpur FC.

Chembakath was delighted with the team’s performance and tipped it as one of the most memorable moments of his coaching career.

“This is one of the most memorable moments in my entire coaching career. I think all the boys did well,” Chembakath remarked.

“For me, I just asked them four demands before they entered the pitch. The consistency, what we did in the last few matches. Work rate I need that. And the commitment, that also they showed. And the last part which I asked, don’t share the points.

“And (lastly) the clean sheet. The clean sheet we did not get, but we didn’t share the points. That’s what I asked – three points that they gave us. I don’t know the other season but maybe for me, this is one of the best results for us,” he added.

The gaffer admitted they made defensive errors but highlighted how they bounced back in the second half of the game.

“I think the mistake which we did in the defence was one of the things which always I’m concerned…a mistake happened in the game. But the comeback, of course, that is what we need. That is great. Mistakes happen, but we need to correct it. We need to improve it. We will keep on improving.”

Hyderabad FC will next take on NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday.