Shameel Chembakath shares disappointment after loss against NorthEast United

Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath expressed his disappointment after his team suffered a 1-4 loss against NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati in the ongoing Indian Super League on Wednesday.

Guillermo Fernández scored the opening goal in the 17th minute while Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored from a free kick at the stroke of half-time. Manoj Mohammed pulled one back for the visitors but Asheer Akhtar and Mohammed Ali Bemammer put the game to bed.

Hyderabad FC had 58% possession but took only two shots on target against the hosts.

“I think, overall, players are giving their best. But, of course, the result is disappointing,” Chembakath said in the post-match press conference.

The gaffer admitted they conceded silly mistakes, which led to their downfall in the match.

“I think it’s just a learning experience for us,” he opined.

“I think the first half we just slipped off. I think the first goal was just a silly mistake, and these two goals just slipped off our game from the first half itself,” he continued.

The interim coach showered praise on the opposition’s strength but feels it was a learning experience for his team.

“NorthEast United FC are a very strong team, and it’s difficult to stop them,” he remarked.

“They have some key players, they have some strong players, and they have some aggressive strategies. But anyway, this is just a learning experience to take away for the next matches,” he further added.

Before this clash, the Nawabs were unbeaten in their last three matches after draws against FC Goa and Bengaluru FC and a win against Jamshedpur FC.

Speaking about their performances in the recent matches, Chembakath said, “This three-match unbeaten run was very good for us, and we just wanted to keep that momentum.”

“But you know, there are things when you are playing against a strong team that has some experienced players, some experienced Indian players. But still, I think I appreciate my players also. They also give their best,” he signed off.

Hyderabad FC will next take on Mohammedan SC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on 8th February.