ISL 2023-24: Ultimately, hard work paid off – Thangboi Singto after first win of the season

Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto was delighted after they defeated Chennaiyin FC by 1-0 in the 19th match week of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.

This is the maiden win of the season for the Nizams after going winless in the 18 matches of the tournament. Sajad Hussain Parray scored a late goal against the Marina Machans in the 89th minute to give all three points to his team.

Hyderabad FC had only 31.8% possession and could only take two shots on target. However, the visitors were able to capitalize on the opportunity at the fag end of the game.

“Before the match, we knew that Chennaiyin FC would be high in confidence because they just defeated Odisha FC, which is one of the strongest teams. After beating Odisha FC, of course, they were going to fight for the top six. I told the boys that it was going to be the toughest game we ever played,” Thangboi Singto stated in the post-match press conference.

“In the first half, we were nowhere in terms of the game. I won’t say (they) stream rolled, but we were just defending. Of course, that one shot from Rabeeh hit the bar and dropped back, but apart from that, I think we didn’t really create (any chances), but the effort was there. Sometimes, in football, you are rewarded for your hard work even if you don’t play well. Ultimately, hard work paid off. We are very happy for the boys more than anyone else,” he continued.

Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani and his young Indian defensive line were at their absolute best as they kept the opposition at bay.

“Big credit to Kattimani, and big credit to the back four and all the youngsters. But we’re very happy today, and deservedly,” he commented.

“But there are a lot of things to learn because we want to play better in terms of how we want to organize our play in different phases of the game and different parts of the game. But ultimately, we are very happy for the win,” he added.

Singto saluted the spirit of Chennai home fans, who applauded the young Hyderabad FC players for their impressive performance.

“A big salute to the Chennaiyin FC fans because they understand the situation despite supporting their home team. We had all the Indian boys tonight, and we were like underdogs. So, underdogs are always cheered upon, and today they did that. Thank you very much to the Hyderabad FC fans who came all the way and have been watching and supporting us home, away, and on the side,” he asserted.

“But what Chennaiyin FC fans did – was something commendable for Indian football. Of course, the foreigners are there always to help us, but when the Indian boys do well, I think they need a little bit of pat on the back, and those types of shouts really propel their confidence to a higher stage,” he concluded.

Hyderabad FC will next take on Mumbai City FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on 1st April.