ISL 2023-24: We gave one of our best performances as a team – Hyderabad FC’s Thangboi Singto

Hyderabad FC’s head coach Thangboi Singto admitted they gave one of their best performances as a team despite their 1-2 loss against Bengaluru FC in the 16th matchweek of the ongoing Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday.

Javi Hernandez scored the opening goal for the Blues in the 71st minute after a goalless first half. Ramhlunchhunga then scored the equalizer for the Nizams in the 80th minute of play.

However, Narayanan scored the winning goal for Bengaluru FC to give three crucial points to the home team.

“The young boys showed more maturity in the game, in all the phases. Many a times, we pinned down BFC (and their) national team players like Sunil (Chhetri), Sana (Chinglensana Singh), Nikhil Poojary, Roshan (Singh). Siva (Sivasakthi Narayanan) coming in and making a difference (to the final result changed things). Today was one of the best performances we gave as a team, but it wasn’t enough. That’s why it’s heartbreaking because these bunch of young boys deserved something at this point,” Thangboi Singto said in the post-match press conference.

Singto was happy that they scored after a long time but he is hopeful of getting more from the next game.

“I was happy to see that we scored after a long, long time. It’s just a click.. A small crack of the opening there, but hopefully, (I wish) we get more next game. But I’m proud of the boys. I don’t have a word in which I can more than say that not (just) me, but we as a club, as a team, we’re proud of the boys,” he expressed.

The gaffer heaped praise on Zothanpuia’s performance and he is hopeful that other players will also come up with better performances in the next match.

“He (Zothanpuia) is a big example of young players believing in the staff, believing in the coach. Playing in a position against Sunil Chhetri, a top top (player), legend, the best player India has ever produced. And against him, Sunil didn’t have many chances. But the bane was that a young, upcoming striker (Narayanan) comes and breaks everyone’s hearts. But I hope we recover quickly because we don’t have much time,” Singto stated.

Hyderabad FC will next take on Punjab FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium on Tuesday.