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Hyderabad FC have one foot in the Indian Super League final after rallying to a 3-1 comeback victory over ATK Mohun Bagan on Saturday. The Nizams conceded early in the first leg of the semi-finals at Goa. Roy Krishna scored for the Mariners but goals from Bartholomew Ogbeche, Mohammad Yasir, and Javier Siverio ensured the win.
Addressing the media after the game, head coach Manolo Marquez exclaimed that this season was "historical" for Hyderabad FC and all that they have achieved. He added that qualifying for the final will be an incredible success for not only the fans but the city as well.
"We are in a historical season for Hyderabad. We finished second in the regular season, let’s see what happens in the second leg but at least we won one game in the semi-final. Let’s see if we can qualify for the finals that would be an incredible success, not only for the team but for the fans, for the city. Hyderabad as a city needs something like this," Marquez said.
However, the HFC gaffer reiterated that this was just the first game. He stated that in the second leg, HFC need to be wary of the Mariners and the quality they possess. He said:
"It is true after ninety minutes that it is 3-1 for us but there is a second-leg. Ninety minutes more against one team that has very good players. If you look at the bench of ATK Mohun Bagan, you can be scared because there are a lot of good international players."
"We lost focus at the end" - ATK Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando after loss against Hyderabad FC
Meanwhile, after the disappointing result, ATK Mohun Bagan gaffer Juan Ferrando was visibly dejected. The Mariners took the lead in the 18th minute through Krishna.
However, Hyderabad FC restored parity just before the half-time whistle through Ogbeche. Coming out after the break, Yasir and Siverio overturned the result in the Nizams' favour.
Asked what happened in the second half, the Spanish coach said:
"I think I’m repeating but the team was tired, some injuries at the end and the substitutions were in relation to injuries. We changed the plan and then we made mistakes. We lost focus at the end. If you lose focus it leaves you open and gives great opportunities to Hyderabad FC."
The Nizams will take a two-goal lead into the second leg on Wednesday while ATKMB will be hoping to script a fairytale comeback.
