Guwahati, Assam: Hyderabad FC kicked off their Durand Cup campaign with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Delhi FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.
Himanshu Jangra opened the scoring for Delhi in the sixth minute but Ramhlunchhunga stepped up and scored directly from the corner (57’) in the second half as the game ended with a point each.
The torrential downpour starting an hour before kick-off running up until the half-time whistle was the headline maker of the game, as the sloppy outfield meant that there was little chance of free flowing football on show for the thousand or so supporters that flocked Sarusajai Stadium on a Sunday afternoon.
However, both teams managed to test either keeper, before and after the opener, as Aaren D’Silva was at the end of a couple of decent chances, he should have put away.
Hyderabad did go into the break a goal down, but came out to a better outfield with sunny conditions, and managed to push Delhi back until Chhunga scored with a curler, direct from the left corner.
Gurmeet Singh pulled off some stunning saves, while Sahil Tavora and Mark Zothanpuia marshalled the midfield well all game.
Mohammad Yasir, Alex Saji, Nim Dorjee Tamang and Chinglensana Singh also played their role but it was Chhunga who grabbed the limelight, scoring an Olympic goal to mark his debut for the Yellow and Black.
The 1-1 result meant that HFC and Delhi FC start Group E with a point each on the board.
Hyderabad are back in action when they take on Chennaiyin FC on Thursday, 10th August.
