Shameel Chembakath sheds light on draw against Kerala Blasters FC, says they could have won if they had converted penalty

Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath said the game against Kerala Blasters was well-fought and believes they could have won if they had converted their spot-kick chance. The Nawabs played a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters FC at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in the ongoing Indian Super League on Wednesday.

Dasun Lagator scored in the seventh minute for the Yellow Tuskers whereas Sourav K cancelled out the lead as he scored a stunning goal at the stroke of halftime.

But, Andrei Alba missed from a spot kick in the 52nd minute as Nora Fernandes made a good save.

“It was one of the hard-fought games, the intensity level was good. In the beginning, we conceded a goal and the aggression was not there defensively, but we kept the ball well, and we controlled the game after the first fifteen to twenty minutes. I think the penalty which we got, if we could have converted, it would have been three points,” Chembakath said at the post-match press conference.

“But, of course, we need to make sure that in every game, we take it as a learning experience. And I think we need to focus on this game’s momentum going into the Super Cup,” he added.

Hyderabad FC ended the ISL season in 12th position in the standings with 18 points, which included four wins and six draws. 

Speaking on their progress in the tournament since he has taken over the baton in December, Chembakath said, “Definitely, we have made some progress. I think, it’s all part of how we need to bring structure and discipline, which I think we have done. And some consistent situations come at times, but, definitely, the result was good.”

“And, we competed against a good team in the league. And, we were a threat to everyone. Everyone appreciated us. The players gave their best, and almost everyone performed well, like the goal that Sourav scored today. I think when we and they get a chance, they need to prove themselves, which is what the young boys need to do,” he added.