SC East Bengal’s winless run stretched to eight matches as they were held by Hyderabad FC 1-1 in an ISL VIII encounter in Bambolim on Thursday.
Hyderabad FC, who extended their unbeaten run to six matches, are now second in the league table with 12 points from seven matches. SC East Bengal are last in the 11-team league with an embarrassing four points from eight matches.
Amir Dervisevic (20th minute) gave SC East Bengal an early lead against the run of play with a brilliant free-kick but Bartholomew Ogbeche (35th) scored with a header to restore parity.
Joel Chianese was the first to test Arindam Bhattacharja in the 12th minute after a cautious start from both teams. However, it was SC East Bengal that went into the lead, thanks to a powerful direct free-kick from outside the box by Amir Dervisevic.
The midfielder scored with a left-footed shot that caught Laxmikant Kattimani unawares. Daniel Chima Chukwu missed a fabulous opportunity to double his team’s lead by sending his shot wide in a one-on-one situation just before the half-hour mark.
Post the drinks break, Hyderabad FC turned up the intensity and scored through Ogbeche. A pinpoint cross from the left flank by Aniket Jadhav found Ogbeche who easily directed the ball past the goalkeeper.
Hyderabad FC will play Odisha FC next on Tuesday while SC East Bengal have a long rest before facing Bengaluru FC on January 4.
