The league’s two best defenses came to naught when Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan drew 0-0 in the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final at GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium on Thursday. The hosts dominated in the first half, but the Mariners tested them defensively in the second. In the end, neither team could find a goal to cut the lead ahead of the second leg in Kolkata on Monday.
Hyderabad launched a series of attacks early in the first half, and Joel Chianese was the first to try his luck from a tight angle. Vishal Kaith was alert at the near post to deny the attacker. Moments later, Mohammad Yasir cut inside from the right flank and dodged around three ATKMB players before rolling into the path of Borja Herrera, whose shot was blocked by Pritam Kotal.
The third attack was the most promising, coming on 11 minutes. From the left, Halicharan Narzary sent a perfect cross into the box to Chianese, whose powerful header into the bottom left corner was tapped from behind by Kaith from full length.
Three minutes into the half hour, ATKMB recorded their first shot on goal through Puitea’s first effort from the edge of the box which was easily picked up by Gurmeet Singh.
Five minutes later, the Mariners had what would be the best chance of the game. Dimitri Petratos fired a free-kick towards the far post, where Colaco headed the ball in front of the goal. With an open goal at his mercy, Kotal flew in but could only shake the bar under pressure from Herrera.
In the 56th minute, Yasir came close to scoring the opening goal but saw a great shot from distance hit the foot of the post. Seconds after the hour mark, the Mariners caught Hyderabad on their left foot as Manvir galloped down the right flank and opted to shoot rather than look for Petratos and Boumous in the box, only for Gurmeet to try and save him on the post. nearby. .
Both sides brought in fresh legs in the final quarter of the game as fatigue began to set in and slowed down the game. Their respective defenses were still at the top of their game, and the only chance in that period came from an ambitious volley by Petratos from about 40 yards out. That turned out to be the last play of the first leg.
The two sides will meet again at Salt Lake Stadium on Monday, March 13.
