Ratings: Vladimir Koman impresses as Chennaiyin FC edge Hyderabad

The Marina Machans secured all three points in their first game of the season.

The Indian Super League clash between Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC ended 1-0 in the favour of the visitors. Bozidar Bandovic-coached Chennaiyin FC proved to be the better team against Hyderabad at the GMC Athletic Stadium at Bambolim, Goa. The Nizams dominated a large part of the match, but Chennaiyin showed immense grit and determination to emerge as victors.

There were several noteworthy performances by the players in both camps. A moment of inexperience from Hitesh Sharma, where he gave away a cheap penalty, was the difference between the two teams. Let's take a look at the player ratings from the match between Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin FC:

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Hyderabad FC (by Waseem Zaidi)

Laxmikant Kattimani (GK) - 5.5

The custodian had a rather quiet night apart from making one save and conceding the penalty from Vladimir Koman. 

Asish Rai - 6.0

The full-back ran his socks off on the right flank and gave a good fight to Mirlan Murzaev. He made four clearances, three interceptions and three tackles. Rai also had six crossing attempts in the match.

Juanan - 5.5

Juanan’s debut for Hyderabad FC did not go according to plan against Chennaiyin. Although his partnership with Chinglensana Singh was solid, the Spaniard ended up on the losing side.

Chinglensana Singh - 6.0

Chinglensana Singh was the guilty party for the goal that got ruled out because of offside in the first half. He was composed on the ball and did his defensive duties well. Singh had one clearance, two blocks and two interceptions.

Akash Mishra - 5.5

Akash Mishra had a rather quiet night against Chennaiyin FC. The left-back had a tough time dealing with Lallianzuala Chhangte and could not be on the front foot. Even then, he attempted six crosses in the match. 

Joao Victor - 6.0

The skipper was a busy figure in the heart of the midfield for HFC. The Spaniard had five clearances, six interceptions and three tackles. Victor was not able to affect the proceedings in the attacking third, but kept the ball rolling in midfield to retain possession.

Hitesh Sharma - 4.5

The midfielder gave away the crucial penalty for Chennaiyin FC’s goal. He also had a chance to open the scoring, but sent his shot way up in the stands.

Mohammad Yasir - 5.5

The winger started strong in the first half, but lacked the quality in the final third. He shifted to a more central role after Halicharan’s injury and Poojary’s introduction. Yasir attempted 12 crosses, but only three were accurate.

Edu Garcia - 6.5

Edu Garcia was the most impactful foreigner for the Nizams. He had a brilliant free-kick attempt saved in the first half and also looked to have scored the opening goal, but it was ruled out for offside.

Halicharan Narzary - 5.0

Lasted only eight minutes and had to leave the game due to a knee injury. A disappointing start to the season for the winger.

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Bartholomew Ogbeche - 5.0

Bartholomew Ogbeche had the best scoring chances for Hyderabad FC, but his finishing let him down. The Nigerian had a disappointing spell on the pitch, after missing multiple scoring chances because of which the tactician took the call to substitute Ogbeche on the stroke of the 78th minute. 

Substitutes

Nikhil Poojary - 5.5

Nikhil Poojary came on as an early sub for the injured Halicharan Narzary. The winger was sharp in the early stages and had a chance to score as well in the first half. Poojary made way for Rohit Danu later in the second half.

Javier Siverio - 6.0

Javier Siverio had one attempt on target after coming on from the bench, but did not have enough time to create an impact.

Sahil Tavora - 5.0

Sahil Tavora came in to shore up things in midfield after replacing Hitesh Sharma in the second half. He had a shot blocked in the 13 minutes of game-time.

Joel Chianese - 6.0

Joel Chianese came on for a brief spell to turn the tide of the match. However, Chennaiyin FC were too solid at the back and there were not enough chances for the midfielder to pounce on.

Rohit Danu - 5.5

Rohit Danu played 14 minutes and had six touches on the ball. Not enough time or chances to make an impact from the bench.

https://youtu.be/Ri1pMCTE9RY

Chennaiyin FC (by Kaushik Viswanath)

Vishal Kaith (GK) - 6.0

The goalkeeper had a busy night making some good saves and clearances. But, he was also clumsy on many occasions, including a potential red card challenge on Bartholomew Ogbeche in the first half. 

Reagan Singh - 7.0 

The right-back cleared 11 balls and put in two tackles in the game to setup a strong finish for Chennaiyin FC.  

Salam Ranjan Singh -  5.5   

Salam, despite his best efforts, couldn't impose himself in defence and was often left in the shadows by Bartholomew Ogbeche and Nikhil Poojary. He was eventually taken off in the 74th minute. 

Slavko Damjanovic - 7.0  

The Serbian was solid at the back for the Marina Machans. He made seven clearances and along with Ariel Borysiuk helped Chennaiyin FC keep a clean-sheet. 

Narayan Das - 6.5 

Apart from his yellow card in the second half, Narayan was steady at left-back, putting up two tackles and an interception in the game. 

Ariel Borysiuk - 7.0 

Put in a brilliant defensive performance with Slavko Damjanovic. Five interceptions, one tackle and four clearances give ample evidence of the shift he put in defence. He also completed 84% of his passes, the highest on the side. 

Anirudh Thapa - 6.5   

Thapa didn’t have the most brilliant of games, but he put in four interceptions and completed 83% of his passes. He won Chennaiyin FC the penalty after being fouled by Hitesh Sharma. 

Vladimir Koman - 8.0  

The best player on the pitch for the two-time champions. Scored the match-winning penalty and was omnipresent on the field. Put in four tackles and interceptions and had 59 touches, the most by any Chennaiyin player in the game. 

Mirlan Murzaev - 6.5 

Showed glimpses of his potential on the left wing. Added a lot of pace and energy on the counter-attack and also chipped in with three tackles and interceptions. Was taken off in the 84th minute. 

Lallianzuala Chhangte - 5.0  

Didn’t have the best of games. Had a golden chance in the early part of the second half to score, but could’ve done better to find another player rather than going for glory. 

Rahim Ali - 6.0  

Played in a pretty isolated forward role for most parts in the first half. Got some touches on the ball, but couldn’t get a lot of influence in the gameplay. 

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Substitutes

Edwin Vanspaul - 5.0 

Came on in the 74th minute and didn’t get a lot to do apart from a few passes  

Ninthoi Meetei - 4.5 

Came on in the 92nd minute and didn’t get to do a lot.  

Lukasz Gikiewicz - 5.0 

Came on in the 84th minute and tried to get into the game, but couldn’t get a lot of the ball to show his potential.

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