ISL 2024-25: Out of playoffs contention, Hyderabad FC and Punjab FC hope to finish strong

ISL 2024-25: Out of playoffs contention, Hyderabad FC and Punjab FC hope to finish strong

Hyderabad FC is set to host Punjab FC at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Thursday as both sides play their penultimate fixture in the league stage.

Out of contention for the vacant sixth spot for the playoffs, the teams will want to wrap up their campaign on a strong note, to cap off the work done so far and lay the foundation for the forthcoming campaign.

Punjab FC has a promising record against Hyderabad FC in the ISL, remaining unbeaten in three encounters, including consecutive 2-0 victories.

A win in this game will mark its inaugural league double over any team in the competition’s history. However, Hyderabad FC has been unbeaten in its last five home games, winning twice.

For the Nizams’ head coach Shameel Chembakath, it’s all about closing out games with better discipline.

“We have conceded late goals,” he said on the eve of the match. “If you see the second phase of the competition, there were a few matches where we did well but conceded late goals. We need to work on that.”

Punjab FC head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said that his side needs to improve their composure upfront.

“A lot of times, because we are using a lot of young players, they approach the final third with pressure, but when you work under pressure, the execution of the action is not really accurate,” he said.

Published on Mar 05, 2025