08 January 2021 | NorthEast United Media

The Highlanders suffered a heartbreaking loss at the Tilak Maidan against a Liston Colaco inspired Hyderabad FC side after both sides were locked neck and neck for most of the game.

Head Coach Gerard made as many as 5 changes to the starting line up with Subhasish, Fanai, Gurjinder, Mashoor and Machado returning to the starting line-up. However, the Highlanders conceded within the first 10 minutes and the Nizams went 2-0 up at the 35 minute mark making the comeback an uphill task. Captains Federico Gallego and Benjamin Lambot inspired an amazing comeback at the stroke of half time with both getting their names on the scoresheet and ensuring parity was restored at the break.

With the momentum clearly in favour of the Highlanders, the boys began the 2nd half looking to take control of the game with Luis Machado looking particulary threatening. However with the scorers still not disturbed and Hyderabad looking threatening on the break, Coach Gerard got in Dylan Fox, Charra and Apuia into the game to try and balance out the remainder of the game. Unfortunately, a worldie from Liston in the 85th minute gave the Nizams the crucial lead and the Highlanders conceded another from a counter minutes later trying to press for the equalizer.

The Highlanders remain 7th on the table after the defeat but now face an uphill task to return to the Top 4 in the 2nd half of the season. NEUFC will next face Bengaluru FC on the 12th of January at the Tilak Maidan.