ISL 2022: Hyderabad FC set to defend title as reigning champs take on Mumbai City FC

Favourites to lift the Durand Cup — the oldest football tournament in Asia — last month, the Nizams missed it due to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Bengaluru FC in the semis.

In the season opener, Brazilian centre-forward Joao Victor-led side faces the 2020 ISL winner Mumbai City Football Club (MCFC) on Sunday, 9 October, at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune at 7.30 pm.

Meanwhile, the ISL kicked off on 7 October to a full-house in Kochi after two years of the pandemic, where three-time finalists Kerala Blasters secured a 3-1 victory over East Bengal FC.

Defending champions @HydFCOfficial kick-off their #HeroISL 2022-23 campaign against @MumbaiCityFC tonight! 🤩#HFCMCFC #LetsFootball #HyderabadFC #MumbaiCityFC pic.twitter.com/mUcRCakaRR

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 9, 2022

‘Will once again compete for biggest prizes’

The final of the 2021-22 season was an all-South Indian affair, with HFC clinching a 3-1 victory in the penalties against Kerala Blasters.

(left to right) Captain Joao Victor, Head Coach Manolo Marquez and vice-captain Nikhil Poojary at the press conference on 6 October. (Supplied)

Touted as one of the strongest contenders for the title, the Deccan side will look to become the first team to successfully defend the title in the history of India’s top-tier league.

The Nizams look in good shape as they enter into the ISL with two wins and a draw in the pre-season friendlies they played after the Durand Cup.

“We know it is difficult to be at our best for our first game, but our biggest strength is our continuity (constancy), a key to our success in the last two seasons,” said Manolo, adding that the team would be competitive this season as well

The Spaniard, who believes that his team would once again compete for the biggest of the prizes, added that the club had made some good signings, who got a chance to play in the Durand Cup

Excited for the fans returning to the stadium

The first two games for the HFC are at away venues.

Hyderabad fans at the final of ISL 2021-22 between the HFC and Kerala Blasters. (Deccan Legion/Twitter)

After wrapping up its schedule in Pune, the team will head to Guwahati to face NorthEast United on 13 October.

After a long haul of two years of limited venues due to the Coivd-19 pandemic, the Nizams will return to their fortress — the Gachibowli stadium — with three consecutive home matches scheduled on 22 October, 29 October, and 5 November,

They will take on the 2022 Durand Cup champions Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, and Odisha FC, respectively.

The team is excited to return to their home ground and play in front of their fans, the 12th man.

Team vice-captain Nikhil Poojary, while calling it unfortunate that they would not be playing the first game at the Gachibowli Stadium, said: “Without fans, it has been two difficult seasons. But their return to the stadium is a huge boost for us. Everyone is really excited.”

A post from the Twitter fan group of the club, celebrating last year’s ISL victory.

A very good morning to fans of the club who are the champions of India!😎🏆@HydFCOfficial#HyderabadFC #ThisIsOurGame #మనహైదరాబాద్ #DeccanLegion 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/kUVcYGWjyJ

— Deccan Legion (@DeccanLegion) March 21, 2022

HFC players to watch out for

The HFC team last season after winning the ISL title for the first time. (HFC website)

Though the HFC have made some fresh signings who featured in the Durand Cup, Manolo has retained the core of the team.

All eyes will be on the Nigerian striker Bartholomew Ogbeche, golden boot winner last season scoring 18 goals, while the likes of Halicharan Narzary (winger), Javi Siverio (forward), Joel Chianese (forward), and Joao Victor (midfielder) have been in fine touch ahead of the game.

Almost all of this season’s signings include defenders such as  Borja Herrera (winger too), Odei Onaindia, Reagan Singh, Alex Saji, Manoj Mohammad, and Soyal Joshy.

Here is a list of the full squad.