In an emphatic display of skills and precision, Aaren D'Silva dominated the pitch with a scintillating hat-trick, propelling Hyderabad FC (HFC) to a decisive 3-0 triumph over Nepal's Tribhuvan Army FC (TAFC) during their concluding Group E match in the illustrious Durand Cup football championship this Tuesday.
Despite the commendable win, HFC settled for the second spot in the group, as Chennaiyin FC took the lead, boasting an impeccable record and a full tally of nine points. On the other hand, TAFC landed at the fourth position, a point behind Delhi FC, thanks to their solitary draw against the latter.
In anticipation of the crucial encounter, HFC's tactician, Thangboi Singto, integrated four fresh faces into his playing XI, notable among them being the inclusion of Gurmeet Singh, taking Anuj Kumar's place as the goalkeeper. In contrast, TAFC's strategist, Megh Raj, made a couple of changes.
The Nizams struck gold in the 16th minute, courtesy of a strategic cross from Ramhlunchhunga. Seizing the moment, D'Silva smartly outpaced his defender, ensuring his header left keeper Bikesh Kuthu helpless. The magic resumed barely eight minutes later. Md Yasir's exquisite pass that pierced through the TAFC defense found D'Silva, who skilfully chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Acknowledging the mounting pressure, Megh Raj recalibrated his lineup, ushering in Santosh and Ashish, replacing Sehseheng and Tanka Bahadur, in the 30th minute.
The second half saw D'Silva's relentless pursuit for the hat-trick, which he could've achieved a minute earlier but for a missed free-header. Yet, destiny had other plans. The 69th minute became the moment of glory as Yasir, for the second time, fed D'Silva, who masterfully manoeuvred past his defender, slotting the ball with his left, etching his name in the history books with a hat-trick.
This achievement marked the fifth hat-trick of the Durand Cup, and interestingly, the fourth by an Indian player.
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