Hyderabad FC’s Shameel Chembakath Reflects on His Performance Against Mumbai City FC
Hyderabad FC’s rising star, Shameel Chembakath, has become a key figure in the team’s midfield in recent seasons. His technical ability, vision, and versatility have allowed him to shine in a competitive and dynamic squad. After Hyderabad’s intense clash against Mumbai City FC in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season, Chembakath sat down for an exclusive interview to share his thoughts on the match, his performance, and the team’s strategy.
The 2025 ISL season has been pivotal for both Hyderabad and Mumbai, with the teams jostling for top-four positions and ultimately seeking playoff qualification. The high stakes of the encounter, with Mumbai City’s attacking prowess and Hyderabad’s solid defense, made for a match full of drama, passion, and tactical battles. While the scoreline remained 0-0 at the final whistle, the match proved to be a hard-fought contest that showcased the grit and determination of both teams.
Chembakath’s role in Hyderabad’s midfield, as well as his contributions in attack and defense, made him one of the standout performers on the night. Despite the draw, Chembakath felt that his team’s performance was a testament to their growth and resilience.
The Mentality Going into the Match
Hyderabad FC approached the match against Mumbai City FC with a clear mentality: solidify their defensive structure while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack. Chembakath admitted that facing a team like Mumbai requires a specific approach. “We knew going into the match that Mumbai is a high-possession team. They like to dominate the game and create chances through their wide play. We had to be disciplined, stick to our game plan, and look for opportunities when they gave us space,” Chembakath explained.
He also acknowledged that Mumbai’s attacking players, like Bipin Singh and Igor Angulo, posed a major threat. “Mumbai has some very talented attackers, and they can hurt you if you’re not careful. We had to stay compact in defense, with everyone working as a unit. The key was to not allow them to get behind us or break through our lines,” he said.
For Chembakath, this approach meant staying patient and being ready to capitalize on any mistakes from the opposition. “In games like this, you have to be prepared to bide your time. You wait for the right moment, the right chance to attack. That’s what we did. Even though we didn’t score, we kept our shape well and tried to play the game on our terms.”
A Midfield Battle
In the heart of the midfield, Chembakath had the responsibility of not only disrupting Mumbai’s rhythm but also transitioning play from defense to attack. With players like Joao Victor and Hitesh Sharma beside him, the midfield battle became a crucial area where Hyderabad FC had to maintain control. Chembakath reflected on the significance of this area of the game.
“The midfield battle is always intense against a team like Mumbai. Their midfielders, especially Costa and Lallianzuala Chhangte, are very creative, and they look to unlock defenses with their passing. We knew that if we lost the midfield, we would struggle to build attacks, so it was essential for me and my teammates to work hard to win the ball back,” Chembakath said.
He emphasized that maintaining defensive discipline while contributing offensively was key. “While we had to focus on breaking up their attacks, I also wanted to make sure that I was contributing in attack when the opportunity arose. That balance is difficult to maintain, but it’s something that the coach (Manolo Márquez) drills into us.”
Chembakath had a few key moments in the match where his pressing in midfield forced Mumbai into making mistakes. His ability to disrupt their attacking flow was vital in limiting Mumbai’s effectiveness, particularly when the match reached its later stages.
Building from the Back: Hyderabad’s Tactical Approach
One of the hallmarks of Hyderabad FC under Manolo Márquez is their ability to build from the back. The team’s defensive shape is structured to not only repel attacks but also set up quick transitions when they win the ball. For Chembakath, this requires sharp awareness and effective communication with his teammates, especially the defenders.
“We train a lot on building from the back, and it’s something that has become part of our DNA. As a midfielder, it’s my job to ensure that when we win the ball, I quickly look up and find the right pass to help us move forward,” Chembakath stated. “We know that if we can get the ball to our forwards quickly, we can exploit the spaces behind the opposition’s defense.”
In the match against Mumbai, Hyderabad looked to hit on the break whenever they had the chance. Chembakath was at the heart of this strategy, making intelligent runs into space and trying to link up with Bartholomew Ogbeche and Halicharan Narzary. Though the final pass wasn’t always accurate, Chembakath believed that this approach would yield results over time.
Lessons Learned from the Draw
Though the match ended in a goalless draw, Chembakath believes that there were plenty of positives to take from the game. “It was a tough match, and both teams fought hard. We knew that Mumbai would come at us strongly, but I thought we handled them well. Defensively, we were solid, and we didn’t allow them to create many clear-cut chances,” he said.
However, Chembakath was also quick to highlight areas for improvement. “In attack, we could have been more clinical. There were moments when we broke on the counter, and we just didn’t execute the final pass or shot properly. But that’s football. We know we need to be sharper in those moments to get the three points.”
He also acknowledged that a draw against a team like Mumbai City FC is still valuable, especially considering the pressure both sides were under in terms of league standings. “We would have loved to win, but sometimes a point is important too. Mumbai is a strong team, and we showed that we can compete with them. We can take confidence from that performance and use it to build for the next match.”
Hyderabad’s Strong Defensive Identity
Throughout the 2025 season, Hyderabad FC has established themselves as one of the best defensive teams in the ISL. Their well-organized backline, combined with the leadership of goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, has made it difficult for opponents to score. Chembakath spoke about how crucial the defensive solidity has been in building the team’s confidence.
“Our defense is something we’ve worked on a lot. We know that if we are tight at the back, we give ourselves a better chance of picking up points. Kattimani has been outstanding this season, and the defenders like Chinglensana Singh and Akash Mishra have been exceptional too,” Chembakath said.
The midfielder highlighted that this defensive foundation allowed the attacking players the freedom to take risks. “When the defense is solid, it gives us more confidence in the midfield and attack. We know that even if we lose the ball, our defenders will be there to protect us. It’s that trust in each other that makes us a strong team,” Chembakath emphasized.
Looking Ahead: Optimism for the Rest of the Season
Despite the draw, Chembakath remains optimistic about Hyderabad’s prospects for the remainder of the season. “We’ve got a good squad, and the team is growing with each match. We’ve faced some tough teams already, and we’ve come out of those games stronger,” he said.
Chembakath also believes that Hyderabad’s ability to compete with the best teams in the league has been proven by their performances against top sides like Mumbai. “We’ve shown that we can go toe-to-toe with the best. Now, we need to keep improving, be more clinical, and continue to work hard. There’s still a lot of football to be played, and we are focused on achieving our goals.”
With a strong midfield, a solid defense, and an ever-improving attack, Chembakath believes that Hyderabad FC has all the ingredients necessary to challenge for the top spots in the ISL this season.
Conclusion: A Solid Display Against Mumbai City FC
Shameel Chembakath’s performance in Hyderabad FC’s 0-0 draw against Mumbai City FC was a testament to his growth as a player and his vital role in the team’s midfield. While the game ended without a winner, the resilience and tactical discipline displayed by Hyderabad were commendable, with Chembakath playing a crucial part in keeping Mumbai at bay. His reflections on the match reveal a player who is not only aware of his individual contributions but also fully invested in the team’s collective progress. As Hyderabad FC look to continue their charge up the table, Chembakath’s calm and measured approach in midfield will undoubtedly be key to their success.
