Hyderabad FC strengthened their chances of of qualifying for the play-offs with a 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League, here on Sunday. Goals from Fran Sandaza (28th minute) and Joel Chianese (82th) were enough to secure all three points for the Nizams and propel them to third place on the table. Hyderabad made their intentions clear right from the start, winning a corner in the fifth minute.

The promising Asish Rai, who is enjoying a breakthrough season, was the architect of the move, sprinting into the Chennaiyin box and finding Mohammed Yasir. After Yasir's cross was put behind for a corner, Rai got another chance but sent his cross over. Hyderabad kept attacking in the first quarter and got their reward just before the half-hour mark when Sandaza broke the deadlock.