Kerala Blasters end six-year winless run against FC Goa
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
Adrian Luna scored the opening goal for the Blasters.
Kerala Blasters ended their 10-game winless streak that spanned six years, against FC Goa with an assertive 3-1 victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, their first since November 2016. Goals from Adrian Luna, Dimitrios Diamantakos and Ivan Kaliuzhnyi within the space of ten minutes secured all three points for the Blasters. Noah Sadaoui scored for the Gaurs.
Sahal Abdul Samad reclaimed his spot in the lineup as Saurav Mandal dropped to the bench for the hosts. For the visitors, Aibanbha Dohling replaced the injured Mohamed Fares Arnaout in defence, and Alvaro Vazquez was ushered straight into the starting eleven against his former club as Redeem Tlang dropped to the bench and Sadaoui moved to the wing.
Both sides’ defences were on top until the 42nd minute when Luna fired the hosts in front. Rahul KP’s cross from the right flank missed Luna’s diving header before it reached Samad. The winger’s off-balance shot rolled into the path of Luna who tapped it in from close range.
Decibels went through the roof moments later as the Blasters were awarded a penalty at the stroke of half-time. Diamantakos was taken out by Anwar Ali after the Gaurs failed to clear their lines. The Greek striker stepped up to take it and sent Dheeraj Moirangthem the wrong way from the spot.
In the 52nd minute, Ivan Kalyuzhnyi went top of the ISL goals chart with a long-range screamer. Diamantakos squared the ball into the path of Kalyuzhnyi. The Ukrainian was allowed space and time to pull the trigger with his left foot and Dheeraj had no chance of stopping the curling effort.
The Gaurs pulled one back in the 67th minute. Seriton Fernandes found an unmarked Sadaoui with a lofted cross into the box. The winger kept his header on target and pulled a goal back for his side, but the Gaurs couldn’t manufacture any substantial chances after that one. The solitary goal helped FC Goa’s goal difference enough to retain the fourth spot.
The three points lifted Kerala Blasters up into fifth place, level on points with FC Goa. The Blasters will look to capitalise on this momentum when they visit Hyderabad FC on November 19, Saturday for their next game. The Gaurs will return to Fatorda for their next game against ATK Mohun Bagan on November 20, Sunday.
- New faces called up in India's probable squad for Malaysia International friendly
- FC Goa vs Punjab FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview
- Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing tonight for Al Nassr vs Al-Ain in AFC Champions League Elite?
- Borussia Dortmund vs SK Sturm Graz Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Celtic vs RB Leipzig Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds
- Petr Kratky highlights this Mumbai City FC player's performance against Kerala Blasters
- Mohun Bagan not be fined by AFC after recognising their case as 'Event of Force Majeure'
- How much bonus did Vinicius Jr miss out on after losing Ballon d'Or 2024 award?
- Mats Hummels' girlfriend: Meet Nicola Cavanis, her job, Instagram & more
- Ballon d'Or 2024: List of all award winners
- New faces called up in India's probable squad for Malaysia International friendly
- Is Al-Hilal star Neymar injured again after second match back from ACL injury?
- Manolo Marquez announces India’s 26-man probable squad for Malaysia friendly
- ISL 2024-25: Full fixtures, schedule, results, standings & more
- Mizoram Football Association take big action against match fixing scandal in MPL 11