Ratings: Drinic's debut goal helps Kerala Blasters outwit Hyderabad

Kerala Blasters are now the table toppers of the ISL.

Kerala Blasters climbed to the top of the ISL 2023-24 table, with an emphatic 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC. The Nizams gave in their all, but were unable to register a goal. Milos Drincic gave the hosts the lead in the 41st minute of the game with a simple tap in, from whereon Hyderabad gave in their all, but Kerala’s resistance paid off. The Tuskers have now won all of their last three games. 

Here are the ratings from the fixture. 

Kerala Blasters (By Gourav Samal)

Sachin Suresh – 7.5

Sachin had some brilliant instances in the match where he saved some important shots. His last moment save was perhaps the best!

Pritam Kotal – 7

Kotal’s game was more appreciable in the second half as compared to the second half.

Milos Drincic – 7.5

Milos scored the first and only goal of the match with a right-footed tap-in in the 41st minute.

Hormipam Ruivah – 6.5

Hormipam made some important tackles in the first half of play compared to the second half.

Naocha Huidrom Singh – 6.5

Naocha completely dominated the left defensive line and didn’t allow Hyderabad FC to cause much damage.

Danish Farooq – 6.5

Danish made some good interceptions during his stay on the field before getting substituted. Was turned blunt by Sahil Tavora.

Vibin Mohanan – 6

Mohanan looked a bit sloppy during the first half of play but improved his game in the second half.

Mohammed Aimen – 6.5

Aimen gave some good crosses during the second half.

Daisuke Sakai – 7

Sakai was the best of the lot in the midfield. He kept the Hyderabad FC defenders on their toes.

Adrian Luna – 7

Luna had his chances in the middle of the match but couldn’t put the shots on target. He assisted Drincic’s goal.

Kwame Peprah – 7.5

Peprah played a good partnership with Luna at the front. However, it’s high time he starts delivering the goals.

Substitutes

Rahul KP – 6.5

Rahul created some good chances after his inclusion in the second half. However, the scoreline remained undisturbed.

Mohammed Azhar – 6

Azhar replaced Danish in the match but couldn’t keep up the game that Danish reflected during his stay.

Ishan Pandita – 6

Ishan replaced Sakai and controlled the right flank quite well.

Prabir Das – N/A

Hyderabad FC (By Keshava Verma)

Gurmeet Singh – 7.5

Couldn’t do a lot about Kerala Blasters’ goal. Stepped up to the occasion when it mattered the most, and kept his side in the tie with some truly fantastic saves.

Nikhil Poojary – 7

Struggled against the likes of Adrian Luna, but put in all his effort in both the offensive as well as the defensive ends of the pitch. 

Chinglensana Singh – 7

Could’ve been better in marking his man that led to Drincic’s goal. Apart from that, he was solid in the back, and put in a great shift.

Oswaldo Alanis – 7.5

Was a wall in the back, and kept Hyderabad’s backline pretty organised against a tough attacking side. Made four clearances, and played seven accurate passes. 

Mohammed Rafi – 6.5

Had a decent game until his forced substitution. He delivered a number of accurate crosses as well as long balls. 

Sahil Tavora – 7

Was disciplined in his duties, and gave a lot of support to the defence. Did well to make Danish Farooq ineffective, and showed top quality in his performance. 

Petteri Pennanen – 7.5

Put in an all-round midfielder performance, and was effective on either ends. Had a remarkable 94% passing accuracy. He also won five ground duels, whilst making a number of clearances and tackles. 

Mark Zothanpuia – 6.5

Wasn’t very involved in the game, and had only 28 touches in the 72 odd minutes he played. Wasn’t able to make the kind of impact that he would’ve wanted to. 

Joe Knowles – 7

Was playing with a lot of confidence, and ushered a number of balls into dangerous positions. His individual runs were also on point, and he won six ground duels.

Mohammad Yasir – 7.5

Was arguably the most impressive player for Hyderabad tonight, and injected a lot of creativity in the middle of the park. Played three key passes, created two big chances, and had a great evening overall.

Jonathan Moya – 6

Wasn’t very effective in the frontline, and wasn’t able to register a single shot on target. Missed two big chances that could’ve turned Hyderabad’s fortunes around. 

Substitutions

Abdul Rabeeh – 6

Didn’t contribute to the game in any way whatsoever after coming on. 

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy – 6.5

Made a few explosive runs and injected energy into the Hyderabad team, but wasn’t able to find them an equaliser. 

Joao Victor – 7

Made a few last-ditch efforts, but it went to vain.

Ramhlunchhunga – 6.5

Glanced an amazing attempt late into stoppage time, but it was denied by Sachin Suresh’s heroics under the sticks. 

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