Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC Player Ratings: Naocha, Gurpreet excel; Som Kumar, Vinith subpar | ISL 2024-25

The Blues overwhelmed the Tuskers despite the hosts starting off well in the derby clash.

Bengaluru FC defeated Kerala Blasters FC in a 3-1 victory in their third home fixture in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

A comedy of errors cost the game for the Tuskers, while Bengaluru extend their unbeaten run in the league. Jorge Pereyra Diaz put Bengaluru in the lead, from an error from Pritam Kotal early on in the first half.

The Blasters, since then, took control of the game and Jesus Jimenez equalized right before half time, from a penalty won from a counter attack. However, against the run of play, Som Kumar’s error gave away an open chance for Edgar Mendez, on which he capitalised for the second goal.

While Kerala Blasters were searching for an equaliser late in the game, a long ball saw Edgar Mendez through on goal,and the forward dribbled past the goalkeeper to score the third and final goal.

Here are the Indian player ratings for the game:

Kerala Blasters FC (By Rohan Dutt)

Som Kumar – 4.0

Som Kumar saw the ball chipped over his head by Diaz, early on in the game because of an error from his defence. The youngster had nothing much to do since then, as Kerala took control of the game.

However, he could not handle the ball from a weak shot, and his error gave away the second goal for Bengaluru FC. The goalkeeper also found himself, dribbled past and scored by Edgar Mendez while advancing towards the attacker to block a shot.

Sandeep Singh – 7.5

Sandeep had an excellent outing as an attacking wing-back, launching crosses into the box finding the open man accurately. He consistently succeeded in finding Jesus Jimenez at the far post, with his long balls from the flanks, creating open chances in front of goal.

He was work-horse in the flanks, with his pacey runs in attack and to track-back for blocking the opposition’s supply fron the wings. Sandeep’s tackles turned out decisive in one-on-one situations on the flanks against Bengaluru forwards. He was subbed off for an extra attacker late in the game, while the Blasters were trailing.

Hormipam Ruivah – 7.0

Hormipam had his first start of the season and the youngster impressed as a third centre back in the Blasters defence. He had Sandeep, covering in the flanks for extra protection, and was solid throughout the game. He was an extra man in the attack, occupying half spaces and making runs into the box while the Blasters control posession around the opposition box.

Pritam Kotal – 5.0

Pritam Kotal‘s defensive error gave away the ball to Diaz, leading to the first goal of the game. However, the centre-back showcased elite mentality to not lose his head and come back into the game stronger than before. He was then part of another defensive error, which gave away the second goal for Bengaluru.

Huidrom Naocha Singh – 7.5

The two attacking wing-backs were the suppliers of long balls into the box for the Tuskers. Naocha, with his pace, was a menace on the flanks. He impressed with his link-up with Jimenez, often opening up the forward in behind the Bengaluru defence. The wing-back opened up Peprah with an exquisite ball while on break, which led to the penalty, and also had a shot from a tight angle bounced off the woodwork.

Vibin Mohanan – 7.0

Vibin Mohanan, deployed as a box to box midfielder in a double pivot was once again impressive. He followed the attack with runs to the edge of the box, occupying spaces to get control of the ball and launch a shot. Vibin had more than just a decent outing on a tough night.

Danish Farooq – 6.5

Danish Farooq, was booked early on in the game, and was involved in several fouls in an intense first half, raising the heat of the game. The midfielder was solid defensively, especially showing up with crucial tackles inside his own box. Danish, similar to Vibin, did not shy away from taking shots and making runs to the edge of the box, waiting for opportunities to come his way. He was subbed off after the first half, fearing suspension.

Substitutes

Freddy Lallawmawma

Freddy replaced Danish Farooq for the second half and had an impressive outing. He was active in the midfield with strong tackles and stood his ground against the Bengaluru attack. He helped the Blasters control the game by maintaining possession in the opposition half.

Rahul KP – 6.5

Rahul KP had a short cameo towards the end. He launched a shot at his weaker foot but went whiskers away from the post.

Bengaluru FC (By Preethi)

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu – 7

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu‘s numerous crucial saves to keep the opposition at bay. His sharp reflexes and commanding presence in the goal was impressive. His exceptional performance ensured that Bengaluru FC didn’t concede from open play.

Naorem Roshan Singh – 7

Was brilliant both offensively and defensively. Roshan Singh not only defended and stood strong in the backline, but also created chances, thwarting forward and constantly trying to penetrate the Tuskers’ defence.

Rahul Bheke – 6

Bheke was good with his timely clearances, passes, and ball distribution. But his tackle on Peprah resulted in Kerala Blasters FC winning a penalty.

Nikhil Poojary – 6.5

Was pretty good with his dribbles and passes. Nikhil Poojary even had a few crucial clearances and tackles and almost missed blocking an effort on target from Peprah. Picked up an injury for a challenge against Vibin Mohanan and was forced to come off in the 53rd minute.

Suresh Singh Wangjam – 6

Unlike other matches, Suresh Singh didn’t seem upto the mark today. Wasn’t able to create many chances but controlled the midfield well. Was brought off the field in the 82nd minute and was replaced by Salah.

Vinith Venkatesh – 6

Vinith was almost invisible on the field today. Even though he tried playing defensively today, he misplaced too many of his passes and did not make any crucial contributions. Was brought off during the half time.

Sunil Chhetri – 6

Sunil Chhetri had a decent outing, contributing positively to the team’s overall performance. While he didn’t quite reach the heights of his previous form, his work rate and attacking contributions were commendable.

Substitutes

Rohit Danu – 6.5

Came in for Vinith Venkatesh during the half time. Made some promising runs but could not convert the chances to goals. Had a good performance defensively too with timely clearances and did his part well.

Lalremtluanga Fanai – 6

Replaced an injured Nikhil Poojary during the 53rd minute and did his job well. Was good defensively and dribbled well. He tracked back diligently, made crucial tackles, and provided cover for his defensive line

Mohammed Salah – N/A

Came in for Suresh Singh in the last few moments. His overall performance was commendable.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.