Mohammedan SC vs Kerala Blasters Player Ratings: Naocha, Fanai shine as Rahul KP, Azhar underwhelming | ISL 2024-25

The Tuskers engineered a turnaround to return to winning ways.

Kerala Blasters FC earned three points as they defeated hosts Mohammedan SC by a 1-2 scoreline at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, in an Indian Super League, 2024-25 match here on Sunday. This was the second win of the season for the Blasters, following two consecutive draws in the league.

Mirjalol Kasimov converted a penalty in the 28th minute for the Black and White Brigade. The first half ended with a 1-0 scoreline. Kerala Blasters found their rhythm after the 60th minute. Kwame Peprah then became an impactful substitute for the Tuskers, equalizing for the team in the 67th minute, assisted by Noah Sadaoui.

Jesus Jiménez scored the second goal with a header into the top left corner of the six-yard box from the left side. This occurred after the referee refused to award a penalty for a foul on França.

The match was briefly halted when Mohammedan SC supporters threw objects onto the field, but it resumed after a short break. Here are the Indian player ratings for the match:

Kerala Blasters (By Parashar Kalita)

Som Kumar – 6.0

Som Kumar became the fourth-youngest goalkeeper to start a game in the ISL. He gave up a penalty, which Mirjalol Kasimov successfully converted. However, he saved two points for the team with an outstanding save in the 90+8th minute.

Naocha Singh – 7.0

Naocha Singh’s perfect cross found Jesús Jiménez, who scored the second goal with a header. In defence, he recorded five recoveries and two interceptions in the game.

Sandeep Singh – 6.5 

The right-back had a good day in defence. In the first half, he participated in the attack, taking a shot in the 10th minute, which went off target. He found Jesus Jiménez in the 36th minute, but Padam Chetrri saved his shot. He maintained 82% passing accuracy, with one clearance and two interceptions.

Rahul KP – 5.0

Rahul‘s tackle forced Mohammedan SC to substitute Joseph Adjei. He created the first promising chance for the team, but the attackers couldn’t control the ball, and it ended up in the hands of Padam Chettri. He was substituted in the 64th minute.

Vibin Mohanan – 6.5

Playing in central midfield, Vibin performed decently. He maintained good passing accuracy and completed five tackles, winning nine out of 13 duels.

Pritam Kotal – 7

It was a solid day for the center-back. Pritam Kotal’s performance in defence gave stability to the Blasters. He cleared six balls, including four headed clearances, along with two interceptions and three recoveries.

Mohammed Azhar – 5

He received a yellow card in the 23rd minute for an unnecessary foul and was substituted out due to injury towards the end of the first half. Completed 22 passes out of 29 but was not impactful.

Substitutions

Danish Farooq – 5.5

He came on in the injury time of the first half. He missed a clearance in the 76th minute in front of goal, but fortunately, Alexis Gómez’s shot went over the bar.

Hormipam Ruivah – 5.5

He nearly conceded a penalty in the 72nd minute for a tackle on França from behind but was lucky that the referee did not award it.

Mohammedan SC (by Preethi)

Padam Chetrri – 6

Made a couple of saves but conceded despite his best efforts. The goalkeeper’s performance, while commendable, was not enough to overcome the team’s other challenges and secure a positive result.

Gaurav Bora – 6

Did his defensive duties well especially in the first half. Bora played a crucial role in solidifying the team’s defense and preventing the opposition from scoring. His ability to shut down opposing attackers like Noah was commendable.

Zodingliana – 6.5

Zodingliana consistently disrupted the opposition’s attacking rhythm, breaking up plays and clearing the ball away from danger. He played the most pivotal role today in solidifying his team’s defense.

Bikash Singh – 6.5

Bikash had tried to create chances for Mohammedan from the seventh minute itself. His aggressive approach in the opening minutes of the match set the tone for the team’s attacking intensity as he constantly pressed forward, putting pressure on the opposition, and creating opportunities for his team.

Lalremsanga Fanai – 7

Lalremsanga Fanai was one of the best performers in midfield tonight as he created one crucial chance in the additional time as well. His ability to create scoring opportunities was evident throughout the match, as he consistently found space, evaded defenders, and delivered accurate passes.

Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak – 6

Got booked for his foul on Adrian Luna but his ability to defend one-on-one, track back, and provide cover for his teammates was essential in preventing the opposition from creating scoring chances from the flanks.

Substitutions

Samad Ali – 6

Samad Ali Mallick came on in the second half, replacing Zuidika. Completed some pretty good passes and even a shot that was off-target but received a yellow card for a rough tackle. Overall, he had a pretty decent performance.

Makan Chothe – 6

The winger came in for Bikash Singh in the 57th minute. Contributed to the game defensively as well as he made sure Mohammedan SC were not overly vulnerable to counterattacks.

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