Indian Player Ratings: Sahal Abdul Samad the only shining beacon as Kerala deny Pune

The youngster put up a commendable show in attack for the Blasters.

FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters played out an entertaining draw at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Friday evening. While Marko Stankovic scored what turned out to be the only goal for his side, Nikola Krcmarevic equalised for the visitors. The game was however, marred by some poor refereeing decisions.

 

 

 

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Watch: FC Pune City 1-1 Kerala Blasters highlights

Below are the ratings of the Indian players who featured in the game.

FC Pune City

Kamaljit Singh - 6.0

Kamaljit was lucky to have not been made to face a penalty after Kerala Blasters were denied one for a handball by Emiliano Alfaro. Nevertheless, destiny had him concede a goal through a corner. The goalkeeper was otherwise brilliant making some crucial saves off CK Vineeth, Sahal and Slavisa's shots.

Gurtej Singh - 6.0

Gurtej Singh dealt well with the attacking threat of Kerala Blasters. With Kerala dominating the hosts, it was very important for Pune to have their star defender on top of his game and he didn't disappoint.

Adil Khan - 6.5

Adil Khan was key to Pune's attacking as well as defensive play. While going forward, he won balls in very dangerous positions and kept the Doungel-Sahal partnership at bay for most of the game. A top performance from the veteran midfielder.

Robin Singh - 4.0

Singh did very little with the travelling team having the ball in their attacking half for most of the game. With little help from the midfield and fellow forwards, Robin was isolated. His passing was sloppy at times as well. Was replaced later in the game.

Ashutosh Mehta - 4.0

Pune City's backline was poor in build-up play and Ashutosh Mehta wasn't any different. He had a mere 28% passing accuracy throughout the 90 minutes.

Lalchhuanmawai Fanai - 3.0

0 blocks, 0 interceptions and just one cross to show for a full-back and the booking adding insult to injury. Fanai was ineffective for most of the game and allowed the Blasters' players to make runs on the left wing. The coach should look for better options at the back.

Substitutions

Ashique Kuruniyan - 4.5

Ashique was called in to brighten up the attacking lineup, replacing Robin Singh. But, the young forward did little and had only 12 touches in his 33-minute stay on the pitch.

Alwyn George - 5.5

Alwyn Geroge was called into action after the injury to Marko Stankovic and the midfielder fit well into the team, although he wasn't an attacking threat. The midfielder had four tackles and four interceptions to show.

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Kerala Blasters FC

Naveen Kumar - 5.0

Naveen Kumar had a lesser busy day than his counterpart, as he wasn't called into action for much of the game. But, the goalkeeper was caught wrong-footed by Stankovic's stunner, which gave the home team the lead against Kerala Blasters.

Sandesh Jhingan - 4.5

Sandesh Jhingan had an off day at the office. The India international's clearance met the ice-breaker of the game's goals, Stankovic. His play from the back was poor as well as the centre-back saw many of his passes not reaching the intended player. Sandesh was rightfully booked for a rash challenge on Robin Singh.

CK Vineeth - 4.0

CK Vineeth wasn't at his best throughout the game. The former India international tried to help the forwards, but on a day when Kerala played well upfront, Vineeth had to do a lot better. His crossing was poor as well.

Sahal Abdul Samad - 7.0

Sahal was one of the key figures in the attacking lineup of the Kerala Blasters. The youngster, along with Doungel formed a lethal partnership upfront. He had two shots on target and helped in defence as well making two crucial interceptions.

Seiminlen Doungel - 6.5

On any other day, Kerala would have scored more and Seimenlen Doungel would have had something to show for all the good work he did in the game. The youngster worked tirelessly and created numerous chances for his team. Doungel was replaced by Holicharan Narzary.

Mohamad Rakip - 5.5

Mohamad Rakip was called into action on both sides of the pitch by his team. The full-back made five crosses in the opposition box and also made two tackles and two clearances. A great performance from the youngster.

Substitutions

Holicharan Narzary - 5.5

Holicharan Narzary was called in for Doungel and the Indian international didn't let the intent drop for his side while going forward. Narzary made three crosses, but both his shots were off target. 

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Lalruatthara - NA

The young full-back came on very late in the game to be rated.