The 81st match of the Hero Indian Super League was full of action and thrill straight from the GMC Stadium Bambolim. Kerala Blasters FC faced the league toppers Mumbai City FC and lost to them 2-1. The table-toppers are back to the winning ways with this victory after their draw with Chennaiyin and a shock defeat to the NorthEast United.
Now it was not as easy as it sounded just now because today it was not the toppers that played better football, not at all. On the contrary, it was the Blasters that put up a commendable effort, especially against a team as strong as Mumbai City FC. They even started the second half with the lead of a goal but the Islanders came back from behind and scored two ever-so-important goals to seal the deal. Also, the immense presence of Amrinder Singh mattered the most, who was just too good with the gloves.
The Islanders came into today’s match following their loss against NorthEast United FC and were vying for the victory right from the start. However, a spirited opposition rendered their efforts bleak. The match started with a brilliant chance missed by Cy Goddard as he ran into the box after beating a couple of Kerala Blasters FC defenders but shot it just wide of the post, in the 11-minute mark.
Almost immediately, the counter-attacking Blasters then had a brilliant chance as Yondrembem Denechandra’s cross found Bakary Kone in front of the goal. But his header was denied by a brilliant save from Amrinder Singh. And with that started a string of stunning saves that proved to be really important for the Islanders.
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute as Vincente Gomez headed in a clinical corner from Sahal Abdul Samad and Kerala Blasters FC got the lead. The rest of the first half continued with the Blasters playing attacking football but Amrinder Singh pulling great saves to not allow them to double the lead.
The second half started with a bang as the equaliser came in just under a minute from the start of the first half. Cy Goddard sent in a pass inside the box that it took a deflection off Costa Nhamoinesu‘s legs and beat the keeper. Bipin Singh reached the ball first and finished it to perfection and it was game on.
The Blasters kept creating chances and attempts at goal but it was Amrinder Singh to the rescue each and every time, denying goals. In the 60th minute, there was a great opportunity for Kerala Blasters to take the lead again. Sahal sent a good ball to Rahul KP who overcame his marker and sent a header towards the goal. Yet, Amrinder was a wall there, who made a good reflex save to deny the chance.
In the 65th minute that the game went away from Kerala Blasters FC as Costa Nhamoinesu’s strong touch inside the box brought down a Mumbai City FC player. Adam Le Fondre took the consequent penalty and converted it with ease. There were no more goals in the rest of the second half and the Islanders won the match 2-1.
Hero of the Match
The DHL Winning Pass of the Match Award was awarded to Cy Goddard for his assist. Amrinder Singh got the Hero of the Match Award for his brilliant effort between the woodwork. There was no doubt with his amazing performance, which included 9 saves, 2 clearances and 4 successful catches.
With the win, Mumbai City FC is at a secured position at the top of the table, with 33 points from 15 matches. They will play the next match against FC Goa on 8th February. Kerala Blasters, who lost their lead and eventually lose the match, will look to not repeat it again, when they face Odisha FC on 11th February.
