November 6, 2022
2 mins read

Kerala Blasters FC get back to winning ways

The game started slowly with neither side willing to risk anything, cancelling each other out in midfield, and struggling to carve out chances in the final third…reports Asian Lite News

Kerala Blasters FC got their season back on track in the Indian Super League (ISL) after a 3-0 victory over NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, here on Saturday.

Dimitrios Diamantakos (56′) and Sahal Samad (86′, 90+6′) were the two goalscorers for the Blasters.

Ivan Vukomanovic made five changes to the Kerala Blasters line-up, with three changes in defence. NorthEast United FC struck with the 5-3-2 formation for the second game straight.

The game started slowly with neither side willing to risk anything, cancelling each other out in midfield, and struggling to carve out chances in the final third.

Romain Philippoteaux hit the woodwork from range after a little run from midfield in the eighth minute for NorthEast United FC, and Diamantakos found some space in behind in the 40th minute for Kerala Blasters, but his shot went wide. The two goalkeepers weren’t asked to make any saves either as the first half ended 0-0.

The coaches did not make any changes heading into the second half, but the two teams showed more directness by taking a few shots early in the half. The plan paid off for Kerala Blasters in the 56th minute. Saurav Mandal was played through by Rahul KP, and Mandal’s shot was met by Diamantakos, who added the finishing touch to an excellent team move.

NorthEast United FC came extremely close to equalising twice in the space of two minutes. The first chance fell to Imran Khan, who got on the end of a brilliant cross but could not get the right connection.

Emil Benny got on the end of an even better chance a minute later after being played through by Matt Derbyshire. Despite rounding off the goalkeeper, Benny’s touch was too heavy, and ultimately not even resulting in a shot.

The Highlanders were punished two minutes later by Sahal Samad, who finished off a rapid counter-attack to give Kerala Blasters a 2-0 lead. The substitute added another goal six minutes into second-half stoppage time to give his side a 3-0 victory.

NEUFC’s problems in front of goal, and in defence continue. They remain in last place and will be facing ATK Mohun Bagan at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata next week in search of their first win of the season.

On the other hand, Kerala Blasters FC have moved to 7th in the table with six points in five games and will be hosting FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.

ALSO READ-T20 WC: Pakistan keep semi hopes alive

Previous Story

Climate change deadlier than cancer, says UNDP

Next Story

India, Croatia hold 10th FOCs, review bilateral relations

Latest from Sport

Big Gains for England Stars

England’s Joe Root retains the No.1 Test batter spot, but Harry Brook is just 15 rating points behind after a brisk 58 against Zimbabwe in Nottingham. A massive batting display against Zimbabwe

Deshpande Set for England

IPL 2025 marked Deshpande’s return, and despite modest returns (9 wickets in 10 games at 10.63 economy), Mumbai bowling consultant Kulkarni backs him to thrive in England with the Dukes ball. There

Chelsea Make Euro History

Chelsea’s total of 42 goals in the UEFA Conference League this season (league phase onwards) is a record for the competition, beating Fiorentina’s total of 37 in the 2022/23 season Chelsea have

Rocky Joins Lions, Woakes Back

Headlining the selection is the return of veteran pacer Chris Woakes and the debut call-up for Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. England Lions have announced a strong 14-member

MI Thrash DC, Book Playoff Berth

The five-time champions bounced back brilliantly with the ball, exploiting the conditions as Santner (3/11) and Bumrah (3/12) dismantled Delhi Capitals for 121 in 18.2 overs, sealing a dominant 59-run win…reports Asian
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Kerala Blasters FC sign midfielder Farooq from Bengaluru FC

The 26-year-old will join the club this winter transfer window

ISL 2021-22: Blasters into finals after 6 years

After the cooling break, Daniel Chima Chukwu thought he had