Goa: Ashique Kuruniyan turned hero to villain within the span of four minutes as he scored a goal for Bengaluru FC and then netted an own goal which cancelled out his earlier effort as Kerala Blasters FC shared points in a 1-1 draw in a 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) third-round game at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday ( November 28).
Marco Pezzauioli brought in more creativity by giving Iman Basafa a place in the midfield. Also, Cleiton Silva returned to lead the line. Blasters made a couple of changes to their lineup as well as Puitea featured alongside Jeakson Singh in a double-pivotal role. As for Alvaro Vazquez, he replaced Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Bengaluru kept the leash in their hand with superior ball possession early on in the game, but Jeakson Singh almost created a threatening chance within two minutes. Ashique Kuruniyan’s pace offered a check on former teammate Harmanjot Singh Khabra. Iman Basafa dictated the play from the center of the pitch.
Both sides had some clumsy attempts to score but to vain as neither were able to trouble the opposition goalkeeper too much during the first half. After the match restarted, the intensity picked up but it was the last ten minutes that made the decisive changes to the match result. Ashqiue picked up the ball at the edge of the box and after taking on Khabra, he pulled the trigger but it was a spill from Albino Gomes, that saw the ball go into the net.
But moments later, the scenes changed when a cross from the left side saw Leskovic pip goalwards but Ashique, who was supposed to clear the ball, instead shot right into his own net, as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Kerala are winless in their opening three matches, after losing to ATK Mohun Bagan for their opening match and a goalless draw against NorthEast United in the last game. Bengaluru moved to the third spot behind Jamshedpur FC.
