Goa: Kerala Blasters FC broadened their semifinal chances with a 3-1 win over Mumbai City FC. It was a rescheduled game in the Indian Super League at the Tilak Maidan Stadium.
Both the teams started cautiously in the opening exchanges. However, Sahal Abdul Samad (19′) showed an individual brilliance and kept Kerala a nose ahead. The botched clearance from Cassio Gabriel saw Sahal. He robbed the ball off then twist and turn past the Brazilian. Dribbling past a couple of more Mumbai shirts before finally drilling a low shot against Mohamad Nawaz. The defenders blocked in front of him as the ball nestled into the net. This was Sahal’s fifth goal of the campaign.
Mumbai tried to stand an immediate comeback. However Kerala doubled their lead, with a penalty after Mourtada Fall brought Alvaro Vazquez(45′) down inside the area. The Spaniard was ice-cool, paused in his run-up and send Nawaz in the wrong way with aplomb.
During halftime, Kerala were cruising with a 2-0 lead. Kerala Blasters scored another at the start of the second period. Nevertheless, Luna’s exceptional effort from outside the box was well saved by Nawaz. The Manjapaddas didn’t waited long, as Nawaz made a meal from an easy clearance. This time Fall back passed to him. Vazquez(60′) needed no second invitation as he slotted home into an open goal.
.@KeralaBlasters inched one step closer to the semi-finals with a convincing win against fellow contenders @MumbaiCityFC! 🔥
Catch the #ISLRecap of #KBFCMCFC 📹#HeroISL #LetsFootball #KeralaBlastersFC #MumbaiCityFC pic.twitter.com/pnh5F4YVIU
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) March 2, 2022
The Islanders managed to pull back one after Mauricio went down inside the box. From what looked like a Ruivah Hormipam push, nevertheless players appealed the decision to the referee pointed to the spot. Mauricio(71′) stepped up to slam home from the spot and make it 3-1.
The game opened the floodgates for Kerala. They are now in fourth spot having 33 points from 19 games. Mumbai are in fifth spot with 31 points from 19 matches.
