ISL 2021-22, Semifinal: Sahal Abdul Samad gives Kerala Blasters edge over Jamshedpur FC

Goa: Jamshedpur FC were stunned by Kerala Blasters in a highly contested affair as the teams play out the first of the Semifinal 1 of Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium .Sahal Abdul Samad scored the sole goal for Kerala Blasters giving them the much necessary lead going into the second leg of the fixture.

Soaring high, from their win against ATK Mohun Bagan, that handed them their maiden ISL Winners Shield, the Red Miners started their game on a high note. The first chance of the game came as early as the ninth minute through Daniel Chima Chukwu. However, the striker shot the chance wide. Kerala Blasters FC got their first chance through the likes of Adrian Luna but Shield hero, Peter Hartley was quick to soil the effort.

In the 38th minute Kerala Blasters finally broke the dead lock through Indian youngster , Sahal Abdul Samad. Alvaro Vasquez collected the ball from a throw-in, and whipped it toward running Sahal. The forward slotted it past, rendering TP Rehenesh helpless. The goal gave Kerala a much necessary boost into the second leg.

Coming from the break with the intact scoreline, the Men of Steel pushed quite a lot of times for an equalizer. Kerala Blasters tried to double their lead through skipper Adrian Luna but the freekick hit the wood work.

Jamshedpur FC could have found their necessary equalizer through substitute Ishan Pandita’s freekick but Prabhsukhan Gill came to the rescue. However, despite the numerous efforts from the Red Miners, they could not register any goal on the score card.

Owen Coyle’s men would be seen in action once more against Ivan Vukomanovic’s Kerala Blasters FC on March 15th, as their quest for a domestic double continue.