ISL 2021-22, Semifinals: Kerala Blasters pip Shield winners Jamshedpur FC en route to final

Panjim: Ivan Vukomanovic’s Kerala Blasters reached their third semifinal of the Indian Super League, edging past narrowly against Owen Coyle’s Jamshedpur FC with 2-1 aggregate. The Yellow Army’s 1-0 win in the first, courtesy Sahal Abdul Samad had proved beneficial for them, after they were held in a 1-1 draw against the Red Miners in the second leg.

Coming into the game, Kerala Blasters were without the services of Samad, the hero from the first leg due to injury. However, the team from the south opened the scoring as early as the 18th minute through skipper Adrian Luna. Forward Alvaro Vasquez flicked the ball from the left to Luna, who sublimely puts it past. The goal gave Kerala a much deserving lead in the first half itself.

Jamshedpur FC were able to find a possible equalizer shortly after, when Greg Stewart fed former SC East Bengal man Daniel Chima Chukwu with a ball. The strike from the forward was later deemed offside by the lines person.

With the start of the second half, Owen Coyle’s side looked way more proactive and the Men of Steel found their much anticipated goal in the 50th minute. Pronay Halder shot another assist by Stewart meant for Chima past Prabhsukhan Gill decreasing the aggregate margin. However Kerala were really close in extending the lead through Vasquez, but it was shot wide.

Despite numerous efforts for the Red Miners through the likes of Daniel Chima Chukwu,Ishan Pandita and Greg Stewart, the score remained same till the final whistle. It ended Jamshedpur FC’s dream of a domestic double as Ivan Vukomanovic’s men start to prepare for finals.

The ISL finals are scheduled to be held on March 20 and Kerala Blasters are set to face the winner from the Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan FC fixture.