Kochi ∙ In the Indian Super League (ISL), Kerala Blasters continued their winning streak by leveling their neighbors Chennaiyin FC. Both the teams scored a goal each in a thrilling match at Chennai’s ground. Malayali player Sahal Abdul Samad (23rd minute) scored for Kerala Blasters in the first half and Vincy Barato (48th minute) scored for Chennaiyin FC in the second half. After a five-match winning streak, Blasters are tied in the ISL.
With a draw, Kerala Blasters climbed to the fourth position with 19 points from 10 matches. Had they won, Blasters had a chance to finish third. Chennaiyin FC remain at the seventh position with 14 points from 10 matches. Blasters next match is against Odisha FC on 26th of this month.
∙ The way the goals came
Goal by Kerala Blasters: The first goal was scored in the 23rd minute, giving excitement to the match which progressed with kicks and kicks. The goal came from a counter attack organized by Kerala Blasters at the tip of Chennaiyin FC’s advance. Ivan Kalyushny advanced with the ball from near the center line and passed the ball to Sahl Abdel Samad who ran forward. Sahl, who ran after the through ball that split Chennaiyin’s defence, moved forward at the same speed and curled the ball over the goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar who came to block it and into the net. Score 1–0.
Goal by Chennaiyin FC: Chennaiyin FC went into the break with a goal deficit and scored the equalizer early in the second half. The goal was born from the joint action of two former players of Kerala Blasters. After the advance of the Chennaiyin players to the Kerala Blasters box, Vincey Barato, who entered the box, turned the ball over to Prasanth, who was lurking at the left corner of the post. Prashanth’s bullet shot was blocked by the Blasters goalkeeper, but the rebound landed at Vinci’s own feet. The player’s bullet shot from close range to the Blasters post. Score 1–1.
∙ First half with hits and setbacks
The first half of the match was a battle of wits with both teams ramping up their attack. Blasters should have scored in the first minute of the match. Adrián Luna’s free kick from 40 yards away went to the post but was saved by the Chennaiyin goalkeeper. In the 12th minute, he also incredibly missed a golden opportunity for Chennaiyin’s Vincey Barato with only the goalkeeper in front. Chennai was cheated by the first attempt to take a shot. After this, Blasters took the lead through Sahal in the 23rd minute.
In the 28th minute, Chennaiyin FC came close to scoring again. This time, the ball dangerously reached the Blasters box from the left wing and Nishukumar dived forward. From the corner, Chennaiyin player Julius Dukar’s shot hit Marko Leskovic’s body and went out. Wafa Hakhamaneshi’s bullet header from Chennai’s corner in the 35th minute flew over the crossbar by inches.
∙ The second half of the changes
The second half of the match started with Chennaiyin FC scoring an equalizing goal. At the beginning of the second half, Prashant replaced Rahim Ali and became the main link in the goal movement. Former Blasters player Vincey Barato also scored a goal. Former Blasters player Prashanth’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but Vincy Barrato scored from the rebound.
After conceding the tie, Blasters and Chennai played hard for the winning goal, but the goal was far away. Meanwhile, Chennaiyin made two more changes. El Khayati replaced Julius Duker and Jiteswar Singh replaced Edwin Vanspoul. Jessel Carneiro replaced Nishu Kumar, Sourav Mandal replaced Sahal and Giannu replaced Kalyushin in the Blasters line-up. In the 81st minute, Barrato was withdrawn and Chennaiyin coach Anirudh Thapa came on the field. In the 85th minute, Karikari was replaced by Peter Sliskovic. Both teams pressed for the winning goal during the changes but to no avail.
English Summary: Kerala Blasters FC Vs Chennaiyin FC ISL 2022-23 Match, Live