Kerala Blasters scrap a 10-game winless streak against FC Goa at Kochi, securing 3-1 victory: After 11 attempts, Kerala Blasters finally end a 10-game winless streak, securing a 3-1 victory over the Gaurs on the Hero ISL at the JN Stadium in Kochi. After an electrifying first 40 minutes, Luna opened the scoring against the run of play. Diamantakos further doubled the lead through a successful conversion from the spot late in the first half. Ivan Kalyuzhni increased the deficits while Noah reduced the lead. However, it was too little too late as Kerala Blasters pick up. back-to-back victories.
Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa
Sahal replaced Saurav Mandal who started the last game for the hosts. For the visitors, Dohling replaced the injured Mohamed Fares Arnaout in defense, and Alvaro Vazquez was ushered straight into the starting eleven against his former club as Redeem Tlang headed to the bench and Sadaoui moved to the wing.
Both sides’ defenses were on top until the 42nd minute when Adrian Luna fired the hosts in front. Rahul KP’s cross from the right flank missed incoming Luna’s diving header before it reached Samad. The winger’s off-balance shot rolled into the path of the no.20 who tapped it in from close range.
Decibels went through the roof moments later as the Blasters were awarded a penalty at the stroke of half-time. Diamantakos was taken out by Anwar Ali after the Gaurs failed miserably to clear their lines. The Greek striker stepped up to take it and sent Dheeraj Moirangthem the wrong way from the spot and doubled the lead.
In the 52nd minute, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi went top of the Hero ISL goals Chart with a thunderous left-foot strike. Diamantakos squared the ball into the path of Kaliuzhnyi. and the Ukrainian was allowed ample space and time to pull the trigger with his left foot and Dheeraj had no chance of stopping the curling effort.
The Gaurs pulled one back in the 67th minute. Seriton Fernandes found an unmarked Noah with a lofted cross into the box. The winger kept his header on target and pulled a goal back for his side, but the Gaurs couldn’t manufacture any substantial chances later on. Meanwhile, the solitary goal helped the Gaurs to retain the fourth spot, While three points lifted Kerala Blasters FC up into fifth place, level on points with FC Goa.
Upcoming Fixtures
Kerala Blasters will look to capitalize on this momentum when they visit Hyderabad FC on November 19 for their next game. The Gaurs will return to Fatorda for their next game against ATK Mohun Bagan on November 20. So, it’s the end of Gameweek 6. Meanwhile, Gameweek 7 promises to be even more exciting. So, stay tuned.
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