Atlético de Kolkata XI: Subhasish, Kingshuk, Josemi, Arnab, Biswajit, Nato, Borja, Jofre, Lobo, Arnal, Baljit
Kerala Blasters XI: James, Hengbert, Nirmal, Sandesh, Gurwinder, Romey, Pearson, Mehtab, Hume, Milagres Gonsalves
Kolkata dropped their first points at home against a struggling Kerala Blasters as they settled for a 1-1 draw at Salt Lake stadium. Kolkata were without their talisman striker Fikru Terfera who was suspended for this fixture.
Antonio Habas watched his boys from the stands as he was serving his touchline ban of three games after getting into a brawl with Robert Pires in the tunnel. Kolkata backed by a vociferous support of 68000 fans started off in style as they made early inroads into Kerala defense. Soon their efforts were rewarded as India’s Baljit Sahni gave hosts lead in 22nd minute as he thumped the ball home on a sublime pass from Borja Fernandez.
The visitors sprang into action as they looked for an eequalizerand soon they too snucked one in. Canadian Iain Hume tapped in from close range from a cheeky backheel from Gonsalvez. The game was evenly poised at the stroke of the half time.
The second half was very drab as both sides lost their way and lacked that final ball and the finish to get that crucial winner. Cavin Lobo was creative spark on the flanks for hosts. Kerala held their defense as they repelled quite a few Kolkata attacks.
The draw leaves Kerala in 7th place in a 8 team league while Kolkata sit atop the league with 11 points.
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