Kerala ended their first Hero Indian Super League football home game with all three points. A capacity crowd of 47,000 people and their owner Sachin Tendulkar watched their game live as their home team took all three points through a single goal courtesy Gonsalves in the 63 minute of the game.
Overview:
Kerala manager David James made a lot of shuffle to his side, with star striker Hume not available due an injury. The Goa side had just one change as marquee player and captain Robert Pires came back from serving his ban.
The game kicked off with 47,000 screaming their voice out. Kerala Kerala was the ring around the stadium as the home team where the one to create the first opportunity of the game. With both teams looking bright in the opening ten minutes, Ishfaq was played through by Person, but just couldn't meet the ball as the keeper collected the ball.
The game was of mighty importance to both the teams, with a three points, both of the could climb up in the table. Goa who sit last in the table, where looking for some good openings as the opportunity fell in the 8th minute defender Arnolin put his header over the bar after good ball came in through the free kick.
The Kerala Blasters looked determined as the surged forward, with Sabeeth looking like the man to score. As Kerala threatened as they created a twin opening. Sabeeth tested the keeper, as his shot was saved. With both sides creating openings, but failing to finish. Pearson was again the game builder for Kerala as he played it wide or Orji and the player crossed it into the box and it fell to Sabeeth who hit the post with keeper Seda well beaten, unlucky there for Kerala. It was goalless at halftime.
With the referee blowing the whistle for the start of second half it was the away, who looked like they wanted more of the game than just a point. Goa created two good chances in the opening of the half as they failed to finish again. The game reached the hour mark with the score board still reading Nil-Nil, but for not too long as Kerala took the lead in 63th minute from a corner which was delivered by Person, and fell to Penn Orji on the inside of the box who instead of going for goal, found new man Andrew Barisic on the right. Barisic slide in a delightful ball across the face of the goal and Milagres Gonsalves just had to tap into the empty net.
The game opened up with Kerala sitting back and Goa taking the game to them. Kerala played on the counter. Kerala could have doubled their lead on the 83rd minute but failed to after a miserable shot which went wide.
As the final whistle blew, the home side celebrated their second win and their first win at home.
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