Kochi: The first South-Indian derby in the current ISL season ended in a 1-1 draw at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Kerala Blasters earned a point under the Trevor Morgan’s first match in this season. Chennaiyin FC took lead in this match in the 34 minute after Elano successfully netted the ball from the penalty. Kerala came back in the 46th minute after Chris Dagnall scored an equaliser.
Just in the five minute from this equaliser, substitute Josu (Kerala Blasters FC) failed to convert a penalty as Karanjit Singh (Chennaiyin FC) made a good save to thwart his attempt. The home team came under pressure after Bruno Perone (Kerala Blasters FC) was sent off (red card) in the 75th minute. But the 10-men hosts survived any further damage and shared points with Chennaiyin FC.
Here are the hits and flops from the match.
HITS
Chris Dagnall (Kerala Blasters FC):-The 29-year-old English striker made a solid impact in this match. He constantly put pressure on the opponent penalty area. He scored the equaliser through excellent header after receiving an outstanding cross from Saumik Dey in the beginning of the 2nd half (46’). He could have scored more goals but Karanjit’s heroics under the bar denied him the chances. He was rightly selected as the “Hero of the Match” award.
Karanjit Singh (Chennaiyin FC):-Karanjit displayed an outstanding performance under the bar and he was hardly beatable in this match. The Indian goal-keeper saved a penalty from Josu’s shot in 51st minutes. Apart from this penalty, Karanjit saved some terrific shots under the goal-post. His accurate judgment along with never to give-up attitude made it more difficult for the Kerala’s strikers.
FLOPS
Sandesh Jhingan (Kerala Blasters FC):-Sandesh Jhingan displayed a disappointing performance in this match. He committed some unwanted fouls, including a fall over Mendoza in the 34th minute and the referee awarded a penalty to the visitors. Elano made no mistake and put Chennaiyin FC ahead by 1-0. Surely, he would want to forget this match quickly.
Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC):-The young Indian striker could not make any impact in this game. He was totally clueless in this match. He failed to prove coach’s faith and was replaced in the 77th minute.
