Kerala Blasters FC prolonged their unbeaten streak to seven video games, transferring as much as third place after a late purpose from Sandeep Singh earned them a 1-0 win over Odisha FC within the Indian Tremendous League on Monday.
It was a sport of two halves for the Blasters, who didn’t discover their rhythm within the first half however bounced again within the second half, with Sandeep Singh scoring the successful purpose within the 86th minute.
The hosts made one change that noticed left-back Jessel Carneiro exchange Nishu Kumar within the beginning XI. The guests made a few adjustments as Nandhakumar Sekar returned to the left flank after serving his suspension, whereas Victor Rodriguez got here in to make his first begin of the season — Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Diego Mauricio dropped to the bench.
KBFC practically conceded within the third minute when Ivan Kaliuzhnyi’s headed clearance from contained in the field went straight to Raynier Fernandes on the sting of the field. The midfielder let one fly and noticed it come off the crossbar earlier than a tightly-marked Adrian Luna fired the rebound excessive.
The primary half ended with out objectives, nevertheless it was a feisty interval. 5 yellow playing cards have been brandished earlier than the break, with the Blasters selecting up 4 of them. At half-time, Odisha FC had eight makes an attempt, out of which three have been heading in the right direction, whereas the hosts solely managed one wayward shot from Carneiro.
The Odisha FC defence needed to face a barrage of assaults from the Blasters as the sport entered its last quarter. Within the 71st minute, a cross from Carlos Delgado allowed Sahal Abdul Samad to interrupt ahead.
The winger lobbed the ball into the trail of Nihal Sudeesh, nevertheless it was inches away from the substitute who had simply come on.
Seven minutes from time, Carneiro unleashed a fierce strike on the close to submit after a brief free kick.
The ball hit the upright and flashed throughout the face of purpose earlier than coming to Marko Leskovic.
The defender determined to cross slightly than shoot on the empty purpose and ended up giving possession away to the Juggernauts.
4 minutes from time, the fixed strain from Kerala Blasters paid off as they acquired their noses in entrance. Substitute Bryce Miranda curled a cross into the field from the left flank.
Amrinder Singh got here out to punch it however missed the ball because it bounced and fell to Sandeep who headed it into an empty internet.