The 73rd match of the Hero Indian Super League saw Kerala Blasters FC take on Jamshedpur FC at the GMC Stadium Bambolim. The result was an anti-climatic goalless draw, but as the scoreline read 0-0, it failed to encompass the exciting match it actually was.
Kerala Blasters FC especially would be very disappointed with the outcome as they were undoubtedly the better team of the night, but luck wasn’t something that was on their side. The Blasters played more dynamic and attacking football throughout the match with brilliant displays of skill here and there, but at the end of the day, it was a point each for both teams.
The match started off as evenly matched as their statistics suggested, for both teams had 3 wins from their 13 previous matches. They started out playing the possession game before Jamshedpur FC’s Nerijus Valskis got an attempt at goal from a poor pass by Albino Gomes. But the former took a hesitant second touch shot which was saved by the Kerala Blasters’ defence.
The Blasters then eventually began controlling the play and getting more attacking in their approach. Gary Hooper even netted in a ball inside the goal but it was given offside. A golden opportunity missed indeed, as Hooper began his run fractionally earlier than he should have liked and got his goal negated. Jordan Murray’s low cross was beautiful and would have certainly been a high contender for the DHL Winning Pass of the Match Award.
It was Gary Hooper again with his thunderous shot which was likely about to break the deadlock. On any other day, it would’ve been a goal but luck wasn’t favourable. It rattled off the crossbar and was just inches away. Even the goalkeeper TP Rehnesh was beaten. Later, replays showed that the ball did fall inside the goal-line but nobody could’ve noticed it. A couple of minutes later in the 43rd minute, it was Jordan Murray’s shot that glanced off the woodwork- again.
With one minute left before halftime, Jordan Murray created another chance from Lalthathanga Khawlhring’s beautiful cross but this time, the ball went off the side netting. Astoundingly enough, the drama wasn’t over yet as Lalthathanga Khawlhring’s shot off of Jordan Murray’s header was denied by the woodwork. So many scoring chances in such a small bracket of time was an incredible effort by the Blasters but none went on to the scoresheet, such a pity.
There were more coming off the nets and woodworks in the second half which meant that there were no balls that found the back of the net. Both teams kept shuffling and making substitutions to change the course of the match but fruitless they went. Narender Gahlot pulled out some vital stops to come to the aid of Jamshedpur FC. Four minutes of added time didn’t help the cause either and the match ended as a goalless draw, much to the dismay of the Blasters but a lucky blessing for the Red Miners.
Hero of the Match: Sahal Abdul Samad
The Club Award was shared between both sides as the DHL Winning Pass of the Match award went to Sandeep Singh and the Hero of the Match award went to Sahal Abdul Samad for his impressive display in the midfield.
Kerala Blasters FC crossed Bengaluru FC with 1 point from this game to the 8th spot, and they will face a strong ATK Mohun Bagan as the second match of the Super Sunday clashes on 31st January. Jamshedpur FC has the same 15 points, but with a better goal difference, at the 7th position in the table. They will face Odisha FC who is at the bottom of the table.
