(Football news) The Hero Indian Super League saw a shock result yesterday as Kerala Blasters stunned 10-man Mumbai City FC with a 3-0 victory at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda on Sunday. For Kerala, Sahal Abdul Samad (27th), Alvaro Vazquez (47th) and Jorge Pereyra Diaz (51st, penalty) ensured the Yellow Army secured three points and moved to fifth place in the ISL table with nine points from six games.
Despite the fact that Mumbai City FC remain at the top of the table with 15 points, their lead has been reduced to only four points with Hyderabad, Jamshedpur and Chennaiyin having 11 points on the board and have played a game less. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the reigning champions could have only a one point gap from the sides after they have finished their remaining fixtures.
The league leaders almost took the lead in the second minute when a pass by Ahmed Jahouh found Cassio Gabriel but his effort was saved by Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill who diverted the ball towards the post after which it was cleared. Three minutes later, Igor Angulo had a chance from a corner by Mandar Rao Dessai but the attempt was saved by Gill yet again.
For neutrals, it was an exciting showcase of end to end football as Álvaro Vázquez’s shot was saved by Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz. The Spaniard played an integral role in all of Kerala Blasters’ attacks and looked threatening in the final third with off the ball runs. The Yellow Army took the lead and deservedly so when Sahal Samad hit a ferocious shot past Nawaz after being set up by Jorge Pereyra Díaz in the 27th minute.
Two minutes after half-time, Alvaro Vazquez produced a moment of brilliance when he received the ball on the right side from Jeakson Singh and the 30 year old doubled Kerala Blasters’ lead with a volley into the top corner. To make matters worse, Mumbai City FC were reduced to 10 men when Mourtada Fall got a second yellow card after tackling Diaz inside the box. The 31 year old stepped up and converted from the spot in the 51st minute to make the score 3-0.
Mumbai City FC managed to muster a few half chances through Bipin Singh, Mehtab Singh and Raynier Fernandes but they failed to hit the target. Kerala Blasters could have scored a fourth goal through Vasquez who failed to keep his balance in front of goal. Mumbai City FC will face NorthEast United in their next match on December 27th 2021 at the Fatorda Stadium while Kerala Blasters will take on Chennaiyin FC on the 22nd of December, 2021 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium.
Also read: Juan Ferrando leaves FC Goa, set to join ATK Mohun Bagan
