Fordorda: The Kerala Blasters, who drew 2-2 with Odisha FC at the bottom of the points table, have been assured that they will not advance to the knockout stage of the seventh season of the Indian Super League.
Jordan Murray and Gary Hooper scored for the Blazers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Ford. Diego Mauricio’s double goal defied the Blazers’ hopes.
As usual, the Blazers gave up the victory in the final minutes. Coach Kibu Vikuna can only be blamed for bad defending. Not taking advantage of the best chances also kept the Blazers away from victory. The Blazers got their first chance in the 31st minute. Gary Hooper, who received a pass from Sahal Abdul on the left wing, overtook the defender but missed the target.
Later, Odisha goalkeeper Arshadeep Singh took advantage of a mistake and Hooper turned the ball over to Jwande. Juventus’ shot flew over the goal post. Even after that, the Blazers continued to create opportunities but could not give the finishing touch. Odisha got their first chance. In the 45th minute, Mauricio gave Odisha the lead as the defense infiltrated blindfolded.
The Blazers came back strong in the second half. Fully attacked, they created more opportunities. Murray put Hopper’s cross into the net in the 52nd minute with a diving finish. It was the player’s seventh goal of the season.
The Blazers then took the lead in the 68th minute through Hooper. Sahal’s beautiful cross hooper into the net.
Goalkeeper Arshadeep’s error also contributed to the goal. Hooper’s shot was caught by Arshadeep but slipped into the net. The Blazers scored again in the 74th minute.
Mauricio is the man behind the goal. The fact that it was only the second shot towards Odisha’s goal was another shortcoming of the Blasters’ defense. The Blazers’ defense was pathetic on both goals.
The Blazers lost their rhythm after conceding the second goal. Goalkeeper Albino Gomez’s saves saved the team from defeat. The match ended in a draw when the Odisha goalkeeper blocked Costa Naimonso’s header in injury time. The Blazers’ play-off hopes ended in a draw. They are ninth with 16 points from 17 games. They have three games left in the season. The Blazers finished ninth, beating East Bengal to 10th position. Odisha are 11th behind with just nine points from 16 matches.
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