XtraTime Web Desk – Kerala Blasters fought really well towards the backend of the match but it’s the result that speaks. Kibu Vicuna and his boys lose 4-2 against the last boy of the table, Odisha FC.
Odisha started well but it’s Kerala who gave the first blow. Jordan Murray in the 7th minute scored for Kerala and gave them the lead. Kerala however couldn’t capitalize on their momentum. Diego Mauricio’s shot got deflected and Odisha got back into level terms in the 22nd minute.
Rahul KP, Odisha’s goalkeeper was brilliant throughout the night. His save in the 26th minute was one of the best in the night. After some here and there from both the teams, Kerala scored their second goal just before half-time. Jerry put up a brilliant ball from a free-kick and Steven Taylor put the ball beautifully for Odisha’s second goal as the first half ended 2-1 in favour of Odisha.
Odisha scored again right after the second half began. Diego Mauricio’s scored brilliantly to put Odisha 3-1 and 10 minutes later, he completed his brace by scoring another brilliant goal. If not because of the own goal, Mauricio could’ve had his first hat-trick at ISL.
Kerala was down but not out. They fought really hard. Specially in the last 15 minutes. They created a lot of chances and because of that, Odisha got few opportunities as well. Kerala could’ve scored a couple of times but luck didn’t favour them. They did once as Gary Hooper pulled one back for the Blasters. Post that, Kerala pulled up their sock and at one point they hit 3 shots within 10 seconds out of which one hit the post, one was blocked and the other went side. Kerala gave everything but lost the match 4-2.
With this, Kibu Vicuna will be under a lot of pressure. It’s future in the club is also now up in the air after such a result. He looked sad in the post match conference and asked for forgiveness to all the Kerala fans.
Kerala are currently in the 10th position with 6 points from 9 games. With this win, Odisha registered their first win of the season. However, that didn’t change their position in the league. They are still 11th in the table with 5 points from 9 games.