ISL 2024-25: Kerala Blasters Eliminated from Playoff Hunt Following 1-1 Stalemate with Jamshedpur FC
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Synopsis
In a critical ISL 2024-25 match, Kerala Blasters FC drew 1-1 with Jamshedpur FC, eliminating them from playoff contention. Korou Singh opened the scoring for Kerala, but an own goal by Drincic ensured a share of the spoils for Jamshedpur. Kerala's hopes for playoffs are dashed despite two games remaining.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Blasters FC is out of playoff contention.
- Korou Singh scored a brilliant solo goal.
- Drincic's own goal equalized for Jamshedpur FC.
- Both teams started slowly but grew into the match.
- Next matches see Kerala Blasters face Mumbai City FC.
Kochi, March 1 (NationPress) Jamshedpur FC rallied to secure a point in a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters FC during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday night. Korou Singh netted a fantastic goal to give the home team the lead in the 35th minute, but an own goal from Drincic allowed Jamshedpur FC to equalize in the second half.
This draw signifies that Kerala Blasters FC is now out of the playoff race for this season, as they can only achieve a maximum of 31 points, which is one point shy of the sixth-placed NorthEast United FC (32), despite having two matches left. Both teams began cautiously but became more confident as the match unfolded. Given that this was a must-win situation for Kerala Blasters FC, they exhibited greater urgency compared to their opponents, who have already secured a playoff spot.
The hosts dominated early in the first half, controlling the pace of the game. In the 23rd minute, Adrian Luna made an impressive run down the middle and set Kwame Peprah free on the left flank. Though he had space, the Jamshedpur FC defenders quickly closed in to neutralize the threat.
The breakthrough came for Kerala Blasters FC in the 35th minute when Korou Singh executed a remarkable solo goal. The play began with Albino Gomes's goal kick, which was cleared by Dusan Lagator. The loose ball was seized by Korou, who outplayed Stephen Eze in midfield, skillfully controlled his header, and darted past three defenders before firing a stunning shot past Albino from a narrow angle.
The second half commenced energetically, with Eze rising to meet a corner and testing Nora Fernandes in goal for the Blasters, who managed to fend off the threat.
With Jamshedpur FC struggling to create goal-scoring opportunities, coach Khalid opted to introduce Rei Tachikawa in midfield during the 59th minute, substituting Lazar Cirkovic.
A dramatic turn of events unfolded in the 86th minute when Sreekuttan capitalized on a loose ball on the right wing. He delivered a decent cross into the box, which deflected off Milos Drincic and found its way into the net, gifting Jamshedpur FC the equalizer.
With their season hanging in the balance, Kerala Blasters FC pushed forward in search of a winning goal, but Jamshedpur FC managed the game effectively to secure a hard-fought draw away from home. Kerala Blasters will face Mumbai City FC next in Kochi on March 7, while Jamshedpur FC will host Odisha FC in their next match on March 5.
