Mark Silfenos of Kerala Blasters celebrates after scoring a goal against Mumbai city FC. Photo: ISLKochi: Kerala Blasters fans' prayers for a goal were answered as Dutch forward Mark Sifneos ended their goal drought in the fourth season of Indian Super League. The 21-year-old Sifneos reposed the faith Blasters boss Rene Meulensteen placed in him by scoring an early goal against Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Sunday night.
Sifneos, who came in as a substitute in the first two matches against ATK and JFC, impressed Meulensteen and the coach had no hesitation in picking him in the starting line-up against Mumbai in place of Canadian Iain Hume, the ISL's all-time top-scorer.
The quality of a top striker is to be in the right place at the right time and Sifneos did precisely that in the 14th minute. He received a lovely cross from Rino Anto and guided it past Amrinder Singh much to the delight of his teammates and the home crowd.
Sifneos, who is of Greek origin, played for Dutch sides WV-HEDW, S.V. RAP, RKSV RODA '23, SV Argon and Brabant United at the youth level.
The lanky striker made his professional debut last year for RKC Waalwijk in the Dutch second division. Meulensteen, who also hails from the Netherlands, must have taken note of Sifneos as he signed the youngster in his debut season in the ISL. Sifneos is the youngest foreigner to be roped in by an ISL franchise.
Sifneos had replaced Hume in the second half in Blasters' first two matches and his fine display against Mumbai means the marksman will get more chances in the games to come.
