Kochi: Refrains like ‘they play excellently, but never score’ will not hold water any more. Netting the goal and winning is the only way to move ahead. There are no short cuts in the path. As Kerala Blasters takes on Chennaiyin FC in the first semifinal of Indian Super League football at Kochi on Saturday, they have only one objective. Nothing short of a victory will do in the first leg on one’s own soil. If they win today, even with a draw in Chennai they can make it to the final.
Authorities have clarified that the ‘away goal advantage’ in home and away matches will not be in effect in the ISL. If teams draw level on the goal average in both legs, extra time will be granted followed by penalty shootout. That it will take place in the second leg match will mount pressure on Kerala. Therefore Kerala will be on the lookout to win in Kochi and ensure a final berth.
Elano, Nesto to boost Chennai
Elano Bloomer the marquee player of Chennaiyin FC who had stayed away from five matches due to injury will return for the match against Kerala. Elano who blasted 8 goals in 9 matches is the top scorer in the ISL.
Blasters have scored overall just one goal more than Elano in their 14 matches. Chennai team Manager Marco Matarazzi has made it clear in no uncertain terms that Elano is playing. Elano had scored in the first league match aainst Blasters through a penalty. Star defender Alessandro Nesta, the replacement for Steven Mendosa who backed out due to injury will don the colours of Chennai.
Kerala’s success lies in how well their frontline, including Ian Hume will breach this Italian fortress of resistance. The goal machine called Elano and the defending sentry that is Nesto pose equal worries for Kerala.
Injury threat
Injury is a vexing factor for Kerala. Defenders Hengbarth and Sandesh Jingan are in the grip of injury. Of them, Hengbarth’s appearance is in doubt. Kerala’s marquee player David James is also plagued by injury and doubtful for the match. Even though team authorities do not reveal the extent of the injury, it is evident from their body language that the injury is indeed bothering the team.
The only consolation comes in the form of Nirmal Chetri to take up the responsibility of the defence line. Besides, Sandip Nandy who played in the last match as replacement for James had put up a superb show.
Advantage
Chennaiyin FC has a slight advantage on the basis of their performance in the league stage. There is no other team that has demolished Kerala’s midfield like they have. While Kerala continues its miserliness in the matter of goal scoring, Chennai has been scoring them by the cartload. If Chennai scored 24 goals in the league stage, Kerala’s contribution was a mere 9 goals. However if Chennai conceded 20 goals, Kerala let go just 11. Kerala have the reputation of being the team that has conceded the least number of goals.
It will be a crowd festival at the stadium today. The ticket sale which started at 2 pm on Friday has made fantastic progress. The Kerala–Chennai clash in the league phase had attracted the maximum number of crowd to the venue – 61,323. Authorities expect that record to be erased today.
Sachin Tendulkar is expected to watch the game.