Kerala Blasters midfielder Ishfaq Ahmed (L) vies for the ball with Atletico de Kolkata forward Iain Edward Hume (R) during the ISL final at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Kochi Sunday. Photo: AFPKochi: The glorious uncertainties of penalty shootout was the reason for the Blasters defeat in the ISL final. However, I doubt if Kerala Blasters had played at their best in front of their supporters.
It was sad to see Blasters’ fanatic fans, who had supported their team reverently leave the stadium disappointed. Many from the yellow brigade, who had screamed and prayed for their team, left the stadium without waiting to watch the presentation ceremony.
In the first half, Athletico de Kolkata players swarmed the rival area to create goal-scoring chances but they couldn’t score any goals. However, it was Kerala which got the opportunity to take the lead.
Rafi’s header was superb and classy. But Kerala Blasters couldn’t maintain their advantage. I was surprised by the Kerala coach’s decision to field Ishfaq Ahmed in place of suspended Josu.
Rino Anto was available for selection and moreover Pratik Choudhary, who had played in the earlier matches for Blasters, was also there. After seeing Ishfaq Ahmed in action I felt he was not suited for that position. It was sheer bad luck in the shootout for Blasters.
