FC Goa to test Kerala Blasters' fighting spirit

Kochi: Kerala Blasters FC will host table toppers FC Goa in the last match before the second international break in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday.

David James' Blasters, whose unbeaten run in the fifth edition of the ISL came to a halt with a 1-2 loss to Bengaluru FC on Monday, would have it tough against Sergio Lobera's men brimming with confidence and it will test their spirit.

The Goans are coming to Kochi after rallying to down Delhi Dynamos 3-2 on Thursday with a couple of late strikes. Brandon Fernandes netted the equaliser in the 82nd minute and Edu Bedia scored the winner in the 89th in a game that saw five goals.

Despite having 13 points each, the win placed the Gaurs atop Bengaluru and Mumbai City FC on better goal difference. Blasters have just 7 points from 6 matches and are in sixth place.

Injury worries

Though it was an entertaining game against Bengaluru, Kerala's game plans were marred by injuries. Blasters boss James, in his post-match presser, pointed out the forced substitutions as one major reason behind 'the game drifting away from them'.

Seiminlen Doungel, who had a fine game against Bengaluru, bowed out in the 68th after suffering an injury that took the pace out of Blasters' attacks in the crucial moments. Doungel was in the thick of action till then through his long-rangers and some brilliant moves crafted by pairing up with captain Sandesh Jhingan.

For James, it was another game spoiled by some poor refereeing after their away fixture against Pune City FC (1-1). The Englishman went on record that video assisted refereeing system (VAR) could have made a difference to his team's fortunes against Pune and Bengaluru.

Television replays showed that the opening goal scored by Bengaluru's star striker Sunil Chhetri in the 17th minute could have been easily denied for off side. It was cancelled out before half-time by a Slavisa Stojanovic penalty, but Blasters ended up losing the game after a deflection from their Serbian midfielder Nikola Krcmarevic went in in the 81st.

Missed opportunities

Blasters would be ruing the missed chances against Bengaluru. They lacked discipline up front which proved vital in the end. Though he has not addressed it in open yet, the experienced eyes of James would have taken note of this. It was evident when he said that 'it is a three-year game plan for progression and development.'

Forward Bedia, who scored a brace against Delhi, and striker Ferran Corominas would spearhead the Goan attack while the Yellow Brigade will pin their hopes on key defender Jhingan, custodian Naveen Kumar and forward Slavisa Stojanovic.