Kerala Blasters have successfully completed what could have been a dreadful run of three away matches in the ISL with two draws followed by a win.
That win (2-1), signalling a brilliant comeback against Mohammedan Sporting in Kolkata on Sunday, has extended the Blasters' unbeaten run to four games and moved them into the fifth position on 8 points. Mohammedan remain 11th in the 13-team points table with four points.
Striker Jesus Jimenez scored with a glancing header in the 75th minute after super-sub Kwame Peprah hit the equaliser in the 67th minute.
The Blasters had trailed the match since the 28th minute when Kasimov scored from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Som Kumar fouled Franca. But the 19-year-old goalkeeper, who replaced an error-prone Sachin Suresh, redeemed himself with a vital late save that ensured three points for Mikael Stahre's side. Som closed down the angle to deny Fanai an equaliser in added time.
Had that gone in, the Blasters would have cursed their luck because, in both their previous away matches, Stahre's men were close to three points. The Blasters should have capitalised against ten-man NorthEast United in Guwahati and saw a two-goal lead slip against Odisha. But in Kolkata, the most hostile of their guest venues, the Blasters held firm.
When the playing XIs were announced, the inclusion of captain Adrian Luna would have cheered the Blasters' fans, but at least some of them might have felt surprised not to find goalkeeper Sachin Suresh in the matchday squad.
Stahre had declared his faith in Sachin despite the 23-year-old making at least two costly mistakes, which led to goals in recent away matches. Stahre hinted in his post-match that Sachin's omission was due to an injury.
Nevertheless, the arrival of 19-year-old Som Kumar felt like a welcome change. But 25 minutes into the match, the young keeper caught Franca while trying to get hold of the ball and conceded a penalty. Kasimov stepped up and scored.
That meant the Blasters had to chase a game for the fourth time this season, and credit to them for finishing their travels on a high. The Blasters will fly home to Kochi, where they host league leaders Bengaluru FC on Friday (Oct 25)
