Kerala triumph over Chennaiyin FC 3-1
Chennai, Jan 30: Kerala Blasters FC defeated Chennaiyin FC by 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Thursday.
At 18 years and 58 days, Korou Singh entered the ISL history books as the second-youngest goal-scorer in the competition – only behind Komal Thatal who was 18 years and 43 days when he scored against Bengaluru FC in October 2018.
Apart from his heroics, this was also the first time the Kerala Blasters FC registered an away win against Chennaiyin FC in the competition. They took an early lead courtesy of goals from Jesus Jimenez and Korou. Later, Kwame Peprah scored the third strike in the second half to secure their seventh win of the ongoing season. Vincy Barretto’s late goal for the hosts remained as a mere consolation.
Kerala Blasters FC were off the blocks quickly as they took the lead in the third minute of the match courtesy of an impeccable goal from Jimenez. It started with Korou driving the ball forward into the final third before he got dispossessed. But the Chennaiyin FC backline didn’t clear their lines and Jimenez latched onto the stray ball and slotted it past Mohammed Nawaz in goal.
Ten minutes later, Jimenez could have doubled the lead when he controlled Sachin Suresh’s long ball with ease. The Spaniard made a decisive run in behind the Chennaiyin FC defence and was through on goal. However, a timely save from Nawaz kept the hosts in the game.
After their initial period, Chennaiyin FC did have their moments with Ryan Edwards and Irfan Yadwad had opportunities to score from Connor Shields’ delivery from set-pieces.
However, things took a complicated turn for the Marina Machans as Wilmar Jordan Gil was handed the marching orders after his skirmish with Milos Drincic. With a goal and a man down, Chennaiyin FC were in a struggling phase. Later, Owen Coyle was brought on Mandar Rao Dessai replacing the injured Landinliana Renthlei.
Despite a troublesome first half, Lukas Brambilla had the best opportunity to level the scores before the break. (Agencies)
Mumbai City lock horns with East Bengal
Mumbai, Jan 30: Mumbai City FC will play hosts to East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Friday, at 7:30 pm IST. The Islanders must be pleased at returning to winning ways with a 3-0 triumph against Mohammedan SC last week.
They will aim to extend that stretch and stay amongst the playoff spots, since the team is currently placed sixth with 27 points on the back of seven victories and six draws. The Petr Kratky-coached side has a chance to do a league double for the second time over the Red & Gold Brigade, having won the reverse fixture by 3-2 previously.
However, Mumbai City FC haven’t beaten them at home in the competition, even being unable to find the back of the net in both of their previous encounters against the Kolkata-based side in this stadium, losing and drawing once each.
East Bengal FC, however, have struggled to find their feet on the road this season. They have won just once in their last eight away games, drawing once and losing six times. Their last two away matches have given them 0-1 results against them. However, East Bengal FC’s last game saw them bag a 2-1 win against Kerala Blasters FC, as they snapped their two-game goal drought.
Currently, the Red & Gold Brigade are at the 11th spot in the points table. They have won and drawn once in their previous five matches, losing thrice, and have 17 points from as many games. Trailing the sixth-placed Islanders by 10 points, this is their chance to cut the gap in a direct contest and then hope to produce a winning run to make a late surge for the playoffs. Whether they succeed in doing so is something that remains to be seen, but they will take confidence from Mumbai City FC’s recent 0-3 home losses to NorthEast United FC and Jamshedpur FC. (Agencies)