ISL 2022: Shield winner Jamshedpur FC falter in front of Samad’s goal, Kerala Blasters reach the final
Football
By-Vineet Kumar
new Delhi.
After capturing their maiden League Shield tile, Jamshedpur FC could not show the energy of victory at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday. Kerala Blasters FC striker Sahal Abdul Samad’s lone goal cost the team coach Owen Koel. They were defeated by Kerala Blasters FC 1-0 in the first leg of the first semi-final of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22.
With today’s win, Kerala are 1-0 up in the two-leg semi-final and will have the upper hand in the second leg match. Kerala centre-back Ruiwah Hormipam was awarded the Hero of the Match award for showing strong defensive play.
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The lone goal of the match came in the 38th minute when Sahal Abdul Samad gave Kerala Blasters a 1-0 lead. Spanish striker Alvaro Vazquez chipped the center circle ball with a brilliant through-pass into the attacking third, which left-back Ricky Lalvmavma tried to avoid the threat with a header. But instead of averting this danger, it became an easy opportunity for Samad. Jamshedpur’s goalkeeper TP Rehneesh, sensing the danger, came forward and tried to block the Kerala striker, but Samad turned out to be smarter this time. Samad continued his run, lobbing the ball with his right foot from the edge of the D-box and sending it towards the goalpost, while Ricky could only try unsuccessfully by running behind the ball.
Jamshedpur came into this match after breaking many records, but due to the excellent coordination between the defensive line of Kerala and the midfield, Jamshedpur’s team was completely in control, especially in the second half. The Red Miners looked a bit nervous after playing the semi-finals for the first time, due to which they appeared to perform average.
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Although Kerala was playing a semi-final match for the first time since 2016, the energy within the team of coach Ivan Vukomanovic was visible throughout the match. After today’s result, the match between both the teams this season has leveled off. Because in the second match of the league round Jamshedpur beat Kerala 3-0 and in the first leg both played a draw.
Story first published: Friday, March 11, 2022, 22:39 [IST]
