KOLKATA: Kerala Blasters FC pulled off a 2-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting in the ISL at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Sunday, October 20, 2024. This is for the first time in 27 games Kerala Blasters won an away match after conceding first.

Two second-half strikes from Player of the Match Kwame Peprah and Jesus Jimenez saw Mikael Stahre’s men secure their third consecutive victory in Kolkata, a feat they had never achieved in the competition. Mirjalol Kasimov handed Mohammedan the lead, but the visitors showed resilience in the second half to produce a come-from-behind victory.

The next 10 minutes saw the hosts dominate possession and also create a few chances. Their persistent nature in attack was rewarded when Kerala Blasters FC's debutant custodian, Som Kumar brought down Franca in the penalty area in the 27th minute, handing a penalty to Mohammedan. Mirajlol Kasimov stepped up and converted from the spot to hand a crucial lead to the hosts.

The second period saw both teams trying to take control of the possession in midfield. But the game swayed in the favour of the Blasters by Kwame Peprah’s introduction in the 64th minute. Within three minutes, the forward came up with the equaliser, latching onto a cross from Noah. Peprah was quick to react to the cross, leaving his marker, Zodingliana Ralte in complete awe before tucking it past Padam Chettri in goal.

 Kerala Blasters eventually secured the lead in the 75th minute when Naocha Singh found Jimenez in the penalty area with a beautifully weighted cross from the left flank. The Spaniard rose the highest, beating Ogier in the air and eventually heading past Chettri.

Mohammedan Sporting will host Hyderabad FC at home on October 26, while Kerala Blasters FC will be in action on October 25 against rivals Bengaluru FC in Kochi.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)