Kochi: A goal after two matches and 150 minutes of play was not enough to steer Kerala to their first win of this season of the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. Playing their third successive match at home, the ‘Yellow Army’ got to a perfect start with a goal as early as the 4th minute, but succumbed to yet another draw in the end as Balwant Singh blew down hopes with a late equaliser to help Mumbai come home with a valuable point.
Backed by the home fans, it was Kerala who started the match on the front-foot, with midfielder Courage Pekuson dragging his shot wide of the far post. It was just a signal of what was to come as the home side rolled on a flurry of attacks.
A CK Vineeth corner saw Lakić-Pešić bring down the ball for Sandesh Jhingan, whose shot was desperately blocked by Davinder Singh. The fans nonetheless didn’t have to wait any longer. Dimitar Berbatov, who had been stellar all night bossing the midfield with some slick passing, laid on a through ball to Rino Anto. The former ATK right-back send in a perfect cross for Mark Sifneos, who made no mistake sending the ecstatic crowd into ruptures.
The home side could have well scored three more, but CK Vineeth’s profligacy infront of goal kept the score to just 1-0. The combination of Berbatov and Jackichand Singh seems to create wonders for the Blasters, with both often finding someone with their long ball.
The first half was all about Kerala, though Mumbai had a chance to score but Rafa Jorda headed straight to the keeper.
Resuming form the break, Kerala began in a similar manner with both Pekuson and Vineeth blasting their shots above the bar in the opening few minutes. The local boy was however send off after bagging two yellows for simulation.
But just when it looks like Kerala may well win their first match of the season, Balwant played the spoils. A local saying in Mumbai goes that when the Punjab boy starts scoring, he doesn’t stop and Balwant did just that. Thumping a low Santos cross into the goal, to bring the curtains down.
A man down and a win looking bleak, the Blasters continued their attacks, putting men forward but the ‘Islanders’ held on to the score, with star man Berbatov shooting wide above the bar to end the match 1-1.
Mumbai will be happy to go home with a valuable point, even as Kerala continue their search for a first win in the tournament this season.