Chennaiyin FC were unable to break down a staunch Kerala Blasters FC side, who held their ground to earn a point in a goalless draw in Match 11 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday. In what was the second game of the day, the Marina Machans came closest to taking the lead but striker Jakub Sylvestr’s penalty was saved by Albino Gomes in a match that saw limited opportunities for both sides.

  • Both sides only had one shot on target having created a number of chances.
  • Jakub Sylvestr was unable to open the scoring in the 76th minute from the spot after his penalty was parried away by Albino Gomes.

Chennaiyin began on a bright note after skipper Rafael Crivellaro came close to opening the scoring in the 18th minute. Kerala custodian Albino Gomes lost possession to the Brazilian but the ball was brilliantly taken off the midfielder by defender Bakary Kone.

Nongdamba Naorem almost got his first goal for Kerala Blasters in the 22nd minute when Denechandra Meitei’s floated cross was met by the winger. The effort, however, was tame and went wide.

Marina Machans striker Sylvestr thought he headed his side into the lead in the 26th minute after meeting Crivellaro’s long-ball but the striker was a yard offside. At the other end, Vishal Kaith kept Chennaiyin in the game after a long-range effort from Rohit Kumar was saved by the goalkeeper on the 29th-minute mark.

Following the drinks break, Kerala upped the ante and had the upper hand right till the end of the first half. Midfielder Facundo Pereyra threatened from the left flank, before laying it to Seityasen Singh, whose shot was blocked by a Chennaiyin player as both sides went into the first half without any goals.

After a quiet start to the second half, Chennaiyin FC got the first opportunity as Crivellaro’s corner fell back to him in the 61st minute. The following curler, however, was well wide and went out for a goal-kick.

Chennaiyin full-back Reagan Singh won a free kick in the 67th minute at the edge of the box which was taken by substitute Fatkhullo Fatkhuloev. The curler was beautifully executed but Albino was equal to the effort, pushing it away from danger.

Chennai squandered a huge opportunity to open the lead in the 76th minute when Crivellaro won a penalty following a challenge by Sergio Cidoncha. Sylvestr stood over the spot kick but Albino guessed right and made a crucial save to keep his side in the game.

Both sides continued to create openings but were unable to break the deadlock as the southern rivals went on to share the points.

Hero of the Match - Albino Gomes

The Kerala Blasters custodian was the best player on the pitch after saving a penalty by Chennaiyin striker Jakub Sylvester to help his side to a draw. The goalkeeper also made four clearances and two punches to ensure that his opponents remained goalless.            

OTHER MATCH AWARDS:

Club Award: Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC

DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Anirudh Thapa (Chennaiyin FC)

Watch the Match Highlights here: