Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshow commended his players’ efforts as they went down fighting against Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday.

Mirjalol Kasimov opened the scoring for the spot but the Blasters rallied back in the second half as they struck with goals from Kwame Peprah and Jesus Jimenez.

This was the third defeat of the season in five games for the Black and White Brigade who dropped down to the 11th spot in the standings. Chernyshov acknowledged the quality of Kerala Blasters FC while acknowledging the effort put in by his players.

“We played against one of the best teams in the ISL. They have 10 years of experience in the ISL. They have very good players,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“We started very well. We showed that we are also strong and that we can play our game. In the first half we scored but after that, in the second half... they showed they are good at attacking,” he added.

The home side tried to mount a comeback despite losing their lead. They registered only two shots on target the entire game but their best chance of getting a equaliser came late on when Lalremsanga Fanai saw his shot saved by keeper Som Kumar. The Mohammedan SC head coach admitted that the Blasters were stronger in the second half despite the fight back from his team.

“We showed we are good. We played good football. We tried to fight and tried to run. But this (Kerala Blasters FC) team is also good and in the second half they brought more power into the game,” he explained.