Drincic's own goal seals the season for Kerala Blasters
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Kochi: In a must-win match at Kochi against Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters were held to a draw, which was more painful than a defeat. Kerala needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, but a late own goal from defender Milos Drincic sealed the season for the Blasters, who failed to find momentum from the start of the season.
The Blasters started the scoring at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Korou Singh found the back of the net in the 35th minute, and the scoreboard stayed the same for most of the game. But a late own goal in the 86th minute from Drincic helped Jamshedpur to equalise.
With a single point earned in the match, Blasters are now at ninth in the points table with 25 points from 22 games. They are seven points behind NorthEast United, who occupy the sixth playoff spot. With just two games left, the Blasters could only hope to end their season as high as 31 points. Jamshedpur, already qualified for the playoffs, climbed to the third spot with 38 points.
In the eighth minute of the match, Blasters got two consecutive corner kicks but couldn't capitalise. Naocha Singh made a good attempt inside the box after a solo run, but the Jamshedpur goalkeeper Albino comfortably saved it. Blasters got two more corner kicks. Drincic tried a shot from Luna's cross, but Stephen Eze intercepted. Another attempt by Kwami Peprah also resulted in a corner.
Meanwhile, Jamshedpur couldn't manage a single shot on target in the first 30 minutes. Dusan Lagator released Korou on the right wing and the 18-year-old lifted the ball over a Jamshedpur defender and charged into the box. He finished the move with a beautiful right-footed goal to give the Blasters the lead.
After a break, Blasters replaced Yoihenba Meitei with Danish Farooq. In the 48th minute, Jamshedpur earned their second corner kick of the match. A header from Eze, just in front of the goal, was caught by Nora. Luna and Vibin attempted to take the lead with two beautiful shots that missed the target. Blasters made their second substitution, bringing Lalthanmawia in place of Aiman.
The Blasters' defense thwarted Jamshedpur's attempts to equalise. In the 82nd minute, Jamshedpur's net shook again, but it was ruled offside. Jamshedpur's relentless efforts to equalise in the final minutes culminated in a goal. A cross from the right wing, which Milos Drincic attempted to clear, resulted in an own goal. After scoring the goal, Jamshedpur launched repeated attacks, but Nora kept his ground.
Kerala Blasters will play Mumbai City FC in their next match in Kochi on March 7.