Kerala Blasters FC bid farewell to 2020 with a mouth-watering 2-0 win against Hyderabad FC in the Hero Indian Super League.
With the first win in six ISL matches, Kerala added 3 more points to their tally and stay at 9th place in the standings. However, Hyderabad is steady at 8th position after this defeat.
Kerala lad Abdul Hakku and Australian Sniper Jordan Murray scored for the Yellow Brigade whereas the “all-Indian” defence were successful in keeping a clean sheet.
Kerala Blasters 2-0 Hyderabad FC Team News:
Kibu Vicuna made five changes in the starting lineup. Big names Gary Hooper, Costa Nhamoinesu and Bakary Kone were rested.
The Yellow Brigade played in a 4-4-2 formation featuring both new Indian centre-backs Sandeep Singh and Abdul Hakku Nediyodeth. As a result, only 3 foreigners were fielded in the starting 11.
Manuel Marquez Roca fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation with three foreigners in the starting 11.
However, the Nizams just made a single change in their lineup after the match against Mumbai City FC.
Kerala Blasters 2-0 Hyderabad FC Match Analysis:
Kerala Blasters were creating some attacks upfront whereas their Southern rivals were keeping most of the possession.
Sahal Abdul Samad had an early chance to put the hosts up but his shot was blocked by Odei Onaindia in the 10th minute.
Nishu Kumar tested Subrata Pal with a rocket shot after a wonderful attack led by Rahul KP in the 16th minute.
Aridane Santana had a brilliant chance to put the visitors a goal upfront but he couldn’t hit with more power in the 21st minute.
However, Abdul Hakku broke the dead-lock in the 29th minute after a bullet header from a corner assisted by Fakundo Pereyra. Aridane missed another opportunity to bring his side level just before half-time.
Manuel Roca’s side clearly lacked the cutting edge. Finally, Jordan Murray sealed the match after a wonderful half-volley goal in the 88th minute.
Notable Performances:
Abdul Hakku Nediyodath (8/10) – After a surprising move of Vicuna picking two Indian centre-backs, the 26-year old defender really put up a great performance. His pairing with Sandeep Singh has been really great. Scoring a goal and keeping a clean sheet, he truly deserves to be the Man of the Match.
Odei Onaindia (7/10) – He was surely the best player for the Nizams in this match. The 31-year old defender stalled the young guns from Kerala multiple times.
Aridane Santana (5.5/10) – Hyderabad skipper was really struggling to create chances into goals. He should have been more clinical.
Kerala Blasters next face table-toppers Mumbai City FC on 2nd January in their first match of 2021.
Hyderabad FC would be looking to bounce back from two defeats as they play ISL hosts FC Goa on 30th December.
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