Kerala Blasters FC Stuns Jamshedpur FC to clinch Final spot

 

Match highlights

Jamshedpur FC did not look good from the start as the Kerala Blasters FC scored a goal in the first 10 minutes of the match. As Jorge Pereyra Díaz of Kerala Blasters FC  put the ball into the back of the net, but was ruled offside.

Meanwhile, it did not take Adrián Luna of Kerala Blasters FC to achieve the same feat, this time without offside, as he hit a curler right into the net 

After Adrian Luna’s score opener in the 18th minute of the match, Jamshedpur FC did try to bounce back in the second half, they eventually tied the game through Pronay Halder in the 50th minute. But Jamshedpur FC needed one more goal to send the game into extra time

However, a solid  defensive back line of Kerala Blasters FC made sure that they don’t conceive a goal and pave their way into the finals. 

Jamshedpur FC failed to implement lessons learned from the first half of the first semi-final in dealing with Kerala Blasters FC offensive prowess and fell prey to it once again 

Even though the Jamshedpur FC finished the league stage as top team,they lost their shot at the championship trophy.

Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters FC made it to their third ISL final with a 2-1 aggregate win, thanks to Sahal Abdul Samad's goal in the first leg of the semi-finals.

Coaches react to the semi-finals

Ivan Vukomanovic, head Coach of the Kerala Blasters FC was on top of the world after qualifying for Indian Soccer League  finals for a record third time. He was especially appreciative of his pupil for their attitude throughout the season even though they were seen as a huge underdog side.

"Of course, it's a great feeling (getting into the finals). Everybody in the club, the fans the boys, they have looked so confident -- with the bubble, with the matches.

We got thousands of messages from Kerala fans that they were on the way. We were underdogs this season and they have done a great job and we will try to play our best and try to achieve it (win the ISL Champion)."

On the other side, Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle was happy for his side’s performance but he was also grim as they could not qualify for the finals.

"I think we showed a lot of guts and hunger, but we couldn't have asked for more. With injuries and everything -- in the second half, we were great. I'm gutted not to get to complete the double, but congratulations to Kerala Blasters FC. They played really well and tonight is their night now."

At last, Coyle stated that his side did not have the perfect balance and that is what cost them the semi-finals.