the goan I network
MARGAO
A brilliant brace by attacking midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad helped Kerala Blasters FC Reserves drub FC Goa Reserves 2-0 in a Group B match of 2nd Division I-League at Holy Trinity ground, Benaulim on Monday. Both goals were scored in the second half.
Kerala Blasters Reserves dominated the game, penetrating the home team defence with sharp through balls from the flanks with captain Sahal Abdul Samad playing a pivotal role for his team and troubling the Goan defence with sporadic raids. At the other end, the home team was handicapped with the absence of striker Liston Colaco, who was doing duty for the senior team in the Super Cup, and their strike force lacked the killer instinct.
The visitors came close in finding the lead early but striker Shaiborlang Kharpan blasted wide with FC Goa goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz at his mercy, after he was laid on the platter by Sahal Abdul Samad. Five minutes before the lemon break, Kerala Blasters had a chance to break the deadlock when striker Shaiborlang Kharpan unleashed a snap shot but FC Goa goalkeeper made a difficult save.
Kerala Blasters began the second half with pacey attacks from the wings. Shaiborlang Kharpan had an opportunity but his mistimed shot was easily collected by the rival goalkeeper.
FC Goa coach Clifford Miranda brought in fresh legs to try to infuse some energy in his team but it yielded no results. FC Goa’s Hayden Fernandes unleashed a shot that flew over the crossbar.
Kerala Blasters’ breakthough came in the 59th minute when Sahal Abdul Samad was fouled by FC Goa goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz and referee Umesh Bora awarded the visitors a penalty. Sahal Abdul Samad himself took the resultant spot kick to send FC Goa goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz the wrong way, 1-0.
Sahal Abdul Samad then silenced the home crowd as he doubled the lead in the 86th minute when he benefited from FC Goa goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz’s goalkeeping error and completed his brace.
With this win, Kerala Blasters FC Reserves took their tally to 9 points from 5 matches, while FC Goa Reserves suffered their second defeat and stay on 5 points from 5 matches.
