ISL 5: Kerala Blasters hold Jamshedpur to 2-2 draw

Kerala Blasters bounced back from a two-goal deficit to hold Jamshedpur FC to a 2-2 draw even as Tim Cahill opening his goal scoring tally at the JRD Tata Complex on Monday.

The draw helped Jamshedpur move up to fourth in the table with seven points from the five matches, the same as ATK, Mumbai City and Bengaluru FC – the latter has played two matches less than the other three. Kerala meanwhile remained on seventh, just one point behind and with a match in hand.

Jamshedpur were off to a perfect start with marquee signing Cahill heading the ball home as early as the third minute from a Sergio Cidoncha corner. The early goal helped the home side seize control of the match and they dominated possession.

Young Soosairaj then doubled the lead for Jamshedpur after dribbling past everyone into the Kerala box in the 31^st minute. He could have scored 10 minutes earlier from a similar position but fluffed his shot over.

Up and until the first 45 minutes, Kerala lacked any real intent but all that changed when play resumed in the second half. Slaviso Stojanovic had their first opportunity from a spot kick when he was brought down by Sanjay Balmuchu. But the Serbian’s spot-kick was saved by Jamshedpur goalkeeper Subrata Paul.

Things, however, changed for the visitors immediately with the introduction of Seminlen Doungel. In a quick give-and-go between substitutes Sahal Abdul Samad and Doungel, the winger found Stojanovic, who side-volleyed the ball into the net.

Doungel was also involved in the second goal just five minutes away from the final whistle. Finding the ball on the left flank, the youngster went on a lovely run before cutting the ball back for CK Vineeth to fire into the net and salvage an important point for his side.

Despite the draw, Jamshedpur would be disappointed given it was their fourth consecutive draw after the victory in their first game of the season.

Image Source: ISL