Nicolas Anelka’s warning about the fighting quality in England strikers in Kerala Blasters FC line-up came true. Antonio German kept up the offensive till the end at the D.Y. Patil stadium, capping tireless running with an 88th minute goal. German’s strike helped the visitors convert defeat into a 1-1 draw against Mumbai City FC, neutralising a 25th minute goal by Juan Aguilera.
The points-split was a situation both teams tried to avoid, chasing victory at all costs.
Marquee player Anelka restricted himself to coaching, withdrawing from the Mumbai line-up and allowing Subash Singh to team up with Chetri as twin strikers. The visitors chose Sandip Nandy in goal, replacing Stepehen Bywater. Norde, getting into dangerous positions on the left flank, gave the Blasters a scare by cutting inside and blasting goalwards with his right foot. The ball zoomed over the crosspiece as the Haitian demonstrated power and opportunism.
Anealka’s absence in the forwardline allowed Chetri, Norde and Subash Singh to dart into space and push the ball forward.
Nandy remained low at the right post to palm away a hasty right-footer by Subash, conceding a corner.
Blasters’ custodian came under pressure again as Norde floated the ball from the left flag into the goalmouth. Nandy blocked and then watched helplessly as the ball bounced within range for Aguilera to slam the ball through a maze of defenders’ legs.
Spanish striker Josu Currias gave Mumbai defence anxious moments. A snap left-footer forced Shilton Paul to react with an overhead block. Dagnall closed in but the goalkeeper dived forward and swept the ball away. The visitors started the second half on a positive note as Antonio German raced down the left and swept the ball across to the other post. Paul reacted late, but the ball rolled wide. Anelka replaced him with Debjit Majumder.
Blasters kept up the offensive, desperate for victory. Dagnall slipped a pass to German who hoodwinked a defender but an off-balance Coimbra messed up the chance from near the spot.
Mehtab’s cross found Jhingan, the glancing header flew wide. Terry Phelan brought in Mohd Rafi into the forwardline, taking out Coimbra as the visitors went on a goal hunt. C. Vineeth joined the attack as the last throw of dice by the Blasters’ coach.
Mumbai City remains in seventh place after 12 matches, while Kerala Blasters languish in eighth position, far away from the first four berths needed for a knockout place.
The result: Kerala Blasters FC 1 (Antonio German 88) drew with Mumbai City FC 1 (Juan Aguilera 25).
