Kerala Blasters recorded yet another comeback win in the Indian Super League, and once again, it was CK Vineeth’s awareness in front of goal that reigned supreme at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
The Blasters were poor in the first half and Chennaiyin went ahead through yet another excellent goal from Bernard Mendy, with a little help from a deflection. Kerala equalised early in the second half through Didier Kadio, before Vineeth scored two goals in the space of four minutes to help his side to a 3-1 win.
Chennaiyin came out of the blocks strongly, certainly looking every bit like a team trying to arrest their poor form. Raphael Augusto carried the ball out and let it fly from 25 yards out with his left foot: the effort went just inches wide of the goalkeeper’s left.
The Chennaiyin attackers were allowed to roam harmlessly with the ball in Blasters’ half, and after 22 minutes, the home side was punished. Mendy added yet another spectacular goal to his name as he ran with the ball for about 20 yards, cut into his right and smashed the ball home with a little help from Sandesh Jhingan’s boot. The Indian defender was at fault for letting Mendy carry the ball into the Blasters’ box.
Close to the half-time whistle, Chennaiyin nearly got a second, but Dudu’s finish didn’t match up to his powerful run. The Blasters came out strongly and an early goal helped Blasters to swing the momentum in their favour. Antionio German showed excellent strength to get to the by-line before cutting it back for Kadio, who tapped the ball from close range after coming on for Michael Chopra.
Chennaiyin’s attacks lacked bite and their forwards, including Jeje Lalpekhlua looked off colour. The match was certainly heading for a draw when Vineeth capitalised on a goalkeeping blunder by Duwayne Kerr, who spilled a regulation take from a Josu cross.
Three minutes later, Vineeth was through on goal on his own with Chennaiyin pushing up for their second goal. He made no mistake and struck the ball cleanly past the advancing Kerr to lift Blasters to second in the table.
Brief scores:
Kerala Blasters 3 (Didier Kadio, CK Vineeth x 2) beat Chennaiyin FC 1 (Bernard Mendy)
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