Halicharan Narzary strike help Kerala do the double over ATK
Kerala Blasters FC picked up an important 1-0 win against ATK, thanks to a second-half strike by Halicharan Narzary at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, on Sunday.
After a barren first period, an action-packed second half saw Narzary break the deadlock in the 74th minute in this Hero Indian Super League clash. ATK were guilty of wasting a host of chances and saw coach Antonio Habas sent off after a fracas on the sidelines towards the end of the game.
A second win on the trot sees Kerala Blasters rise to sixth on the table with 14 points while ATK remain third with 21 points.
ATK and Kerala were without the services of David Williams and Gianni Zuiverloon respectively due to injuries. Antonio Habas handed a rare start to Balwant Singh who led the line alongside Roy Krishna, while Eelco Schattorie opted for a centre-back partnership of Abdul Hakku and Vlatko Drobarov.
It was a cagey start as the teams struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The visitors saw a lot of the ball while ATK chose to play on the counter. The first chance fell for Kerala when from a set-piece, the ball fell for Raphael Messi Bouli whose shot took a deflection of Balwant Singh and went wide.
Also Read: ATK have plenty at stake against Kerala
Also Read: Hero Indian Women’s League returns, scheduled to kick-off from January 24
Bartholomew Ogbeche had a big role to play in Kerala’s defense as he came to his team’s rescue with two important blocks that denied Krishna in the 35th and 36th minutes. Javi Hernandez’s free-kick found its way to Krishna whose shot was first kept out by Ogbeche. The very next minute saw Javi and Krishna combine, with the latter’s header being cleared for a corner from the goal line by the Nigerian.
Mandi Sosa also came close to handing ATK the lead with a free-kick that missed the far post by a couple of inches. ATK started the second half with purpose, troubling the Kerala defence with their movement. Prabir Das sent a through-ball for Krishna in the 57th minute, but the Fijian striker took a heavy touch which allowed goalkeeper TP Rehenesh to come off his line and make a block.
Minutes later, Krishna did well to lay off the ball for Balwant Singh on the edge of the box, but his first-time shot went inches wide of the target. Habas made twin change midway through the second half as he introduced Jayesh Rane and Jobby Justin to add more teeth to their attack.
However, the breakthrough was made by Kerala against the run of play. In the 70th minute, Narzary pounced on a poor clearance outside the ATK box, took a touch and slammed it home with his right foot, giving goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya no chance whatsoever.
A stung ATK could have equalised when Krishna brought a cross down inside the box, swivelled and sent a powerful effort on target, but Rehenesh got down in time to keep the ball out.
Kerala could have doubled their lead too, with Mario Arques and Moustapha Gning going extremely close. However, it did not matter as Kerala upset the apple cart in Kolkata.
– Credits ISL Media
Show off your Indian and European football knowledge with the football fantasy game from Playerzpot. Download the App with our special Footballcounter referral code, start playing and win cash daily.
Download app here: Link or click on the image below
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…