ISL 2019-20: Kerala Blasters 2-2 FC Goa- 5 Talking Points
Kerala Blasters' winless run in ISL 2019-20 season continued as they played out a 2-2 draw with FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The Gaurs made their way back to the top four in the points table with nine points from six matches.
Sergio Cidoncha gave Kerala Blasters the lead after 61 seconds of the game when he powered Mourtada Fall's faulty clearance straight into the back of the net to score the fastest goal of current ISL season.
The Senegalese made up for his mistake in the 41st minute when he towered above his marker to head home Jackichand Singh's cross and level terms for FC Goa.
But, his overcommitting attitude saw him get a straight red in the second half. Kerala Blasters made the extra man count as Raphael Messi Boulli found himself at the end of a cross from Prasanth Karuthadathkuni from the left wing to give them the lead.
And, just when it seemed like it was all over, Lenny Rodrigues restored parity for FC Goa in the 92nd minute of the game after Kerala Blasters' goalkeeper Rehenesh TP cleared Manvir Singh's initial shot only as far as the Goan midfielder.
#5 FC Goa's suspensions and injuries force Sergio Lobera to change positions
FC Goa made only one change in personnel to the side that lost 1-0 to Jamshedpur. But, head coach Sergio Lobera had to switch positions of as many as four players to regain balance in the team.
Saviour Gama slotted in the left-back position forcing FC Goa's captain Mandar Rao Desai to play in the left wing. Brandon Fernandes, whom we normally see in that position, shifted centrally. And, Ahmed Jahouh's absence also saw Edu Bedia play in an unfamiliar defensive midfielder role.
One can say the tactic worked as Mandar got relieved of much of his defensive duties whereas Brandon had an influential role to play for FC Goa. The Indian international created three chances, made four crosses, and had one shot on target.
Edu Bedia had an off-day trying to fill Jahouh's shoes as he couldn't make a single interception, block, or tackle and even went into the book.