Kerala are now placed in third position, while Atletico de Kolkata remain on second
Kerala Blasters FC players celebrate their win after the final whistle (Photo: ISL)
Kochi: Kerala Blasters’ 2-1 win over Atletico de Kolkata in their Indian Super League game here on Friday night, asserted the fact that goal-line technology is the need of the hour. ATK screamed foul when Uzbekistan referee Ravshan Irmatov ruled out Luis Garcia’s injury time ‘goal’ that had clearly bounced inside the goal-line, with just minutes to go for the final whistle. The decision ‘robbed’ Kolkata of what would have been a well deserved point.
The Blasters toppled Atletico courtesy first half goals from talisman Iain Hume and Pedro Gusmao. Irmatov, who had officiated the first match of the 2010 Fifa World Cup between South Africa and Mexico, made the manual error that would be debated at length. ATK remain second on the table with 16 points while Kerala are third on 15. The game flirted with missed chances and Fikru was denied by a splendid save from David James just minutes after a lively start.
The visitors were made to pay for their profligacy as the ball shuttled the other way with Pedro Gusmao on the counter.The Brazilian made a jinking run and send a wishful cross that fell invitingly for Hume. The Canadian international delicately placed his attempt into an open net and Stephen Pearson, who had made it to the near post, let it roll in.
Kerala’s defence appeared rickety for the first time in four matches as they made nervous clearances and surrendered possession easily. However, Atletico offered no better version of keeping the possession.
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