kochi: Chennaiyin FC played for a draw. Kerala Blasters gifted them a win. Brazilian Bruno Pelissari scored a marvellous winner in the 87th minute as the patient league leaders Chennaiyin won 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium here on Sunday.
For Kerala that had not tasted defeat in all four previous matches at home the late setback also pegs them back in the points table.
The Blasters remain fourth on 15 points momentarily, but could slip to as low as the seventh position if the bottom ranked teams win their respective 12th round fixtures in the coming days.
Chances were a premium for both sides as Chennaiyin's Italian tactician Marco Materazzi relied on a counter-attacking style of football.
It was from one such late counter that super-sub Pelissari scored. Kerala's fan favourite Iain Hume had opportunities in either half, but failed to capitalise.
The Blasters next play NorthEast United FC on Dec. 4 and they end their season with FC Pune City on Dec. 9.
