Mumbai: Kerala Blasters and Atletico de Kolkata, both teams co-owned by legendary Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, will slug it out in the final on Saturday to put an end to an action-packed 10-weeks of the Indian Super League football that kicked off on October 12 in Kolkata.
The two sides had contrasting league rounds and semi-final matches. Blasters struggled initially in the league and were languishing at the bottom but bounced back once they started playing at home in Kochi and went on to peak at the right time. They will be favourites on Saturday.David James’ side trounced league toppers Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in the semifinal first leg at home and got a much-needed away goal in extra time of the second leg to progress 4-3 on aggregate.
Iain Hume has been consistent and will lead the attack with Mehtab Hossain and Stephen Pearson helping him out in the centre. Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Cedric Hengbart, Nirmal Chettri have been resolute at the back in resisting attacks.
ATK dominated the league in the first half but lost the plot and scraped through to the semi-finals. They beat the impressive FC Goa on penalties 4-2 in the semis second leg after both sides failed to score in 210 minutes of football. ATK will continue to miss striker Fikru Tefera who has been released from the squad due to hamstring injury. Luis Garcia who is also doubtful due said: “I hope there is no problem and I can be play tomorrow.”
