Pune: A screamer from CK Vineeth in the dying stages of the game salvaged three much-needed points for Kerala Blasters FC in an away fixture against FC Pune City at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium on Friday.
The first half had set-off in an exhilarating manner with both sides creating ample chances but all it lacked was a goal. The hosts asserted themselves on the game creating frequent opportunities that went in vain including a couple of penalty shouts.
Kerala striker Iain Hume who was the closest to scoring the opener after a luscious ball from Jackichand Singh from the right that landed right between Hume and keeper Vishal Kaith. Not only did the Canadian miss the chance but also injured himself forcing him to make way for the new signing Gudjon Baldvinsson.
Pune came out ferociously in the second half with their Marcelo Pereira hitting the post from the 30-odd yards but to their misery, it was Jackichand’s shot that moved the scoreboard. Baldvinsson received a ball after a defensive error and he squared it for Jackichand who blasted it past Kaith from the edge of the box as Kerala went 1-0 up.
It looked like Kerala could pull off a 1-0 win until their opponents were rewarded a penalty in the 77th minute. An incorrect call by the referee Pranjal Banerjee as Roy comfortably collected the ball. Alfaro made no mistake in slotting the ball home to equalise.
Marcelo Pereira came close to make it 2-1 by hitting the post for the second time but it was Kerala’s Vineeth who blasted an absolute beauty from the edge of the box in stoppage time. He received a ball from Courage Pekuson, took it on his chest perfectly and curled the ball with his left foot.
