New Delhi: Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters settled for a goalless draw in the Southern derby of the Hero Indian Super League at Nehru Stadium in Chennai on Saturday.
In a tale of two halves, Chennaiyin FC were the dominate side in the first session, creating plenty of chances but unable to give finishing the touches.
Kerala Blasters were the stronger of the two teams in the second session but couldn’t keep their shots on target despite having the better chances.
The draw did neither teams’ any good. Chennaiyin FC are fourth after their second consecutive draw with nine points from six matches. Kerala Blasters continue their onward progress and they too now have nine points.
Chennaiyin FC coach Marco Materazzi made five changes to the team that drew against FC Pune City, opting to start with Bernard Mendy at the back at the expense of marquee player John Arne Riise. Karanjit Singh was back in goal to accommodate another international outfield player.
Kerala Blasters coach Steve Coppell continued with the squad that won all three points against FC Goa but it didn’t seem to work at the start as Chennaiyin FC enjoyed the edge in the first 45 minutes.
In the second minute itself, Chennaiyin could have taken the lead. Raphael Augusto won the ball in Kerala’s half and played it down for Dudu Omagbemi whose left-footer was nervously parried away by Kerala goalkeeper Sandip Nandy before a defender kicked it away for a corner.
Two minutes later, Kerala’s defence was sloppy as Josu Prieto’s back pass was closed down by Davide Succi but Aaron Hughes cleared the danger.
Goa, Delhi keen to collect full points
Margao: FC Goa will be desperate for their first win at home when they meet fellow-strugglers Delhi Dynamos FC on Sunday.
FC Goa, last year’s runners-up have been off colour this season, having collected just four points from six matches. They have conceded the most goals and are at the bottom of the table.
Delhi though starting their campaign with a win, have lost the plot thereafter failing to collect full points from last five matches and are sixth with seven points from six games.
