Kerala Blasters bagged their second win of ISL 2016 on Monday in some style as they came from behind to defeat FC Goa at the JLN Stadium, Fatorda. Kervens Belfort remained the man of the moment for the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned side.
The result of the match: 1-2.
The home team got the opening blood in the 24th minute as Julio Cesar converted a great cross in from Richarlyson and headed in powerfully behind Sandeep Nandy to give Zico's side the lead. Kerala, then, got the equaliser right after the half time as Mohammad Rafi comfortably slotted in a low pass played by Rafique at the 65th minute of play.
A major blow came for the Kerala Blasters in the 80th minute as Englishman Michael Chopra had to be stretchered off the pitch owing to a knock, but he didn't have a very bad match anyway. The former Premier League man had a go on goal but FC Goa custodian Subhashish Roy Chowdhury had a bit too much class to stop the powerful shot.
Chopra's injury did quieten the home fans but a round of cheer was awaiting them as Haitian forward Belfort powerfully volleyed home the all-important goal of the match in the 84th minute. After receiving a great ball in from Josu, Belfort twisted and turned and toyed with the Goa defence to launch the powerful shot on goal.
"It was a tough game and a must-win game for us today," commented Rafi after the game. "I think we played very well today, we put in a lot of effort but from now on we will need to put in more effort and will need more concentration for the matches coming up."
Kerala Blasters now have eight points from six games, and have moved to the fifth position in the ISL 2016 points table.
