ISL 2015: FC Goa vs Kerala Blasters FC, Match 18

FC Goa’s regular goalkeeper Elinton Andrade has not inspired much confidence within FC Goa and it’s not a surprise that Zico opted for Kattimani in goal.

The match which was held in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa was dominated by Kerala Blasters though the result was not in their favor.

Frenchman Gregory Arnolin’s 84th minute strike helped FC Goa edge past Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in a keenly contested ISL football game to go top in the league table in Margao yesterday.

Even during the last game against NorthEast United FC, which Goa won 3-1, Zico threw in Mandar for an injured Joffre Gonzalez in the 67th minute but restored the balance after 10 minutes as Duffy replaced CS Sabeeth. Skipper Gregory Arnolin who was unbeatable at the back, rose high over Kerala Blasters defender Bruno Perone and cleverly nodded groundwards.

Goa goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani stood tall towards the end and stopped C.K. Vineeth’s volley to keep Kerala at bay. Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 24th minute of the play, stunning FC Goa totally. But a swift counter from a throw-in saw Rahul Bheke on the right float the ball to an unmarked Mohammad Rafi near the second post.

Jonatan Luca sent a curling flag kick which Kerala Blasters keeper Stephen Bywater parried away and the ball landed at the feet of Leonardo Das Silva Moura who lost no time in sending a powerful half volley that crashed to the far corner of the nets. The striker calmly leaped and nodded home with perfection to leave Kattimani stranded. With the conclusion of the 2014 edition of the ISL, the 26 year-old had a harrowing campaign with the now former first division side, going down in history as one of the components of the White Eagles who were relegated for the first time in more than 14 years, since 2000. Mediocre finishing and pathetic final touches saw joy turn to despair. Twice, wingback Nicolau Colaco who showed nerves in the first 20 minutes, found it hard to recover ground quickly and was beaten by some aerial balls from Marcus Williams that forced Luciano Sabrosa leave his central position and make a few do-or-die tackles. Goa punished the Kochi side for sloppy defending during corner drills which saw it score both its goals. “We have talked about this, and we’ll talk about them again”, said the Kerala Blasters FC boss.