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Indian origin striker Michael Chopra capped off a strong performance with the lone goal of the match for home side Kerala Blasters FC, who got their first points of ISL-3 with a win over an inform Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
The Kerala Blasters have been having problems in creating chances and also with their finishing, but tonight they finally scored their first goal of ISL-3 to seal a memorable win over Mumbai City FC, who put up their own worst performance of this ISL so far.
Former India striker Mohammed Rafi, Haitian Kervens Belfort and Michael Chopra were to be blamed that the Blasters went into the break with the result goalless.
In the second half, the Blasters had once more the first attempt through Chad’s Azrack Mahamat shot but it was saved by an alert Mumbai City keeper Volpato. Then came the 58th minute, and following a cross, Belfort found a free Chopra in the six yard box and the striker scored to the joy of the Blasters fans, the first goal for Chopra in the history of the ISL.
But Mumbai City FC were not beaten just yet as they had one real chance to equalise through their substitute Sony Norde and though his shot beat Sandesh Jhingan and keeper Sandip Nandy, an alert Aaron Hughes saved the day for the Blasters, who gained from the return of their captain Hughes, who last week had faced world champions Germany in Hanover.
In the end the Kerala Blasters scored a deserving 1-0 win over Mumbai City FC to open their points tally in ISL-3, while Mumbai City FC are two winless matches will have to regroup to show their early season class.
Match Awards
Club award: Kerala Blasters FC
Amul Fittest Player of the Match: Josu Currais (Kerala Blasters FC)
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Kervens Belfort (Kerala Blasters FC)
Maruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Aaron Hughes (Kerala Blasters FC)
ISL Emerging Player of the Match: Aiborlang Khongjee (Mumbai City FC)
Hero of the Match: Michael Chopra (Kerala Blasters FC)
