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The Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC play out an exciting and thrilling goalless draw in the Southern ISL derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday night.
The draw harms the Kerala Blasters efforts to reach the semifinals, while Chennaiyin FC look more and more set for the playoffs.
Raphael Augusto had the first attempt at goal in the 4th minute, but no problem for Paul Rachubka. At the other end, first the lively Jackichand Singh and then Courage Pekuson for the Blasters had their chances, but Chennaiyin FC keeper Karanjit Singh was upto the task and made timely saves.
On the half hour mark Dimitar Berbatov, who had in midfield on the night, showed his old class as after a Blasters corner, Karanjit only got the ball as far as the Bulgarian, whose on target shot was deflected out by Dhanpal Ganesh.
The best chance of the first 45 minutes fell late in the half to the guests as Jeje Lalpekhlua was found free but his shot went wide of the goal. It was goalless at the break.
The Blaster got a penalty in the 52nd minute as Gudjon Baldvinsson was brought down by Jerry Lalrinzuala inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Courage Pekuson took the resultant penalty but Karanjit Singh made a quality save to deny the hosts the lead.
Thereafter both teams continued to have their chances, but they would not score on the night as Chennaiyin FC take a valuable point home from the southern derby as the Blasters could miss the playoffs by not winning tonight.
MATCH AWARDS
Club Award: Kerala Blasters FC & Chennaiyin FC
Swift Limitless Player: Karanjit Singh (Chennaiyin FC)
DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Rene Mihelic (Chennaiyin FC)
Amul Fittest Player: Henrique Sereno (Chennaiyin FC)
Emerging Player: Lalruatthara (Kerala Blasters FC)
Hero of the Match: Karanjit Singh (Chennaiyin FC)
