Kerala Blasters edge past SAI, in final
Kerala Blasters entered the final of the U- 18 Youth League, beating SAI ( Kolkata) 2- 1 in the first semifinal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Thursday.
In a close contest, Kerala took the lead through Abdullah K. S. in the 39th minute which was cancelled out just two minutes later by Injaman Molla. However, Abdullah struck again early in the second- half to ensure his team’s progress to the final.
Kerala were rewarded for their persistent efforts when Abdullah found the back of the net in the 39th minute. The winger received a well- timed pass from Yashin Malik before rounding SAI custodian Tuhin Goswami to give Kerala the lead.
SAI soon pulled themselves back into the fray when Molla put the ball past Ayush Das from inside the box just two minutes later.
With parity restored, SAI increased their pressure and attacked the rival goal, going close on a few occasions. Kerala, however, hung in with determination and resolve in the face of relentless pressure as the first- half ended 1- 1.
SAI goalkeeper Goswami made a series of saves to deny Adarsh, Badusha, Yasin and Abdullah time and again early in the second half.
However, he couldn’t hold Kerala off forever and as the clock headed for the 50th minute mark Abdullah pounced on a loose ball to give his side the lead for the second time.
Kerala, thereafter, continued to attack the rival goal and had a couple of close chances. First, Yasin skied his attempt from close before Muhammed Arfas had a long- range effort saved by Tuhin.
SAI battled hard towards the end looking for an equaliser but Kerala held to their advantage and will now wait for the winner of the Shillong Lajong- East Bengal semi- final.