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  ISL 2: Kerala Blasters hold hosts Mumbai City FC

ISL 2: Kerala Blasters hold hosts Mumbai City FC

IRFAN HAJI
Published : Nov 27, 2015, 6:59 am IST
Updated : Nov 27, 2015, 6:59 am IST

Mumbai City and Kerala Blasters played out a 1-1 stalemate in the Indian Super League at DY Patil Stadium here on Thursday.

Antonio German of Kerala Blasters FC runs to celebrate his goal. (Photo: ISL)
 Antonio German of Kerala Blasters FC runs to celebrate his goal. (Photo: ISL)

Mumbai City and Kerala Blasters played out a 1-1 stalemate in the Indian Super League at DY Patil Stadium here on Thursday. Both bottom placed teams who were in a must-win situation to hope for the playoffs now may have to play only for pride.

Mumbai City remain seventh with 13 points while Kerala Blasters are at the bottom with 12 points in as many games. Juan Aguilera’s 25th minute goal was cancelled out by late strike from Antonio German.

Nicolas Anelka expectedly benched himself to focus on tactics, and Mumbai’s forwards played with much more freedom.

In a must win game both sides indulged in cagey play in the first half. Josu Currias’ first attempt on goal in the ninth minute teased goalkeeper Subrata Paul but went just wide.

Subash Singh had then a chance to put the hosts ahead but his attempt was deflected by goalkeeper Sandip Nandy. On the ensuing corner kick from Sony Norde, Nandy stepped forward to parry it only to find Aguilera near the edge of the box. The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder wasted no time to unleash a scorcher which deflected into roof of the net.

Mumbai City’s first goal after three matches was enough to infuse some life in the game and their fans. It was Aguilera’s first ISL goal.

Nine minutes later, the visitors had a chance to claw their way back when Chris Dagnall dribbled his way into the box and deceived Paul but the angle had become too narrow for him allowing Pavel Cmovs to clear it easily. A minute later, German had a chance but lost his footing.

The visitors kept pressing and German looked threatening but couldn’t make his chances count. Joao Coimbra also squandered one opportunity as the hosts were under the pump.

Mumbai City created a couple of good chances on the counter but Sunil Chhetri was too late on the finish once and later his smart assist was put wide by Subash.

Currias’ free-kick was just just kept out by Majumder. Mohd Rafi came in and the visitors tried to search for the equaliser with set piece play but it wasn’t working.

The hosts had things under control until German scored after a faulty clearance from a defender found him inside the box. The English striker slotted it into the far corner in the 89th minute.