Super Cup: Kerala leave it late against 10-man Rajasthan

Bambolim: Given their depth and quality, Kerala Blasters FC should have cruised past Rajasthan United FC in their Super Cup opener at the Athletic Stadium, Bambolim, on Thursday.
Instead, the Indian Super League (ISL) side needed an 87th-minute header from Koldo Obieta to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win against the I-League opposition, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half.
Kerala had the edge right from kick off but could have conceded an unlikely own-goal after defender Bikash Yumnam’s attempted clearance went just over the crossbar.
Coach David Catala fielded Spaniard Koldo as Kerala’s lone striker upfront, with captain Adrian Luna providing support. They could not break down a disciplined Rajasthan defence in the opening quarter, and needed a set piece for their first real threat as Danish Farooq went close from a corner.
At the other end, Rajasthan played to coach Vikrant Sharma’s plan and were strong in midfield with Ebenezer Amoh and Abdul Hudu in control. The Ghanaian duo was effective in stopping the rival flow but could not create openings for Colombian forward Robinson Blandon.
Rajasthan’s first real chance came in the second session when Robinson unleashed a powerful half volley which fell straight into the gloves of Nora Fernandes.
In the 53rd minute, Rajasthan were reduced to 10 men after defender Gursimrat Singh Gill was surprisingly shown a direct red card for pulling back Nihal Sudeesh on the edge of the box.
Luna’s resultant freekick didn’t fetch anything and coach Catala was forced into a double substitution as he introduced pacy Noah Sadaoui and Freddy Lallawmawma.
With a numerical advantage and Noah’s pace on the wing, it appeared Kerala would breeze through. Instead, it were Rajasthan who could hurt their counterparts when Adbul combined well with Pangambam Meitei and the latter sent in a dangerous low cross, but Robinson couldn’t connect.
With three minutes left to be played, Kerala got the much-needed breakthrough when an unmarked Koldo guided Juan Rodriguez’s long cross past keeper Bhabindra Thakuri.
Rajasthan did have chances to equalise but Joseph Lalvenhima’s curler missed narrowly.
Then, Kerala went close with Lalthanmawia Renthlei’s weak volley which hit the upright.
Experienced Harmanjot Singh Khabra, who came on as a late substitute, almost cost Rajasthan another goal after a poor back pass. Koldo intercepted the ball, but his effort was cleared on the goalline by centre-back Abdul Ango.
Rajasthan didn’t give up till the end and came close as Nora palmed over a header by Akashdeep Singh.
Action followed even after the final whistle as Rajasthan’s Shafeel PP and Lalthanmawia almost exchanged blows after an on-field incident. Referee Aditya Purkayastha managed to get the situation under control, gave the duo some time to cool off, and called them back for a caution.