Kerala Blasters secured their maiden win of the ongoing Indian Super League as they defeated Hyderabad FC by 2-0 at GMC stadium, Bambolim on Sunday. Abdul Hakku scored the opening goal of the match when he scored a cracking header from the corner in the 29th minute of the game.
Subsequently, Jordan Murray scored the second goal for the team to secure the win for the team. In fact, the team was without the services of players like Costa Nhamoinesu, Bakary Kone and Gary Hooper. However, players like Sandeep Singh, Abdul Hakku and Jordan Murray were able to deliver the goods.
Kerala Blasters head coach Kibu Vicuna was satisfied with the performance of his team and gave credit to the player’s training in the last couple of weeks. Vicuna also revealed that Costa Nhamoinesu, Bakary Kone and Gary Hooper were not fit to play due to their respective injuries.
“They have different injuries and they were not ready to play tonight. But I am very happy with the performances of Abdul Hakku, Sandeep (Singh) and Jordan (Murray). They played very well. I am satisfied because we played well against a team that is playing very well this season. We played a good match and we deserved to win tonight. “We are happy because in the last 2-3 weeks, we are training better and we are seeing the results of these [training sessions],” Vicuna said
The Blasters had played six matches before this game, out of which they lost three games and drew as many. However, the Blasters were able to come up with a complete performance against Hyderabad FC. Vicuna revealed that the aim was to press from behind against a quality team like Hyderabad.
“It was important (to press high) because Hyderabad is a team that plays well from behind. We pressed well and created some difficulties for Hyderabad especially because they have good players playing from behind,” explained Vicuna.
Kerala Blasters will look to build some momentum in the coming matches and this win will add confidence to their players. The Blasters will next lock horns against table toppers Mumbai City FC on 2nd of January at GMC Stadium, Bambolim.
