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Kerala Blasters finally broke their jinx as 20-year-old Mark Sifneos scored the first goal of ISL 2017 for Kerala Blasters in Indian Super League. Kerala Blasters started to attack from the start whistle and created some early chances.
Even though Kerala got many chances, they could not enjoy much success as Mumbai City FC equalised in the second half through Balwant Singh. Poor finishing cost Kerala Blasters two points in their third home game.
CK Vineeth, who had a poor game missed many chances and received a second-half red card for a second booking as he tried to win a penalty. Kerala Blasters would be disheartened to end their third consecutive game with a draw.
Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimarães said that he was happy with the reaction of his players. He said, "Last game against Pune they had conceded a last-minute goal, and today they started by conceding a goal but their reaction to the situation was great."
Guimarães further went on to praise his players for their fitness.
"Players struggled due to a lot of traveling, but they showed that they are in good shape," he said.
However, the Mumbai City FC coach did have a complaint about how hectic the schedule has become for his side.
"Fixture for us, in the beginning, was tough with 3 away games. It is unbelievable," he said.
Kerala Blasters coach René Meulensteen was disappointed with his third draw at the home, but was happy that the team showed improvement from last game. He said, "We created a lot of chances but lost our way with a lot of miss-passes. Lack of composure was the main reason for the chances that were missed."
Rene said, "It is hard to say that changes made by us created the chances for Mumbai. One mistake and one attack could find a goal for the opponents." Rene also added that when the team creates 10 chances and can't score more than a single goal, then it is a problem.
The Kerala coach further revealed that he had given star forward Dimitar Berbatov a free role. He said, "Berba was given a free role in the game as he is the guy who can read the game. He is a player who gets the ball easily and supplies it front. As he is over 30 he loses his explosiveness and in midfield, he can do better things."
Meulensteen concluded by giving updates on Rino Anto, who aggravated a groin problem in the first half, and on Mark Sifneos, who developed cramps towards the end of the game.
