Hero Super Cup: NEROCA's three quick goals stun Kerala Blasters to make the quarter final
IN THE LAST of the Round of 16 matches Kerala Blasters FC faced NEROCA FC. Things did set up per the plan for NEROCA as they fell behind just after the tenth minute mark. Gouramangi, the experienced defender committed a foul in the penalty box to give away a spot kick to the Blasters. Victor Pulga stepped up and scored to give his side the lead.
Prasanth was a player that was very actively involved on the ball from the start. And it was his shot that was saved by Thapa by the finger tips. Only that effort was the closest any team came to scoring in the first half.
The second half saw Pekuson presented with a chance on the counter attack. From the half line, he saw Thapa off his box and attempted to score with a long range effort. The shot turned out to be well off target. Prashant doubled Kerala Blasters’ lead minutes later when Pekuson slid in a great ball across the face of goal to set the shot.
NEROCA started pressing and winning the ball after conceding the second goal. In one such corner, Junior produced a shot on target. A corner was headed straight on goal by Junior by Paul made a reflex save to palm the ball over the bar. NEROCA got their reward when Junior brought down
Vineeth put the ball in the back of the net but was flagged offside. Williams headed a cross sweetly past Paul to get level on the scoreline. And not long after the equaliser the referee awarded a penalty for a handball in the box. Chidi converted the penalty kick and NEROCA were leading the game for the first time with seven minutes remaining on the clock.
NEROCA could have had a fourth when Williams produced a stinging shot from inside the box in the added time but Paul made an equally good save to deny him. The final score read 2-3 in NEROCA’s favour as the Manipuri side came back from two goals down to make it to the quarter finals.
