ISL 2019-20 HIGHLIGHTS: Kerala Blasters' 2nd half comeback falls just short, FC Goa win it late

DESPITE A COMEBACK in the second half, Kerala Blasters failed to hold FC Goa away from home; losing a highly contested encounter 3-2 in ISL 2019-20 on Saturday night.

The Round 14 encounter at Fatorda stadium began with the home team dominating the proceedings. The Gaurs consistently created chances and exploited some of the errors the Blasters defence' made. 26 minutes in, Hugo Boumous fired into the net from a pass set up by Mandar Rao Dessai. Just before half time, the lead was doubled by Jackichand Singh, assisted by Corominas.

After the break, Kerala Blasters made some adjustments to their game and went all out to overcome the deficit. Minutes into the secon half, Ogbeche set up Raphael Bouli for their first goal. Then, about 70 minutes in, Ogbeche himself got on the scoresheet. KBFC were back in the game; it was 2-2.

Sensing that the momentum had swung their way, head coach Eelco Schattorie went for the kill in final twenty minutes. But FC Goa ran with a chance they got late in the game; Jahouh found Hugo Boumous in a scoring position and the latter found the net, ensuring victory for the home team.

Watch the highlights of the match right here courtesy the ISL youtube channel...

Kerala Blasters were showing signs of recovery of late but this is their second loss on the trot. Despite the fight in the second half, it's becoming a concerning situation; they are at a stage where they cannot afford to drop points. They came close to a win at Goa; and had they managed to secure it, they would have been right back in the top four race. But now they have fallen behind; with 14 points from 14 matches, seven points removed from fourth placed Odisha FC. With just four matches left in the league stage, it's hard to see them close that gap.

FC Goa, however, will breathe a sigh of relief; had they dropped points in this game it would have been a major setback in the race to top the points table. They are now at the top of the table with 27 points from 14 matches, two points ahead of second placed Bengaluru FC. Securing a win at home is also a leg up to their confidence ahead of their trip to Bhubaneswar to take on another top four contender; which is unlikely to be an easy evening at work.