Kerala Blasters Beat Mohammedan SC 3-1, Extend Unbeaten Run to Five

Goals from Francisco Feuillassier, Victor Bertomeu and Sreekuttan M S ensured all three points for the hosts, after Mahitosh Roy had briefly put the visitors ahead. Feuillassier was named the Player of the Match for his influential performance, according to a press release from AIFF Media.

The result sees Ashley Westwood's side move up to eighth in the standings with 14 points from 12 matches, while Mohammedan SC remain rooted to the bottom with just three points from 11 games.

Kerala Blasters began on the front foot, dominating possession and probing the Mohammedan defence from the outset. Midfielder Kevin Yoke was particularly influential down the left flank, repeatedly driving into attacking areas and creating opportunities.

The visitors, however, held firm early on, with goalkeeper Padam Chettri producing a string of impressive saves, including a sharp one-handed stop to deny Yoke's header midway through the half.

Despite Kerala's control, Mohammedan struck against the run of play in the 42nd minute. Mahitosh Roy won possession in midfield, surged forward and unleashed a powerful effort from almost 20 yards that flew into the top corner, giving the visitors a surprise lead.

The advantage was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Kerala responded through Feuillassier, who latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Yoke and finished calmly into the bottom corner to restore parity before the break.

Kerala Blasters resumed the second half with renewed intent, continuing to dictate the tempo. Their persistence paid off in the 58th minute when Yoke once again turned provider, delivering a precise cross for Bertomeu, who guided a composed header into the net to put the hosts ahead.

With momentum firmly on their side, Kerala continued to press for a third. Substitute Sreekuttan came close soon after, forcing a deflected effort onto the crossbar, while Mohammedan struggled to create meaningful chances at the other end.

The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Kerala extended their lead. A well-worked move saw Feuillassier lift a clever ball into the box, where Sreekuttan was perfectly positioned to tap home and make it 3-1.

Mohammedan's hopes of a comeback were effectively ended in the 86th minute when Amarjit Singh was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Reduced to 10 men, the visitors found it increasingly difficult to break down a well-organised Kerala defence.

The hosts managed the closing stages comfortably, maintaining possession and controlling the pace of the game to see out the victory.

- ANI