Jesus Jimenez Nunez scores Kerala Blasters’ first goal against Chennaiyin FC in an ISL match in Chennai on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: R. RAGU
A zestful Kerala Blasters FC had an easy win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.
The visitor downed a 10-man Chennaiyin FC 3-1 in an Indian Super League fixture thanks to goals from Jesus Jimenez, Korou Singh and Kwame Peprah.
Jimenez’s third-minute goal was just the start of a rather enjoyable evening for the vociferous away crowd.
The Spaniard was the first to react after the ball ricocheted into an open area after a tussle between P.C. Laldinpuia and Korou. The forward turned and sent in a right-footer to the bottom-left corner from an acute angle.
Wilmar Jordan Gil being given the marching orders in the 37th minute — for making contact with Milos Drincic off the ball — was just the opening KBFC needed to drive home the advantage.
The tourist bulged the same part of the CFC net once again after Korou’s shot took a deflection off Mandar Rao Dessai just before half-time.
Blasters showed no signs of slowing down as Peprah’s volley right in front of goal off Adrian Luna’s cross was enough to beat Chennaiyin custodian Mohammad Nawaz once again.
Vincy Barretto scoring in added time proved just a consolation as CFC did not have enough time to prevent its first loss against KBFC at home.
T.G. Purushothaman’s side now has 24 points from 19 games (eighth).
A similar performance in its next five league games will give KBFC a chance to make it to the playoffs. That ship has probably sailed for Chennaiyin (18 points).
The result: Chennaiyin FC 1 (Barretto 90+1) lost to Kerala Blasters FC 3 (Jimenez 3, Korou 45+3, Peprah 56).
Published – January 30, 2025 10:16 pm IST
