ISL 2019-20 | Can’t blame anyone for the draw, laments Ishfaq Ahamed
Kerala Blasters assistant coach Ishfaq Ahamed has lamented that they can't blame anyone for their disappointing draw against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. Ishfaq Ahmed further expressed his disappointment for conceding the goals despite dominating the game.
Kerala Blasters continued their five-match winless run after FC Goa scoring the equalizer in the final minutes to settle the scores 2-2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. Despite taking the lead twice and dominating the game Kerala could not seal the game. Moreover, Goa was down to 10-men and Kerala was close to finish the game for 2-1. But the Lenny Rodriguez goal changed all.
Kerala Blasters assistant coach Ishfaq Ahamed has lamented about the draw and hesitated to blame anyone. “There can be many reasons behind conceding late. Players get tired and tend to make mistakes. There are lapses in concentration. But today, we can’t blame anyone. We should have slowed the game down. That’s football for you. We are very disappointed. We were in control. First-half, they barely got any chances and in the second-half, TP (Rehenesh) barely had to make any saves.” Ishfaq Ahamed told reporters, ISL website reported.
Kerala Blasters took the lead in the second minute through a Sergio Cidoncha goal, However, FC Goa came back with Mourtada Fall header in the 41st minute who was subsequently red-carded in the second half before Messi Bouli put Kerala ahead again in the 59th minute.
“Goa is one team which dominates other teams but today we were the one dominating the game, even in the first-half when they were with 11 men. We were the better team today. You are always disappointed when you throw away a game you have dominated the way that we did today. We, especially the head coach, is very disappointed with the way we have been conceding goals. We need to show more maturity in these situations,” Ishfaq further added.
“Lack of concentration has been costing us points. Against Bengaluru FC, one mistake cost us three points. Today again, it was two points dropped. With the opportunities we got, we should have put the game to bed and ensured Goa couldn’t come back.” Ishfaq added.
The Gaurs, despite being down to 10 men, fought hard in the late minutes and pressed forward and Lenny Rodriguez found the nets in the injury time to share the spoils. “When you are a man down and losing, you have nothing to lose. In the last 10 minutes, they tried to press. We were still comfortable and had chances. We have been unlucky and it was the same today.” Ishfaq concluded.
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