Kerala Blasters have not lost a game this season in which Dimitrios Diamantakos scored. It was not to be any different on Wednesday as they conquered a rusty Mohun Bagan 1-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in the Indian Super League (ISL). It was the Manjappada's first victory over the Kolkata outfit.
The in-form Kochi team was so dominant that Mohun Bagan couldn't register a single shot in the opening half. They dominated possession but had no chance against the Kerala defence led by Marko Leskovic.
Diamantakos, meanwhile, needed just 9 minutes to beat Vishal Kaith to score. It helped him to get ahead of his former colleague Jorge Pereyra Diaz in the Golden Boot race.
However, Bagan came back well in the second half, launching waves of attacks at the KBFC goal face. Leskovic and Milos Drincic were constantly threatened by Dimitri Petratos and co till the final whistle. However, the away side stood strong and defended in numbers to ensure their lead remained intact. KBFC fell deep for the lion's share of the second-half -- going forward only when less-risky counter-attack opportunities came knocking.
Blasters winger Rahul KP picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge in the final minute of the added time. He will miss the next game.
Table toppers KBFC now have 26 games from 12 games -- 3 more than FC Goa, who have three games in hand.
Kerala Blasters vs Mohun Bagan: Recent results :
- MB 2-1 KBFC (Feb, 2023)
- KBFC 2-5 MB (Feb, 2022)
- MB 4-2 KBFC (Nov, 2021)
- MB 3-2 KBFC (Jan, 2021)
