Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa: Boris Singh's First-Half Strike Secures Victory for Gaurs in Kochi

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Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa: FC Goa clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday, marking their 50th clean sheet in Indian Super League (ISL) history.

Boris Singh's decisive strike in the 40th minute proved enough to secure all three points for the visitors in a tightly contested encounter. The match began with both sides locked in an intense midfield battle.

Kerala Blasters relied on homegrown talents Vibin Mohanan and Freddy Lallawmawma to challenge FC Goa's Carl McHugh-led midfield. The opening chance fell to FC Goa's Iker Guarrotxena, whose free-kick rattled the post, leaving the home crowd relieved but cautious.

Goa broke the deadlock late in the first half when Sahil Tavora sent a pinpoint pass to Boris Singh, who found himself in space on the right flank. Singh's shot from a narrow angle surprised everyone as Kerala goalkeeper Sachin Suresh failed to keep it out, gifting the Gaurs a vital lead.

Kerala came out strong in the second half, aiming to overturn the deficit. Kwame Peprah, brought on as part of Kerala's triple substitution in the 56th minute, created an immediate impact with a clever pass to Noah Sadaoui. However, the Moroccan's attempt to find Adrian Luna was thwarted by a crucial block from Akash Sangwan.

Despite Kerala's increasing pressure, Goa's backline, marshaled by Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia, held firm. Jhingan, in particular, put his body on the line to block a powerful shot from young substitute Korou Singh in the dying moments of the game.

Goa's head coach Manolo Marquez made late substitutions to freshen up his side, introducing Armando Sadiku, Borja Herrera, and Udanta Singh. The tactical adjustments allowed the Gaurs to maintain their defensive structure and see out the match.

FC Goa will next travel to Hyderabad to face Hyderabad FC on December 4. Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they take on arch-rivals Bengaluru FC on December 7.