Kerala Blasters FC secured their first win of the season as they beat Hyderabad FC 2-0 in Match 40 of Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21 at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim last night.

Abdul Hakku and Jordan Murray were on target for the Kochi-based club as they went into the match without the seasoned trio of Costa Nhamoinesu, Bakary Kone and Gary Hooper.

Kerala Blasters came close to opening the scoring in the 11th minute after Hyderabad fullback Asish Rai lost possession to Sahal Abdul Samad. The midfielder lined up to take the shot but a crucial block from Odei Onaindia prevented Sahal from a shot on goal. Nishu Kumar had a half chance of his own five minutes later but his low shot was safely collected by Subrata Paul. At the other end, Hyderabad had a chance to take the lead after Aridane Santana fired his shot straight to the Kerala goalkeeper Albino Gomes.

Hakku repaid the faith put in him by Kibu Vicuna and scored the opener for Kerala in the 29th minute. The Indian headed in a corner to give his side the lead. Hyderabad came close to equalising just before half time after a well-worked move ended in Santana poking Mohammed Yasir’s pass just wide of the target.

Kerala continued their attacking forays in the second half with a string of chances but failed to make the opportunities pay. Vicente Gomez almost doubled his side’s lead within the first minute but the Spaniard’s shot was well caught by the Hyderabad custodian.

K.P. Rahul then forced Subrata into a brilliant save in the 58th minute. A few minutes later, Murray received the ball in the middle of the park and made a run into the opponents’ box but the Australian couldn’t utilise the opportunity.

Chasing the equaliser, Halicharan Narzary came close but the winger flashed his shot over the crossbar. In the 86th minute, Albino kept his side in the match after making a crucial save to deny Hero ISL debutant Fran Sandaza. Hyderabad rued their missed chance, with Kerala sealing the win on the transition.

Murray scored with a pin-point finish in the 88th minute. The ball found its way to Murray after coming off Adil Khan and the Aussie buried the ball into the net without any fuss to help Kerala Blasters to their first win while condemning Hyderabad to their second consecutive loss of the season.

Hero of the Match: Jeakson Singh (Kerala Blasters FC); DHL Winning Pass of the Match: Facundo Pereyra (Kerala Blasters FC).