In a pre-season friendly that sent shockwaves through the Kerala Blasters camp, the Indian Super League (ISL) side suffered a resounding 0-6 defeat at the hands of Emirati outfit Al Wasl FC. The match, which took place at Dubai’s Zabeel Stadium, showcased the vast difference in performance between the two teams on Saturday.
From the early moments of the game, it became evident that Al Wasl FC was not going to show any mercy. Nicolas Jimenez and Adama Diallo, in particular, were the tormentors-in-chief as they each netted a brace, propelling their team to a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime.
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The Kerala Blasters, under the guidance of coach Ivan Vukomanovic, had fielded a starting XI that included notable names like Adrian Luna, Marko Leskovic, and the newly acquired signing, Pritam Kotal. However, the star-studded lineup failed to deliver when it mattered most.
The first half was an absolute onslaught by Al Wasl, with Nicolas Jimenez opening the scoring in the 16th minute. His predatory instincts were on full display as he found the net again just six minutes later, leaving the Blasters defence in disarray.
The misery continued for Kerala Blasters as Adama Diallo joined the scoring spree, finding the back of the net in the 19th and 38th minutes, effectively putting the game out of reach for the visitors.
Despite the halftime break providing a brief respite for the struggling Kerala Blasters, the second half did little to change the course of the match. Al Wasl FC continued to press forward, displaying their attacking prowess. Siaka Sidibe added to Kerala’s woes by adding a fifth goal in the 60th minute.
Rabih Salmin delivered the final blow in the 79th minute, capping off a nightmarish evening for the Kerala Blasters’ defence. With this goal, the Emirati side secured a comprehensive 6-0 victory, leaving Kerala Blasters searching for answers.
This defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for Kerala Blasters as they prepare for the upcoming ISL season. It highlights the need for the team to address defensive vulnerabilities and improve overall coordination on the field.
While pre-season friendlies are often seen as opportunities to fine-tune strategies and evaluate players, the margin of defeat against Al Wasl FC raises concerns. Coach Vukomanovic will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him in the coming weeks as he seeks to rectify the issues exposed in this match.
