Ahead of Kerala Blasters FC's match against Hyderabad FC in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) at Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, the head coach of the home side Ivan Vukomanovic heaped praise on the opponents and said that they have a strong side.
The Blasters registered a 2-1 win over Bengaluru to get its season underway in a sublime fashion. While Kerala is on a high after the win, Jamshedpur FC will be eyeing its first win after it managed a goalless draw in an away game against East Bengal FC in its first outing of the season.
The committee also rejected Ivan Vukomanovic's appeal against the fine of Rs 5 lakh and a 10-game ban imposed on him. In both cases, the Appeal Committee upheld the earlier decisions of the Disciplinary Committee.
With a 4-1 win, Kochi ended Mumbai's hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals and managed to give the Kochi crowd a night to remember. Among the Kochi supporters in the stadium on Wednesday, was also a familiar face for all Kerala sports fans - the Kerala Blasters FC manager Ivan Vukomanovic.
Having finished fifth in the ISL standings, the Blasters will square of against fourth-placed Bengaluru FC, with a semi-final spot at stake. The winner will go on to face league shield winners Mumbai City FC in a two-legged semi-final
The Yellow Army have already cemented their place in the playoffs despite losing their last two away games. Vukomanovic has set his sights on claiming three points in their final league game as he is determined to maintain their winning streak at home and go into the playoffs with a posit
ATKMB need three points from their remaining two games to confirm qualification, and will be looking to escape the pressure of a scrap in the final Matchweek with FC Goa and Odisha FC, both within touching distance of them on the table. Earlier this week, ATKMB failed to register a win for a
The Yellow Army would be looking to secure the third spot finish with Simon Grayson's men hot on their tails in fourth position in the ISL points table. Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan would be looking to cement their playoffs with an opportunity to jump to third position with a victory.
A win for the Blasters will confirm their qualification for the playoffs, while the Blues have a chance to pull further clear of Odisha FC in the skirmish for sixth place.
The win put Kerala Blasters four points ahead of FC Goa and ATK Mohun Bagan in third place in the ISL standings. Vukomanovic breathed a huge sigh of relief and believes they are now in a much better position
Despite just one win in the last four matches, Kerala Blasters FC is well-placed to reach the playoffs but the Serbian cautioned his team not to take their position on the table for granted.
East Bengal FC is currently ninth on the table and ten points shy of the final playoff spot. Last week, the Torch Bearers scored two second-half goals but ended up losing 4-2 against FC Goa. With an eye on next season, East Bengal FC is in search of their second win at home this season in wh