Blasters sign off with a win at home, edge Mumbai 1-0

KOCHI: Mumbai City FC paid the price for defending deeply in the first half as Kerala Blasters beat them by a solitary goal in their final home game here at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, on Friday.
The match remained scoreless in the first half. In the 52nd minute, Kwame Peprah scored the decisive goal. Despite the loss, Mumbai is still in the running to earn a playoff spot. They just need a point in their final game against Bengaluru FC to secure the playoff berth.
In the 10th minute, Mumbai's Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte made a significant attempt to break through the Blasters' defence. After moving past three rival players, Chhangte struck a powerful shot with his left foot from the box's perimeter, but it struck the crossbar.
In the 17th minute, Blasters captain Luna opted for a short free kick from the left side, with the ball gradually moving towards the right flank. Aibanbha Dohling delivered a cross to Drincic, who managed a header, but the attempt went directly to Mumbai's goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa. Apart from these two opportunities, the first half failed to provide any excitement.
Seven minutes into the second half, Peprah broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Mumbai's defence faltered when Thaer Krouma failed to clear his line and conceded the ball to Peprah. The Blasters' forward, from the right, struck a powerful shot past goalkeeper Lachenpa at the near post to put his side ahead.
Blasters brought Noah Sadaoui onto the pitch in the 72nd minute to replace Peprah. The Moroccan striker was absent from action for nearly a month after suffering an injury during training. In the 90th minute, Sadaoui unleashed a long-range effort, but Lachenpa produced an excellent save to prevent the goal.