Kerala Blasters beat Army Green to qualify for quarterfinals

The Kerala Blasters (KBFC) blanked Army Green Football Team (AGFT) 2-0 in their Group B competition to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup here at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Wednesday.

Led by Muhammed Aimen (25 minutes) and Aritra Das (45+3 minutes) goals, KBFC exhibited dominance throughout the match to cruise into the knockout rounds of the tournament.

KBFC got off on a brilliant note and took control of the midfield with Vibin Mohanan and Muhammed Azhar, who have been consistently good in the tournament, calling the shots. They found the attacking foursome of Ajsal, Gaurav, Aimen, and Roshan from time to time and were creating pressure on the Army defence.

The first goal came from such a move involving Roshan, Ajsal, and Aimen. Roshan carried the ball from the right and found Ajsal in the middle who found Aimen on the left wing. Muhammed Aimen unleashed an exquisite right-footed curler into the top left corner to give the Blasters the lead.

The youngsters of KBFC have made a habit of scoring wonderful goals all throughout the tournament and the second goal was one such. In stoppage time, Aritra Das carried the ball down the left wing, entered the box, and struck a bullet of a shot into the top corner. Army keeper Rolua Puia was left stunned.

Army Green was good in patches with PC Lallawmkima making some good runs inside the box. The best chance for them came from a counter attack that was wasted by Gautam Singh from a pass by Chabin Rabha.

AGFT began the second half with more intent and pressed high with fresh legs introduced by him.