Super Cup 2019: Amarjit Singh brace sends Kerala Blasters packing

An impressive display by the AIFF's developmental team ended Kerala Blasters' hopes of ending their football season on a high...
An Amarjit Singh brace (39', 77') helped Indian Arrows outclass a lacklustre Kerala Blasters in second 2019 Super Cup qualifier on Friday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Matej Polatnik was chosen to lead the line for Kerala Blasters as Nelo Vingada opted to pick only four foreign players in the starting lineup. Sandesh Jhingan played right-back, Anas Edathodika and Nemanja Lakic-Pesic lined up as the central defenders with Dheeraj Singh in goal.

Rahul KP, Khumantham Meetei and Lalengmawia featured in the Arrows attack. Jitendra Singh and Anwar Ali played centre-back with Prabhsukhan Gill in goal.

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Arrows were keen to dominate with the ball at their feet and attempted to thread passes from back to front right from the off. A well-timed run by Khumantham Meetei down the right flank caught Pritam Singh unaware early in the first half but his low cross into the box went past an unsure Rahul Praveen at the far post.

It was Kerala Blasters that went close first when Slavisa Stojanovic latched onto a long ball and cut inside from the left flank. The Serbian forward's curling strike was kept out by a diving Prabhsukhan Gill.

The match remained evenly poised as the first half wore on. Sahal Abdul Samad's dazzling quick feet were on display in the 16th minute when the midfielder dribbled past a crowd of Arrows defenders into the box but his shot was saved by Gill.

Boris Thangjam beat his marker near the byline on the right flank and deliver a good cross into the box but Anas Edathodika's timely interception denied Lalengmawia who was waiting for a tap-in.

Arrows' intent to keep pushing forward got its reward in the 39th minute. Khumantham lost his marker and crossed into the box from the right for an unmarked Amarjit Singh who dispatched the ball into the net.

Sahal continued to make good forays into the Arrows' box but couldn't find the net. An mazy dribbled into the box by the Kerala midfielder after the break was halted by Anwar Ali and loose ball was hit straight at Gill by Poplatnik.

Kerala Blasters' struggled to create a clear-cut chances throughout the second-half. Sahal was at the end of another loose ball inside the box but his powerful volley, like other shots by his teammates, ended up as easy saves for the goalkeeper.

An Anas Edathodika brain fart in the 77th minute allowed Arrows to double their lead. Poplatnik miscued a clearance from a corner back towards his own goal and the Kerala-born defender punched it out with his hand. After Anas received his marching orders, Amarjit Singh steppted up and sent Dheeraj the wrong way to seal a convincing win for Arrows and set up a Round of 16 fixture against FC Goa on March 30.