Kerala Blasters started their pre-season tour of the United Arab Emirates ahead of the Indian Super League, on a cautious note, playing out a goalless draw against Dibba Al Fujairah at the Shabab Al Ahli Stadium in Dubai.
Head coach Eelco Schattorie fielded a relatively young playing XI, and played only three foreigners. Defender Sandesh Jhingan and midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad were away on national duty in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
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Schattorie employed a 4-3-2-1 format, with T.P. Rehenesh in the goal and Abdul Hakku, Jairo Rodrigues, Jessel Carneiro and Mohamed Rakip manning the defence. Sergio Cidoncha was the midfield general with support from Jeakson Singh and Samuel Lalmuanpuia, and Prashant K. and Halicharan Narzary playing on the wings.
Nigerian Bartholomew Ogbeche, who was at Northeast United last season along with coach Schattorie, was the lone striker.
The match was played at a good pace, with the Kerala outfit making several testing runs but the UAE-based club held firm.
Kerala Blasters will be up against Ajman Sports Club on September 12, for which Samad and Jhingan, who is suspected to have picked up a niggle in the 2-1 loss to Oman in the FIFA WC Qualifier, are expected to be available for selection.
