Kochi, Dec 9 (IANS) Iain Hume's 23rd minute strike from a free-kick helped Kerala Blasters FC edge FC Pune City 1-0 and enter the semi-finals of the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament here Tuesday.
The home side were on the back foot for major periods of the game as the visitors played with more attacking intent.
Kerala survived a scare early on when Jermaine Pennant received the ball on the left and drilled a low cross across the box which evaded the defence and Dudu Omagbemi who failed to tap it in.
However, Kerala took the lead when Hume stepped up to take a free-kick on the right and curled it brilliantly past the wall and goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya for what would proved to be the matchwinner.
Following the goal, it was Pune City all the way as they pushed forward constantly in search of the equaliser.
Dudu was guilty of missing a few half chances as Franco Colomba's men attacked with purpose. Sandip Nandy in the Kerala goal also came to the rescue time and again to keep his side afloat.
The win takes Kerala up to third spot with 19 points and they qualify for the semi-finals.
Pune on the other hand exit the competition with 16 points.