Kerala Blasters FC, NorthEast United FC share spoils in a pulsating stalemate
Noah kept pushing for the opening goal as he once again dropped a shoulder and rifled an effort from outside the box but it was a whisker away from nestling into the top corner. The momentum of the game gradually shifted towards the Highlanders as Jithin MS made a surging run forward before releasing Guillermo Fernandez in space near the penalty box. With only the keeper to beat, the Spaniard scuffed his shot wide.
A couple of minutes later, Guillermo and Ajaraei combined before the latter hammered a grounded effort which forced Sachin Suresh to come up with a sensational save before it brushed off the post.
At the start of the second half, Mikael Stahre turned to Kwame Peprah to replace Alexandre Coeff as he wanted to add more guile to the attack. Kerala Blasters FC started the second essay brightly with Rahul KP getting more involved in play for them. The winger had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock following Vibin Mohanan’s freekick which got deflected and fell right into Rahul’s path in the penalty area. Unfortunately, his effort couldn’t test Gurmeet Singh in goal.
However, NorthEast United FC made them pay courtesy of a goal from Ajaraei in the 58th minute. The Moroccan struck a free-kick straight on goal and on any other day, Sachin would gather it with ease. But the young goalkeeper faltered with his collection as the ball crossed the line, awarding NorthEast United FC with the opening goal.
Things became slightly more difficult for the hosts when Asheer Akhtar was given the marching orders in the 82nd minute for a reckless tackle on Noah. Kerala Blasters tried taking full advantage of the situation as Aimen almost came close to scoring twice in quick succession. One opportunity saw him go past an on-rushing Gurmeet only to get denied by a tackle from Michel Zabaco.
Key Performer of the Match: Vibin Mohanan (Kerala Blasters)
Vibin had a sensational outing as he controlled the tempo in the middle for the visitors. He created two chances while completing 39 out of his 46 attempted passes. He also registered two interceptions and a solitary clearance on the night.
What next for both teams?
NorthEast United FC will clash against FC Goa next on October 4 whereas Kerala Blasters will hit the road to face Odisha FC in Bhubaneswar on October 3.
Brief Scores: NorthEast United 1 (Alaeddine Ajaraei 58’) – 1 Kerala Blasters FC (Noah Sadaoui 67’).
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