GUWAHATI: Kerala Blasters shared points with NorthEast United FC following a gripping 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, September 29, 2024.
After a goalless first half, Alaeddine Ajaraei’s 58th minute goal from a free-kick was equalised by Noah Sadaoui’s stunning strike in the 67th minute as the Kerala Blasters FC salvaged a crucial point on the road.
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 that 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.
Despite the goal, the visitors kept pushing forward in search of the equaliser. Noah with his mazy runs caused a lot of problems for the Highlanders’ defence. Kerala Blasters FC were eventually rewarded in the 67th minute when substitute Mohammed Aimen released Noah just outside the box. The Moroccan superstar glided through a crowd of defenders before rifling his shot into the bottom left corner, beating Gurmeet completely in the process.
Vibin Mohanan of Kerala Blasters was adjudged the Key Performer of the Match.
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.
(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)
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