Team Sheets –
NorthEast United FC XI: Tzorvas, Khongjee, Capdevila, Garcia (c), Gurung, Zodingliana, Felipe, Ngaihte, Keene, Boro, Koke
Kerala Blasters XI: James, Hengbart, McAllister, Chettri, Singh, Bag, Hossain, Orji (c), Pearson, Hume, Sabeeth
North East United SC began their ISL campaign on a winning note as they edged past a dominant Kerala Blasters side. Spaniard Koke scored at the stroke of the halftime for the Eastern boys.
NEUSC coached by Ricki Herbert lined up in an attacking formation of 4-4-1-1 with marquee Joan Capdevilla in left of back four. David James’ Kerala lined up in traditional English set up 4-4-2 with local lad CS Sabeeth and Ian Hume leading the charge.
The match began on a promising note as both the teams traded blows in the initial stage. Kerala got their best chance via Sabeeth in 25th minute only to be denied by NEUSC stopper Alexander Tzorvas. The home side got a few long shots via Durga but he scuffed his shot wide on both the occasions.
Finally the deadlock was broken as a smart throw by Khongjee which let in David Ngahite and he set up Koke for a simple half volley just 10 yards from the goal. The Spaniard took the opportunity and thumped the ball past the Englishman.
In second half it was all Kerala Blasters as they were searching for an equaliser. But some wayward finishing cost them dear. David James brought his compatriot and ace striker Micheal Chopra but he too showed his lack of match fitness as he lacked his usual sharpness. The visitors had best of chances when Tzorvas scuffed his goal kick to Micheal Chopra but he missed an open goal.
Yellow Blasters deserved to lose for not taking their gazillion chances while North East did just the opposite and walked away with all 3 points.
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