ISL 2024-25: 10-man Kerala Blasters Maintain Stalemate Against NorthEast United
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Synopsis
In a tightly contested match, Kerala Blasters FC held NorthEast United FC to a goalless draw at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the Blasters showcased exceptional defensive skills to secure a valuable point.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Blasters FC held NorthEast United FC to a goalless draw.
- The match took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
- Aibanbha Dohling received a red card, leaving the Blasters with 10 men.
- Both teams had opportunities but failed to convert.
- The Blasters' defense was instrumental in securing the point.
Kochi, Jan 18 (NationPress) Kerala Blasters FC managed to hold NorthEast United FC to a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi during the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday.
The home side displayed remarkable defensive skills to keep the Highlanders at bay, securing a point despite being reduced to 10 players for over 60 minutes.
Jithin MS, who netted his first goal of the season in the previous match, almost put the Highlanders ahead with a shot from a corner delivered by Mohammed Bemammer. Unfortunately, his attempt went high and wide in the 12th minute.
Just three minutes later, Noah Sadaoui, a star for Kerala Blasters FC, tried a similar shot from outside the penalty area, but it veered off target. Shortly after, the Kochi team initiated an offensive play in the Highlanders' defensive zone, but Noah's run was mistimed, resulting in an offside call.
The match took a crucial turn in the 30th minute when Aibanbha Dohling of Kerala Blasters FC was shown a red card for violent conduct, granting the Highlanders, who are the league's joint-top scorers (31 goals), an excellent opportunity to capitalize on their numerical advantage.
As the first half approached its conclusion, Alaaeddine Ajaraie received a pass from Macarton Nickson outside the box and unleashed a left-footed shot, which was blocked by the Kerala Blasters FC defense. Bekey Oram kept the Highlanders' hopes alive, finding Ajaraie within the 18-yard area, but the striker's attempt was saved at the top left corner by Sachin Suresh, the goalkeeper for Kerala Blasters FC.
Noah ensured a strong start for the home side in the second half by collaborating with Milos Drincic to challenge the NorthEast United FC defense. His powerful right-footed shot was saved by Gurmeet Singh.
In response, NorthEast United FC saw Guillermo Fernández and Buanthanglun Samte combining near the box, where Samte found space on the left but missed the target with a shot in the 56th minute.
Twelve minutes later, Nestor Albiach set up Ajaraie outside the box, but instead of building up the attack, the forward chose to shoot from inside the box, sending the ball high over the net.
In the 82nd minute, Fernandez had a prime opportunity to score from inside the box, but the well-organized Kerala Blasters FC defense collectively thwarted the threat, securing a hard-fought point with a draw.
