Guwahati, 18 October 2026: Kerala Blasters FC succumbed to a 4-1 loss against NorthEast United FC on the 18th October, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. A brace from Alaaeddine Ajaraie and a goal each from Antonio Moyano and Aman CK ensured that the hosts walked away with all three points. Momo Yansane netted the solitary goal for the Blasters.
Following this loss, Blasters have dropped to the sixth position of the MG Indian Super League group table with three points and a goal difference of -1.
NorthEast dominate the proceedings
The game started with the Blasters’ touch, and right from the first whistle, it was NorthEast United FC who started on the front foot, making the best use of their home advantage. They kept the attacking intent high and kept knocking on the Blasters’ door in search of the opener. Their intent was rewarded early as Alaaeddine Ajaraie broke the deadlock in the 15th minute after winning a long ball that broke the Blasters’ defence.
The Blasters gradually caught up with the pace of the game and made their attempts to find the equaliser. Adrian Luna provided a teasing delivery inside the six-yard box off a short corner to Amey, who missed the goal by a whisker. On the other side, the hosts limited the opportunities for the Blasters while continuing to threaten on the counter, where Arsh made multiple key saves which kept the scoreline ticking at 0-1.
However, just as the game was heading towards the break, a defensive error from the Blasters led to NorthEast finding the back of the net for the second time, courtesy of Antonio Moyano, providing the Highlanders a positive end to the half.
Yansane goal falls short for the Blasters
Blasters stepped into the second half with two changes and with an intensified offensive intent. The addition of Korou injected attacking intent into the team and was influential in the final third. This paid dividends in the 60th minute, when Adrian Luna demonstrated his game awareness to flick a ball to Momo Yansane, who converted the swift attacking move with a composed strike into the bottom corner, providing Blasters with the wake-up call.
Blasters looked sharp from then on in the attack, with Freddy knocking on the opponent’s doors with his powerful long-range shots. Luna crafted the offensive initiatives after combining well with Momo and Green in the final third. However, the response from the hosts was immediate as Alaaeddine Ajaraie glided past the defence to slot in a curving ball to the second post to register his brace.
Aman CK scored the fourth for the Highlanders in the 82nd minute, driving the result beyond doubt, and at full time, the hosts walked off with all three points in the bag.
Full Time: NorthEast United FC 4-1 Kerala Blasters FC
The team will travel back to Kochi to face Mumbai City FC for their first home game of the season, scheduled for Sunday, 25th October, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi.
