Kerala Blasters share spoils in 1-1 draw at Guwahati

Kerala Blasters FC and North East United FC played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. Both teams deployed balanced formations, ensuring a tactical battle right from the start.
Kerala Blasters began the match strongly, with Noah Sadaoui testing North East’s goalkeeper Gurmeet in the 3rd minute. Danish Farooq soon created another opportunity for Noah, but the Blasters couldn’t capitalize early. North East United responded with pressure of their own, earning consecutive corners but failing to convert. The first half remained even, with both sides unable to break the deadlock, leaving it 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Kerala Blasters made an early substitution, bringing on Kwame Peprah for Alexandre Coeff to add more attacking options. However, North East United took the lead in the 57th minute through a set-piece, with Ajarae capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Blasters to score past Sachin Suresh.
Kerala Blasters responded quickly, with Noah Sadaoui equalizing in the 67th minute following clever play by Vibin. As the game intensified, both teams pushed for a winning goal. Drama unfolded in the 81st minute when North East’s Asheer Akhtar was shown a red card for a harsh sliding challenge on Noah, leaving North East United with 10 men. Kerala Blasters pressed forward to take advantage, but despite creating chances, they were unable to find a late winner.
Adrian Luna, making his first appearance in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, brought fresh energy to the attack. He linked up well with Mohammed Aimen, who came close to scoring in the 90th minute, only to have his shot blocked. Kwame Peprah then unleashed a powerful strike in stoppage time, but Gurmeet’s save kept the score level. The match ended 1-1, with both sides taking a point from the hard-fought contest.
Kerala Blasters are set to face Odisha FC on 3rd October at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. With 4 points already on the board, the Blasters will aim to strengthen their position with a vital away victory.

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