ISL: NorthEast United thrash Kerala Blasters 4-1 in Guwahati

NorthEast United FC beat Kerala Blasters 4-1 in the Indian Super League at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, October 18, with striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie scoring twice.

Ajaraie struck in the 15th and 70th minutes, Antonio Moyano scored in first-half stoppage time and debutant Aman CK added the fourth in the 82nd minute. Yansane scored the visitors' goal.

Early breakthrough

The hosts went ahead in the 15th minute when Eneko Satrustegui's pass sent Ajaraie through on goal. The Moroccan went round Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Anwer and slotted in.

Arsh kept Kerala in the game by turning Jithin's header away. At the other end, Satrustegui blocked an effort from striker Andre Green in the 38th minute, and Amey Ranawade failed to test NorthEast goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh from an Adrian Luna cross.

Moyano doubles the lead

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Ajaraie's shot was blocked by Hormipam Ruivah, but he won the ball back and slipped in Moyano, whose finish made it 2-0.

Kerala brought on Korou and Sandeep Singh for Ranawade and Hormipam at the break, but NorthEast kept pressing and Arsh had to save from Moyano and Jithin.

Blasters pull one back

Against the run of play, Yansane converted a Luna flick with a low shot past Gurmeet on the hour to make it 2-1.

NorthEast restored their two-goal cushion soon after. Ajaraie pounced on a poor clearance by Korou and curled a shot from the edge of the box that Arsh got a hand to but could not keep out.

Debut goal seals it

Ajaraie and Jithin were then replaced by Nikola and Aman CK. Kerala brought on Mohammed Sanan for Vibin Mohanan. Aman marked his debut by converting a pass from Macarton to complete a 4-1 win.

Scorers

• NorthEast United: Ajaraie 15', 70'; Moyano 45+4'; Aman CK 82'
• Kerala Blasters: Yansane 60'

Goalkeepers busy

Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Anwer made several saves to keep the margin down, denying Jithin in the first half and Moyano and Jithin again after the break. At the other end, Gurmeet Singh was beaten only once, by Yansane's low drive.