Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Touted as a humdinger of a contest, Indian Super League’s second match between Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United turned out to be surprising affair as the latter clinched a hard-fought win in front of an ecstatic home crowd at the Indira Gandhi stadium in Guwahati.
The young NorthEast brigade stunned their much-experienced rivals Kerala to seal a glorious 1-0 win and register their first points in the flamboyant Indian Super League.
Riding on the heroics of Spanish striker Sergio Contreras Pardo – commonly known as Koke, the Ricki Herbert-coached home team clinched their opening goal in dying minutes of the first half against a nervy Kerala defence – who were left chasing for the rest of the game.
Poaching on David Ngaihte’s devious pass at the tip of the box, the former Malaga star thumped a stunning half volley beating Kerala’s high-profile goalkeeper David James at the far post.
John Abraham co-owned United thrived in Ricki Herbert’s 4-3-3 formation with David Ngaihte, James Keene and Zodingliana Ralte dictating play in the midfield. Keene was pivotal in providing crucial passes and his link-up with Ralte split the Kerala defence on one too many occasions in the game.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Kerala Blasters will have no one to blame but themselves for the heart-breaking loss. The visitors failed to convert crucial chances especially in the second half while their much-hyped striker Michael Chopra did everything, but score for his side.
The former Premier League star came on for Kerala in the 64th minute and straightaway got into action only to overhit Iain Hume’s cross in the 73rd minute. The 30-year-old former Newcastle star had another chance at redemption but his meek left-footed strike was not going to trouble Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas.
Kerala Blasters paid dearly for Chopra’s failure to convert their chances and the frustration was clearly visible during his heated conversation with United’s James Keene. Their only goal, of course not legally, came in the 16th minute from the Canadian striker Iain Hume that was ruled offside by the linesman.
The young NorthEast brigade is already turning out to be a ‘giant killer’ as they secure the all-important three points against a tough opponent like Kerala Blasters – who need to sync their attack in order to progress further in the tournament.
