Sun Sep 22 16:11:10 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Blasters Edge Out East Bengal in Thrilling ISL Opener
**Kochi, India:** Kerala Blasters FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over East Bengal FC in their opening encounter of the Indian Super League 2024-25 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday.
The match was a tight affair, with both sides battling for control throughout. East Bengal took the lead in the 59th minute when Dimitrios Diamantakos set up Vishnu P.V., who tapped in a swift counterattack. However, the Blasters responded just four minutes later when Sadaoui picked up the ball on the left flank, skillfully sidestepped Rakip, and struck a brilliant shot into the net to level the score.
The winning goal came in the 83rd minute, courtesy of substitute Kwame Peprah. He capitalized on a defensive error by Anwar Ali, receiving the ball in the penalty box before unleashing a shot that left the East Bengal defenders helpless.
The match was punctuated by several yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the game. Kerala Blasters dominated possession for much of the match but it was East Bengal that initially broke the deadlock. The second half saw a dramatic turnaround, with both teams trading goals in quick succession.
Ultimately, it was Kerala Blasters’ resilience and the brilliance of Peprah that proved decisive, handing them a crucial three points in their opening fixture.
First Piper 