Sat Jan 18 20:34:33 UTC 2025: **Kerala Blasters Fight Back to Secure Draw Against NorthEast United**
KOCHI, INDIA – January 18, 2025 – Kerala Blasters FC battled back from a red card to earn a hard-fought 0-0 draw against NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. Despite playing with ten men for the majority of the second half, Blasters held firm against a persistent NorthEast attack.
The match was a tense affair from the start, with both teams creating numerous chances. However, the turning point came in the 30th minute when Blasters youngster Ayban Dohling received a straight red card for a clash with NorthEast’s Morocan striker, Aladine Ajaray. Dohling was judged to have headbutted Ajaray following a foul.
Despite the setback, Kerala Blasters, with goalkeeper Sachin Suresh delivering several crucial saves, defended resolutely, keeping NorthEast scoreless in the first half. NorthEast, who had 18 shots on goal, continued to press in the second half but were unable to break through the Blasters’ determined defense. New signing Dusan Lagator made a late appearance for Blasters, replacing captain Adrian Luna.
The draw is Kerala Blasters’ third of the season, leaving them in eighth place with 21 points from 17 matches. NorthEast United, who had 25 points from 17 games, remain in fifth position. Kerala Blasters’ next match is against East Bengal on January 24th.
First Piper 