Internet Desk: Japanese dynamite Katsumi Yusa scores the first goal of the new season of the Hero Indian Super League as NorthEast United starts their campaign at home with a convincing victory against Kerala Blasters. The John Abraham owned franchise started the game very cautiously as head coach Vingada started with four defenders and two defensive blockers by keeping Didier Zokora, the marquee on the bench.
Both the sides started the game in a circumspection as the first shot of the game in the 23rd minute when Koffi Christian tried to test the Kerala Blasters custodian with a feeble shot. Apart from that opportunity, both the teams hardly had any serious move to trouble the nets. Though NorthEast United had the majority of the possession in the first half to give Kerala Blasters hardly any opportunity to create any move.
The illusive moment came in the 55th minute when Nico Velez supplied a delicious ball in from the left flank to create the opportunity for Japanese forward Katsumi Yusa, who made a brilliant run behind the defense to finish the rest in a clinical fashion.
The goal suddenly pushed the Blasters as they started creating some interesting moves through Antonio German and Belfort. The inclusion of Michael Chopra added spice as the British forward used his experience to play the source of almost all the moves the Kerala franchise had in the second half. The NorthEast coach made a significant change to control the things when he brought on his marquee Didier Zokora in place of Romaric.
The NorthEast side should thank their luck as Subrata Paul made a horrible howler in the 62nd minute but Belfort missed a simple opportunity to equalize. In the 82nd minute Chopra delivered an inviting cross from the right to find Mohd. Rafi but his precision header on target was brilliantly saved by Subrata.
The solid defensive performance would certainly help the NorthEast side to have their momentum going in their next game against the mighty FC Goa.
Hero of the Match: Katsumi Yusa