ISL 3: NorthEast United start campaign in style

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan along with Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt and Jacqueline Fernandez Actress Alia Bhat perform during inaugural ceremony of the 3rd edition of Indian Super League 2016 (ISL) at Indira Gandhi Athletic stadium in Guwahati. (Photo: PTI)

NorthEast United FC kick-started their campaign in the Indian Super League-3 on a winning note, registering a 1-0 victory over Kerala Blasters in Guwahati on Saturday.

After a barren first session where NorthEast United dominated for long spells, Katsumi Yusa scored the winner in the 54th minute.

The hosts were determined to get a positive result from the opener and fielded an attacking line-up with Nicolas Velez, Holicharan Narzary and Emiliano Alfaro in attacking positions. Kerala, on the other hand, were content in soaking up the pressure — which they did well in the first 45 minutes but succumbed to NorthEast’s might in the second session.

NorthEast started the stronger of the two teams although there were hardly any chances in the opening minutes. The home side got their first look at goal in the 24th minute, thanks to a sloppy pass by Kerala goalkeeper Graham Stack which was almost captialised by Nicolas Velez.

The lazy kick fell to Romaric, who struck from a distance but had no power to beat and embarrass the rival goalkeeper.

A free-kick midway into the first session saw Velez out-jump his marker and head towards goal but Stack did well this time to stretch wide and keep out the danger.

NorthEast were continuously attacking in the opening 45 minutes but had nothing to show as the strikers were found wanting.

After near misses in the first half, NorthEast United finally tasted success in the 54th minute. It was Velez who made it happen after dancing down the left flank and essaying a cross, which the Kerala defence missed and Katsumi was only too happy to speed forward and tap it into the goal.

The Basters tried hard to find the equaliser and came close just after the hour mark but it was too little too late.

Earlier, the ISL-3 got off to a colourful start with a star-studded opening ceremony even as the fans, wearing their passion for the game on their sleeves, descended to witness the gala ceremony.