A drama-filled evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium saw Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United FC share a 1-1 draw. The result left both teams with mixed emotions.
NorthEast United equalized deep into injury time through Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, canceling out an Andy Rodriguez own goal that had given the home side the lead at half-time.
Starting Lineups
Kerala Blasters (4-3-3): A. A. Shaikh (GK); F. Lallawmawma, R. Hormipam, F. Ndiaye, B. Yumnam; M. Saheef, V. Mohanan (c), K. Benarif; V. Bertomeu, D. Farooq, K. Yoke.
NorthEast United (4-3-3): G. Singh (GK); B. Samte, A. Akhtar, B. Oram, R. Tlang; Jithin M.S., Mayakkannan, M. Arshaf Attakulayan; P. Gogoi, Andy Rodriguez, Jairo.
Substitutes
Kerala Blasters Subs: Matias Hernandez, Francisco Feuillassier, Ebindas Yesudasan, Sandeep Singh, Nihal Sudeesh, Muhammad Ajsal, Rowllin Borges, Aibanbha Dohling, Alsabith St.
NorthEast United Subs: Macarton Nickson, Ankith Padmanabhan, Robin Yadav, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Dinesh Singh Soraisham, Tondonba Singh Ngasepam, Dipesh Chauhan, Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga, Fredy Chawngt Hansanga.
Team Stats
Full match statistics are as follows.
| Kerala Blasters | Stat | NorthEast United |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Shots | 14 |
| 1 | Shots on Target | 2 |
| 43% | Possession | 57% |
| 8 | Fouls | 12 |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 5 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 1 | Offsides | 3 |
| 2 | Corners | 11 |
First Half: Own Goal Opens the Scoring
The first half was a tight affair with both teams feeling each other out carefully. NorthEast United midfielder Mayakkannan picked up a yellow card as early as the 23rd minute.
The opening goal came in a bizarre fashion in the 42nd minute. NorthEast United’s own Andy Rodriguez deflected the ball into his own net, giving Kerala Blasters a 1-0 lead.
Just a minute later, at the 44th minute, Andy Rodriguez himself received a yellow card for his conduct. NorthEast United had a difficult end to a troubled first half.
Kerala Blasters led 1-0 at half-time. The home crowd was buzzing, but NorthEast United regrouped in the dressing room with key tactical changes planned for the second half.
Second Half: Tactical Changes and Late Drama
Kerala Blasters made their first substitution at the 59th minute, bringing on Francisco Feuillassier for Karim Benarif to add fresh legs to their attacking line.
Also at the 59th minute, Kerala Blasters replaced Kevin Yoke with Matias Hernandez, switching from a striker to a defender to protect their one-goal lead.
NorthEast United made a big change at the 65th minute as Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia came on for Bekey Oram, a substitution that would later prove absolutely decisive.
Louis Nickson Macarton entered the fray for NorthEast United at the 65th minute, replacing Mayakkannan. However, he quickly found himself in the referee’s book at the 71st minute.
Fallou Ndiaye of Kerala Blasters received a yellow card at the 72nd minute for a reckless challenge. The Blasters were growing nervous as NorthEast United pressed relentlessly for an equalizer.
Ankith Padmanabhan came on for Parthib Gogoi for NorthEast United at the 83rd minute. All of NorthEast United’s attacking reinforcements were pointing toward one mission: find that equalizer.
89th Minute: Lalbiaknia Breaks Kerala Hearts
In the 89th minute, substitute Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia powered home a strike to level the match at 1-1. The NorthEast United camp erupted in celebration as Kerala Blasters were stunned.
It was a perfectly timed goal from the man who had come off the bench just minutes earlier. The goal showcased the attacking depth that NorthEast United carries in their squad.
Kerala Blasters immediately brought on Ebindas Yesudasan for Vibin Mohanan in the 90+1st minute, hoping for a winner. But there was no late twist left for the Yellow Army.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw. Both teams will reflect on this result: Kerala Blasters will rue the late concession, while NorthEast United will cherish the late comeback.
Goal Scoresheet
The goal scorers of the match are as follows.
| Minute | Player | Team | Type | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42′ | Andy Rodriguez | NorthEast United (OG) | Own Goal | 1-0 |
| 89′ | Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia | NorthEast United | Goal | 1-1 |
Yellow Cards Summary
The players getting a yellow card are as follows.
| Minute | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 23′ | Mayakkannan (Muthu Irukandi) | NorthEast United |
| 41′ | Asheer Akhtar | NorthEast United |
| 44′ | Andy Rodriguez | NorthEast United |
| 71′ | Macarton Nickson | NorthEast United |
| 72′ | Fallou Ndiaye | Kerala Blasters |
| 90′ | Mohammed Arshaf Attakulayan | NorthEast United |
Key Takeaways from the Match
NorthEast United’s dominance in shots (14 vs 8) and possession (57% vs 43%) underlines how much they controlled the game without getting the rewards they deserved until late.
Kerala Blasters were resolute and disciplined in defense, relying on the lead gifted by Rodriguez’s own goal. Their defensive organization made it difficult for NorthEast United to break through.
Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia’s cameo was the highlight of the game. Coming on as a substitute, he changed the complexion of the match with a clutch goal in the dying minutes.
NorthEast United’s 11 corners compared to Kerala Blasters’ 2 tells the story of the second half clearly. The Highlanders threw everything at the home side to snatch that leveler.
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Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Draw in Kochi
This was a match that had everything: an own goal, a late equalizer, six yellow cards, and tactical battles all evening. ISL fans were treated to a proper thriller in Kochi.
Kerala Blasters will feel they let two points slip, especially after holding the lead for so long. NorthEast United, however, showed great character and resilience to earn a point.
Both teams move forward in the ISL 2025-26 season with lessons to learn. The Yellow Army will want their fortress back, while the Highlanders will draw confidence from this gritty comeback.
