Late Equalizer Secures Draw for NorthEast United Against Kerala Blasters
Match Overview
In a thrilling encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on April 15, 2026, NorthEast United managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League 2025-26. Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia once again emerged as the hero for NorthEast, scoring a late equalizer after Kerala Blasters initially took the lead with an own goal by Andy Rodríguez.
This result leaves Kerala Blasters in 13th place with five points from nine matches, while NorthEast United sits at 10th with seven points from eight games. Fallou Ndaiye was named Player of the Match for his impressive performance.
Kerala Blasters' head coach Ashley Westwood made two adjustments to his starting lineup, bringing in Hormipam Ruivah for Matías Hernández in defense and giving Moroccan midfielder Karim Benarif his first start of the season, replacing Ebindas Yesudasan. On the other hand, NorthEast United's Juan Pedro Benali made several changes in response to their previous defeat, including the return of Asheer Akhtar and Redeem Tlang in defense.
NorthEast United aimed to exploit the speed of Jithin M.S on the right flank, frequently sending long balls behind the Kerala Blasters defense. Their most dangerous attacks in the first half came from this side, with Bekey Oram and Redeem Tlang effectively supporting Jithin.
The first significant opportunity of the match fell to NorthEast from a corner, where Andy Rodríguez's header went over the bar. Shortly after, Bekey attempted a long-range shot that drifted wide. Kerala Blasters gradually found their rhythm, with Vibin Mohanan controlling the midfield and creating chances, including a well-placed pass to Kevin Yoke, who shot over the bar.
The best chance for Kerala in the first half came from a set-piece, where Vibin's short corner led to a backheel pass to Freddy Lallawmawma, whose shot also went above the crossbar. NorthEast's Parthib Gogoi had two excellent chances but failed to convert, sending his shots wide.
Kerala Blasters took the lead just before halftime due to a chaotic sequence resulting in an own goal. A set-piece from Vibin saw Fallou Ndiaye's header blocked, and the subsequent clearance hit Andy Rodríguez, rolling into the net.
NorthEast United started the second half aggressively, with Jithin and Parthib heavily involved in attacks. Parthib missed a chance from a corner, and Kerala's Kevin Yoke had a shot saved by Gurmeet Singh, who tipped it onto the post.
As the match progressed, NorthEast continued to create opportunities but struggled to find the back of the net. However, with just two minutes left in regulation, they found an equalizer. After a long ball from Macarton Luis, substitute Robin Yadav attempted a lob that hit the crossbar, allowing Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia to score from close range.
In stoppage time, NorthEast nearly clinched a win when Freddy's clearance from a corner hit the post, narrowly avoiding another own goal. Ultimately, both teams had to settle for a point.