Panaji:After facing defeat by similar margins in their opening round game, NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters FC drew 0-0 as both teams were locked in an intense battle, in a 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday.
Kerala would rue a great chance to earn full points, having to blame all but themselves for some shabby finishing, especially with a lacklustre display by NEUFC's forwards.
Ivan Vukomanovic handed young Vincy Barretto an ISL debut on the right-wing as Enes Sipovic made his debut in yellow at the heart of the defence. NorthEast United, also lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation dropped goalscorer from the last game, Mathias Coureur and opted for 24-year-old Australian centre-back Patrick Flottmann.
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While neither side could carve out clear-cut chances in the opening exchanges, NorthEast did look threatening a couple of times. VP Suhair was the architect of Deshorn Brown and Khassa Camara getting half-chances to convert. The latter did slice a couple over the net from distance.
However, the highlight remained a right-footed free-kick from Hernan Santana that went inches above after Enes Sipovic had brought down Deshorn on the run.
At the half-hour mark, Blasters captain Jessel Carneiro swung in a cross that ultimately found Adrian Luna. His chip over the defensive line had Jorge Diaz almost head in the opener of the night.