Indian Super League: NorthEast United qualify for playoffs after defeating Kerala Blasters 2-0

NorthEast United FC qualified for the Indian Super League playoff after defeating Kerala Blasters 2-0 in a match at the Tilak Maidan on Friday. The team, that need just one point to quality, began attacking from the first whistle and scored both their goals in the first half through Suhair Vadakkepeedika (34th minute) and Lalengmawia (45th minute), PTI reported. 

With this win, Khalid Jamil became the first Indian to coach three or more league games and guide aside to the playoffs.

NorthEast United FC played the same team as the previous game, Kerala Blasters had one change with Sandeep Singh preferred over Subha Ghosh.

The Highlanders got a great opportunity soon after the start. Luis Machado sent in a delivery into the box, which was headed out straight back to him. His cross from the right found Dylan Fox but he shot wide.

At the other end, it was Kerala who missed getting ahead in the game. Bakary Kone managed to evade his marker and to get to the end of a Jessel Carneiro corner, but his header missed the target.

Though NorthEast were clearly the better side in the first session, Kerala Blasters did have their chances. But the Highlanders’ defence stood strong. Then, in the 34th minute, NorthEast took the lead.

Khassa Camara slipped in a through ball which Kone failed to deal with. Suhair Vadakkepeedika got on to the ball and got past Sandeep Singh, before rounding off an advancing Albino Gomes, to put his side ahead.

Jamil’s men increased their lead just before the breather through an astonishing Lalengmawia strike. Fox set up Lalengmawia, whose well-struck long-ranger bounced off the underside of the bar into the net. Jamil’s ecstatic look at the touchline showed just how good the goal was.