NorthEast United came off winners in the first match of the third season of the Indian Super League, after seeing off Kerala Blasters 1-0 in Guwahati on Saturday.
After a colourful opening ceremony, NorthEast United dominated proceedings but failed to get the finishing touch as the first half finished goalless. Finally in the 54th minute, Nicolas Velez swept in a cross which Katsumi Yusa tapped in to break the deadlock.
The Blasters almost got the equaliser due to a goalkeeping error from Subrata Paul but failed to capitalise. NorthEast held on to begin their ISL 2016 campaign on a winning note.
