NorthEast United FC delivered a dominant performance in Guwahati as Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice, Antonio Moyano added a goal, and Aman CK marked his ISL debut with a strike. Parthib Gogoi also celebrated his 100th appearance for the Highlanders.

NorthEast United FC produced an impressive attacking performance to defeat Kerala Blasters FC 4-1 in their Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 fixture at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on 18 October 2026. Alaaeddine Ajaraie scored twice, while Antonio Moyano and debutant Aman CK also found the net to secure a convincing home victory.

Yansane Momo scored Kerala Blasters’ only goal, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. However, the Highlanders responded strongly to put the result beyond doubt in front of 9,387 spectators.

Ajaraie Gives the Highlanders an Early Advantage

NorthEast United began the contest on the front foot, looking to make the most of their home advantage. Abdul Rabeeh tested the Kerala Blasters goalkeeper in the seventh minute with a powerful attempt from the left, signalling the hosts’ attacking intentions.

The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute through a moment of excellent vision from Eneko Satrústegui. The defender delivered a perfectly weighted pass from deep inside his own half, allowing Alaaeddine Ajaraie to break through the defensive line. The Moroccan forward rounded the advancing goalkeeper before finishing confidently to make it 1-0.

Kerala Blasters attempted to respond through Andre Green, who looked to create opportunities down the flank. NorthEast United’s defence, however, remained organised and dealt with the visitors’ attacking threats effectively.

The hosts continued to search for another goal. In the 42nd minute, Macarton Nickson supplied a cross from the left, which Jithin MS directed towards goal with a header. The goalkeeper kept the effort out, but NorthEast United soon doubled their advantage.

In first-half stoppage time, Jithin squared the ball into the penalty area for Ajaraie. Although the forward’s initial attempt was blocked, Antonio Moyano reacted quickly to collect the rebound and slot the ball into the net. The goal gave NorthEast United a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time.

Kerala Blasters Fight Back, but Ajaraie Strikes Again

Kerala Blasters returned for the second half determined to change the course of the match. Their persistence paid off in the 60th minute when Yansane Momo found the net, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and bringing the visitors back into contention.

The goal threatened to shift the momentum, but NorthEast United responded with another decisive attacking move.

In the 70th minute, Jithin MS delivered a cross towards the far post, where Moyano brought the ball under control before setting up Ajaraie outside the penalty area. The forward made the most of the opportunity, curling a superb shot into the far corner to restore the Highlanders’ two-goal cushion.

Ajaraie’s second goal of the evening took the score to 3-1 and underlined his importance to NorthEast United’s attacking performance.

Aman CK Scores on His ISL Debut

NorthEast United added a fourth goal in the 82nd minute, providing another memorable moment for the home supporters. Macarton Nickson played an incisive through ball into space, allowing Aman CK to sprint beyond the defence and unleash a powerful finish towards the near post.

The strike marked a dream start to Aman’s ISL career, as he celebrated his debut with a goal that extended the hosts’ lead to 4-1.

The Highlanders made further substitutions in the closing stages, with Mark also making his ISL debut. The match was equally significant for Parthib Gogoi, who reached the milestone of 100 appearances for NorthEast United FC.

NorthEast United Look Ahead to Odisha FC Clash

With 9,387 fans cheering them on at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, NorthEast United comfortably managed the final stages to complete a four-goal performance against Kerala Blasters.

The result reflected the hosts’ attacking efficiency, with Ajaraie’s brace, Moyano’s contribution and Aman’s late strike proving decisive. Their response after conceding in the second half also demonstrated their ability to regain control when the visitors threatened to make the contest more competitive.

NorthEast United FC will now turn their attention to their next ISL 2026-27 fixture against Odisha FC, scheduled for 24 October in Bhubaneswar. The Highlanders will aim to build on this emphatic home victory as the league campaign continues.