ISL 2026-27: Ajaraie strikes a brace as NorthEast United FC Thrash Kerala Blasters 4-1

NorthEast United FC produced a commanding performance to secure a 4-1 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in their MG Indian Super League 2026-27 clash at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday.

Alaaeddine Ajaraie struck twice, while Antonio Moyano and debutant Aman CK also found the net to help the Highlanders register their second consecutive win and move to the top of the league standings.

The hosts established their authority early in the contest, with Ajaraie opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Eneko Satrustegui played a precise through ball to release the Moroccan forward, who skilfully went past Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Anwer before calmly finishing into the net. NorthEast United continued to press for another goal, but Arsh kept the visitors in the game by denying Jithin with an important save.

Kerala Blasters attempted to find a way back through Andre Green, whose effort in the 38th minute was blocked by Satrustegui. Amey Ranawade subsequently failed to make the most of Adrian Luna's delivery, as his attempt did not trouble NorthEast United custodian Gurmeet Singh.

The Highlanders doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Ajaraie initially saw his attempt blocked by Hormipam Ruivah, but the striker recovered the ball and set up Antonio Moyano, who finished clinically in the 45+4th minute to give the hosts a comfortable 2-0 lead at the interval.

Kerala Blasters made two substitutions at half-time, introducing Korou and Sandeep Singh in place of Ranawade and Hormipam. However, NorthEast United remained on the front foot, with Arsh called into action to prevent Moyano and Jithin from extending the lead.

Against the run of play, Kerala Blasters reignited the contest around the hour mark. Adrian Luna supplied the flick that allowed Yansane to break through the Highlanders' defence, and the forward finished with a low drive past Gurmeet to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The home side responded emphatically, restoring their two-goal advantage through Ajaraie in the 70th minute. A poor clearance from Korou presented the Moroccan with an opportunity on the edge of the box, and he unleashed a curling effort that Arsh could not keep out despite getting a touch.

With the contest slipping away from Kerala, NorthEast United introduced Nikola and Aman CK, with Ajaraie and Jithin making way. The visitors also brought on Mohammed Sanan for Vibin Mohanan as they searched for another goal.

Aman made an immediate impact, putting the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute. The debutant converted Macarton's pass to score NorthEast United's fourth goal of the evening, capping an impressive performance from the hosts.

Kerala Blasters tried to mount a late response, but the Highlanders remained organised defensively and prevented the visitors from creating a meaningful comeback. The comprehensive win extended NorthEast United's winning run to two matches and propelled them to the summit of the ISL table, while Kerala Blasters were left to reflect on a difficult outing in Guwahati.