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The fourth edition of the Indian Super League kicked-off at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Friday night in a goalless rematch of last seasons final between Kerala Blasters and champions ATK.
The Blasters and ATK fans had given the match a suitable surroundings, but despite more possession and better chances ATK could not score an away win.
ATK looked the more organised side of two teams who seemed not to want to risk too much in their opening encounter.
Midfielder Milan Singh tried his luck two early long rangers for the Kerala Blasters before ATK had young Hitesh Sharma’s attempt blocked by keeper Paul Rachubka, who also saved Njazi Kuqi’s shot a few minutes later. At the break it was goalless.
Local favourite C.K. Vineeth tested ATK keeper Debjit Majumder after the restart, but the best chance on the night was ATK’s when midfielder Zequinha’s long range curling effort with the post in the 69th minute.
That was it from both sides as the ISL-4 opener ended goalless.
Match Awards
Club Award: Kerala Blasters & ATK
Moment of the Match Award: Paul Rachubka (Kerala Blasters)
Winning Pass of the Match: Courage Pekuson (Kerala Blasters)
Emerging Player: Hitesh Sharma (ATK)
Hero of the Match Award: Nemanja Lakic Pesic (Kerala Blasters)
