Kerala blasts ATK in ISL opening game

Two-time title-winner ATK, managed by Spaniard Antonio Lopez Habas, scored its 100th ISL goal, but that didn’t give it any joy. The result saw Kerala get the better of ATK in the ISL opener once again, having recorded a 2-0 win last season in Kolkata. Carl McHugh had put ATK ahead with an absolute stunner in only the sixth minute of the game.

But the host, egged on by a vociferous crowd, hit back with two goals from new signing Ogbeche in the first half itself. The game got off to an electrifying start with the tourist stunning the packed crowd. ATK capitalised on a free-kick, which was given for a foul on Jayesh Rane. The set-piece into the box was cushioned back for McHugh at the far post and the Irishman went on to slam a brilliant first-time volley with his left foot.

Bilal Khan in the Kerala goal had no chance to stop it. With the wind in its sails, ATK continued to press Kerala relentlessly and fashioned several chances, the best of which came in the 22nd minute. Roy Krishna embarked on a sizzling run from midfield, going past a couple of Kerala defenders into the box.

But he opted to slide the ball for Javier Hernandez rather than shoot himself and as a result, the opportunity went begging. A rattled Kerala was handed a lifeline when ATK winger Michael Soosairaj went down in the box under Sergio Cidoncha’s challenge. But the referee waved away the protests and the host won a corner from the ensuing counter-attack.

That set-piece produced the equaliser for Kerala. Ogbeche saw his looping header come back off the upright, only for Pronay Halder to pull down Jairo Rodriguez who was about to slot it in. The referee awarded the spot-kick and Ogbeche made no mistakein beating Arindam Bhattacharja.

The ‘Men in Yellow’ started to enjoy more time on the ball following the equaliser and stormed into the lead just before half-time. Pronay failed to clear a low cross from Prasanth Karuthadathkuni and the loose ball was driven in smartly by a lurking Ogbeche. The home side continued its ascendancy at the start of the second half as well, keeping the ball well and forcing errors from ATK.

However, Krishna continued to threaten the Kerala defence, although his finishing let the visitor down. In the 69th minute, the Fijian was sent through on goal but a sliding tackle from Jairo meant the scoreline remained the same. Shortly after, Krishna saw another shot from close range blocked away by substitute Mario Arques.

But Eelco Schattorie’s team held its nerves and fashioned a few chances of its own. Ultimately, it saw off the game quite comfortably to start its campaign on a winning note.