Kerala Blasters and ATK played out a goalless draw in the Indian Super League’s season opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on Friday.
Teddy Sheringham’s ATK started in a 4-2-3-1 formation as Rene Meulensteen fielded Dimitar Berbatov as the sole striker for the Kerala Blasters. Milan Singh sent a rasping shot narrowly past the post within the first five minutes but the best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to ATK’s Hitesh Sharma. The ball fell kindly for him after good play down the right by Rupert Nongrum, and his shot from a one-on-one situation was parried away by onrushing goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.
ATK then saw their tricky winger Zequinha’s curling shot hit the post. Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was left waiting for a good cross too many times and Iain Hume’s industry proved futile with the former ATK forward taken off at the hour mark.
The home side started the second half brightly, with Berbatov and Courage Pekuson combining to put CK Vineeth through down the left. He cut in and shot but it was palmed away by Debjit Majumder, who had earlier frustrated Berbatov in trying to find space to pull the trigger.
As Kerala grew wasteful, ATK made a change in attack as Robin Singh replaced Finnish striker Njazi Kuqi. But the Indian No 9 couldn’t convert a low cross on his stronger left side.
In a way, it personified the match and both managers will go into their next game looking for more sharpness while going forward. In the end, it was a point apiece for Kerala Blasters and ATK. NorthEast United face Jamshedpur FC in Guwahati tomorrow.