Bambolim: In their new avatar, ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) kicked off the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) on a high, defeating Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) by a solitary goal here on Friday.

Fijian hitman Roy Krishna, who was ATK's top goal-scorer with 15 goals last season, struck the all-important goal after a 67-minute deadlock to give three points for the green-and-maroon brigade.

The Yellow Brigade playing with a heavy defensive lineup of 4-2-3-1 managed to thwart ATKMB throughout the first half but after the hour mark they left a loose ball as the Fijian International pounced on it with a calm and composed finish.

All eyes were on the 131-year-old legacy club Mohun Bagan as they were making their ISL debut following their merger with defending champions ATK.

The match had an interesting sub-plot as Kibu Vicuna, who had guided Mohun Bagan to their fifth I-League title last season, sat in the opposite dugout in KBFC jersey, while the most successful ISL coach Antonio Lopez Habas was at the helm of ATKMB.

Habas named a predictable 3-5-2 lineup with their star signing Sandesh Jhingan helming the defence in his first outing after a lengthy injury layoff of more than 12 months.

ATKMB had a dominant first half and made some early inroads with Roy Krishna missing an early chance, even as KBFC enjoyed more ball possession in the first 45 minutes.

KBFC, who were the designated home team, looked more threatening and came out with an attacking intent in the second-half.

But KBFC were made to pay for it as Roy Krishna made amends for his three misses in the first half with his poacher goal to become the difference between the two sides.

That goal was enough for ATKMB to sink Kerala Blasters' hearts.

Keen tussle
Action from the opening match between Kerala Blasters and ATK Mohun Bagan. Photo: ISL

KBFC take on NorthEast United FC in their next match on November 26, while ATKMB clash with SC East Eengal on November 27.

Aerial battle
Kerala Blasters' Costa Nhamoinesu (No. 26) comes up with a header. Photo: ISL

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