NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali was content with his team's performance but expressed disappointment in their inability to secure all three points against Kerala Blasters FC.

In a packed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, the two sides engaged in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Nestor Albiach provided NorthEast United FC with an early lead by scoring a goal in the 12th minute. However, that lead was short-lived as Danish Farooq equalised for Kerala Blasters FC in the 49th minute. Despite both teams creating numerous scoring opportunities, they ultimately settled for a draw.

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali appeared dissatisfied with the outcome, despite his team's positive performance.

"I am not happy with the result. I came to win. I am never happy with a draw. We came to take the three points but we could not take it. We played a good game in front of a good team and a very nice atmosphere but one point was not good enough," Benali said in the post-match press conference.

Since their initial defeat to Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC have remained unbeaten. In addition to their home victory over Chennaiyin FC, they've also earned points on the road against Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters FC.

Benali acknowledged the remarkable progress the Highlanders have made since the start of the season and commended his team's efforts thus far.

"We are a difficult team to play against. We can go forward. We are building a very good team. Slowly we are showing everyone that we are not easy to play against," he said.

" We have been in NorthEast United FC for four and a half months now. We are building a team from scratch with some players from last season, new and very young players including some veteran foreigners. We only think game by game now. We will start thinking about the game against Jamshedpur FC. Now after four games we have the same points as last season. It is very positive for us and we are looking forward to the next game."