ISL 2025-26: Kerala Blasters Extend Unbeaten Run with Convincing Win Over Mohammedan SC

Kerala Blasters FC delivered a controlled and attacking performance to defeat Mohammedan SC 3-1 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, extending their unbeaten run to five matches in the Indian Super League 2025–26.

After briefly falling behind late in the first half, the hosts responded with authority, scoring three goals to secure all three points. The result lifts Kerala Blasters to eighth place in the standings with 14 points from 12 matches, keeping their hopes of a stronger finish alive. For Mohammedan SC, however, the defeat deepens their struggles at the bottom of the table, where they remain with just three points from 11 matches. Their survival now depends on results elsewhere, with relegation looming as a strong possibility.

Kerala began the match with intent, asserting control through possession and movement in the attacking third. Their approach was structured, with midfielders dictating tempo and the wide players stretching Mohammedan’s defensive shape. Kévin Yoke emerged as a key figure early on, repeatedly driving down the left flank and creating openings. Despite Kerala’s dominance, Mohammedan’s defensive unit held firm in the opening stages. Goalkeeper Padam Chettri played a crucial role, producing a series of saves to keep his side in the contest. One of the standout moments came midway through the half when he denied Yoke with a sharp one-handed stop from close range.

While Kerala controlled possession, they struggled to convert that dominance into goals. Mohammedan, meanwhile, adopted a compact defensive structure, relying on counter-attacks to create opportunities. Their patience paid off in the 42nd minute with a moment of individual brilliance.

Mahitosh Roy won the ball in midfield and surged forward before unleashing a powerful strike from distance. The shot flew into the top corner, leaving the Kerala goalkeeper with no chance and giving the visitors an unexpected lead against the run of play. However, Mohammedan’s advantage lasted just two minutes. Kerala responded immediately, showcasing both composure and attacking clarity. Yoke, once again central to the move, delivered a perfectly weighted through ball that found Francisco Feuillassier inside the box. The forward finished calmly into the bottom corner, bringing the hosts level before halftime.

The equaliser shifted the momentum firmly in Kerala’s favour. Entering the second half, they maintained their attacking intensity, pressing higher up the pitch and forcing Mohammedan deeper into their own half.

The breakthrough came in the 58th minute, and once again Yoke was instrumental. Delivering a precise cross into the box, he found Víctor Bertomeu, who guided a composed header into the net. The goal reflected Kerala’s sustained pressure and their ability to exploit wide areas effectively.

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With the lead secured, Kerala continued to dominate proceedings. Their passing remained sharp, and their movement off the ball created additional spaces in the final third. Mohammedan, on the other hand, struggled to regain control or create meaningful attacking opportunities.

Substitute Sreekuttan M S nearly made an immediate impact, coming close with a deflected effort that struck the crossbar. The chance served as a warning, and Kerala continued to push forward in search of a third goal that would seal the contest. That moment arrived in the 74th minute through a well-executed attacking move. Feuillassier lifted a clever ball into the penalty area, where Sreekuttan was perfectly positioned to tap home. The goal not only extended Kerala’s lead but also highlighted the effectiveness of their substitutions and attacking depth.

At 3-1, the match was largely decided. Mohammedan’s hopes of mounting a comeback were further diminished in the 86th minute when Amarjit Singh was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Reduced to ten men, the visitors found it increasingly difficult to challenge a well-organised Kerala defence. In the closing stages, Kerala managed the game with control and discipline. They maintained possession, slowed the tempo, and ensured that Mohammedan had limited opportunities to threaten. The defensive unit remained compact, closing down spaces and preventing any late attempts at a comeback.

From a tactical perspective, Kerala’s performance was built on balance. Their control in midfield allowed them to dictate play, while their use of width created consistent attacking opportunities. Yoke’s influence was particularly significant, contributing to two of the three goals and driving the team forward throughout the match.

For Mohammedan SC, the defeat reflects ongoing challenges in both defence and attack. While they showed resilience in the first half and capitalised on a moment of brilliance, their inability to sustain pressure or contain Kerala’s attacking play proved costly. As the league moves into its final phase, Kerala Blasters will look to build on this momentum and push further up the table. For Mohammedan SC, the focus now shifts to survival, with their fate increasingly dependent on results beyond their control.

In Kochi, Kerala delivered a performance that combined patience, precision, and attacking quality an indication of a side finding rhythm at a crucial stage of the season.