Kerala Blasters FC Begin ISL 2026–27 Campaign with 2-0 Victory over Inter Kashi

Kerala Blasters FC opened their 2026–27 MG Indian Super League campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Sunday. 

Vibin Mohanan gave the Blasters an early lead in the 18th minute, before Andre Green struck in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure all three points.

The result rewarded Kerala's attacking intent and defensive discipline in a contest where Inter Kashi created several opportunities but failed to find a way past goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh. While the Blasters had to wait until the closing stages to confirm their victory, they maintained their advantage throughout the second half and finished strongly.

For Kerala, the clean sheet and two-goal margin provide an encouraging start to the new campaign. Inter Kashi, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on missed chances that prevented them from getting back into the match.

Both teams began with an attacking approach, creating opportunities during an open first 10 minutes. Kerala Blasters threatened first in the fifth minute when Freddy Lallawmawma attempted a long-range effort that sailed over the crossbar. Inter Kashi responded almost immediately. A minute later, Rosenberg Gabriel tested Shaikh with an effort from the left side of the penalty area, but the Kerala goalkeeper made the save to keep the score level.

Manvir Singh also looked to trouble the Blasters' defence, sending an attempt over the crossbar as Inter Kashi searched for an early breakthrough. The opening exchanges suggested that neither side intended to settle into a cautious rhythm. Kerala looked to exploit attacking opportunities, while Inter Kashi showed that they could threaten when they found space in the final third.

However, it was the Blasters who made the early pressure count.

Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 18th minute through Vibin Mohanan. Korou Singh supplied the assist, setting up Mohanan for a right-footed finish from the centre of the penalty area. The goal gave Kerala an important advantage and rewarded their positive start. Mohanan's finish also ensured that the Blasters could approach the remainder of the first half with greater confidence.

Inter Kashi responded by attempting to increase their attacking pressure. Manvir Singh forced another save from Shaikh in the 35th minute, but the goalkeeper remained alert to preserve Kerala's lead. The Blasters also continued to threaten at the other end. Freddy Lallawmawma drew a save from Albino Gomes, while Korou Singh was denied in first-half stoppage time as Kerala looked to double their advantage before the interval.

Despite opportunities at both ends, neither team found another goal before half-time. Kerala went into the break leading 1-0, but the narrow margin meant Inter Kashi remained firmly in contention.

Blasters Push for a Second Goal

Kerala continued to search for a second goal after the restart, looking to turn their advantage into a more comfortable lead. Substitute Momo Yansane sent an effort wide shortly after coming on, while Paul Ramfangzauva and Lallawmawma also attempted to extend the lead from distance.

Andre Green came close in the 65th minute but narrowly missed the target. At that stage, Kerala had created opportunities to strengthen their position but had yet to find the finishing touch required to put the contest beyond Inter Kashi. The visitors remained dangerous and continued to search for an equaliser. Manvir Singh saw his header saved by Shaikh in the 61st minute, while Ayush Chhikara fired narrowly wide in the 72nd minute.

Those chances ensured that the Blasters could not afford to relax despite holding the lead. With only one goal separating the teams, a successful Inter Kashi attack could have changed the complexion of the match. Kerala's defence, however, remained organised and prevented the visitors from converting their opportunities.

The Blasters continued to threaten in the closing stages, with Sumit Sharma heading over from a corner in the 80th minute. Inter Kashi pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Kerala held their defensive shape and preserved their advantage as the match entered stoppage time. The decisive moment arrived in the fourth minute of added time. Mohammed Sanan set up Green, who finished with his left foot from the centre of the penalty area, directing the ball into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.

The late goal removed any remaining uncertainty and confirmed Kerala's first victory of the season. Green, who had come close earlier in the second half, finally found the target at a crucial moment to complete a successful evening for the Blasters. The finish also underlined the importance of maintaining attacking intent until the final whistle. Rather than merely protecting their lead, Kerala continued to seek another goal and were rewarded with a decisive second strike.

Kerala Blasters will take encouragement from their opening performance, particularly their ability to convert an early opportunity, manage pressure and preserve a clean sheet. Mohanan's first-half goal established the platform, while Green's stoppage-time finish ensured a more comfortable final scoreline.

Shaikh's saves were also important, particularly when Inter Kashi threatened through Gabriel and Manvir. Kerala's defensive resilience allowed them to withstand the visitors' attempts to level the contest.

For Inter Kashi, the defeat will be frustrating given the opportunities they created. Their attacking efforts kept the game competitive for much of the second half, but a lack of clinical finishing ultimately proved costly.

The 2-0 result gives Kerala Blasters three valuable points at the beginning of their ISL 2026–27 campaign. Their next challenge will be to build on the performance, maintain their defensive solidity and improve their conversion rate as the season progresses.

Inter Kashi, meanwhile, will need to turn promising attacking passages into goals if they are to secure positive results in their upcoming fixtures.