Kerala Blasters FC Secure Winning Start to ISL Season
Kerala Blasters FC secured a winning start to the ISL 2026-27 season with a 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi in Pune.
Kerala Blasters FC kicked off their MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign on a high note, delivering a commanding 2-0 victory against Inter Kashi. The match, held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Sunday, saw the Blasters assert their dominance early on to claim all three points in their season opener.
Early Dominance and Mohanan's Breakthrough
The Blasters wasted no time establishing their presence on the pitch. From the opening whistle, they played on the front foot, with Freddy Lallawmawma testing the opposition with a long-range effort in just the fifth minute. Inter Kashi attempted to respond immediately through Rosenberg Gabriel, whose strike from the left side of the box required a sharp save from Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 18th minute. Following a well-orchestrated buildup, Korou Singh provided a precise assist to Vibin Mohanan, who clinicaly finished with a right-footed shot from the center of the box. This goal gave the Blasters the momentum they needed to control the first half.
Inter Kashi Fight Back
Despite the deficit, Inter Kashi refused to back down. Manvir Singh emerged as a significant threat for the side, forcing Arsh Shaikh into a crucial save in the 35th minute. The Blasters remained dangerous throughout the half, with Freddy Lallawmawma and Korou Singh both creating opportunities that kept the Inter Kashi defense under constant pressure.
As the second half commenced, Kerala looked to double their advantage. Substitutes like Momo Yansane brought fresh energy to the attack, while Paul Ramfangzauva and Lallawmawma continued to test the Inter Kashi goalkeeper, Albino Gomes, with distance shots.
Andre Green Seals the Victory
The contest remained finely balanced heading into the final stages. Inter Kashi pushed hard for an equalizer, with Manvir Singh seeing a header saved and Ayush Chhikara narrowly missing the target with a strike in the 72nd minute. The tension mounted as the Blasters' defense worked tirelessly to absorb the pressure.
The decisive moment arrived during stoppage time. In the fourth minute of added time, Mohammed Sanan found Andre Green, who composed himself to strike a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom-right corner. The goal effectively ended Inter Kashi's hopes and ensured a perfect start to the season for Kerala Blasters FC.
- Scorers: Vibin Mohanan (18'), Andre Green (90+4')
- Venue: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune
- Result: Kerala Blasters FC 2-0 Inter Kashi