Kerala Blasters secure 3 points in an emphatic comeback win

Kerala Blasters secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against East Bengal FC in a thrilling encounter, showing grit and determination to earn all three points. The match started with both teams feeling each other out, but it was Kerala Blaster’s goalkeeper, Sachin Suresh, who truly shone in the first half. His incredible triple-save in the 18th minute to deny Nandakumar Sekar’s close-range effort kept the game level. Sachin stood tall throughout the match, repeatedly frustrating East Bengal’s attack, including Mahesh Singh and Nandhakumar Sekar.

Kerala had their moments as well, with Jesus Jimenez coming agonizingly close in the 8th minute when he rattled the woodwork after a neat exchange of passes with Noah Sadoui. Despite some promising play from Rahul KP and Vibin Mohanan, the deadlock remained unbroken going into halftime, as both teams struggled to convert their chances.

The second half began with East Bengal taking control, displaying more attacking intent. Rahul KP linked up well with Alexandre Coeff early on, but Coeff couldn’t capitalize on a promising chance in the 49th minute. In the 59th minute, East Bengal found the breakthrough when Vishnu Vinod, coming off the bench as a super sub, scored on his home soil. Dimitrios Diamantakos pounced on a loose ball outside the box and played a perfect assist to Vishnu, who slotted it into the net to give East Bengal a 1-0 lead.

However, Kerala Blasters quickly responded. Just four minutes later, Noah Sadoui equalized for KBFC in the 63rd minute. After a neat buildup, Sadoui found himself in space and finished confidently to make it 1-1. The match opened up after the equalizer, with both teams pushing hard for the winner, but neither side could find a decisive goal. Kerala’s substitutes, including Kwame Peprah, brought fresh energy to the game, testing East Bengal’s defense with their pressing and physicality, but the score remained level as the match continued to intensify.

In the 88th minute, Peprah’s persistence paid off when he broke free inside the box and put the ball into the back of the net, giving Kerala a 2-1 lead. Despite East Bengal’s best efforts, including several dangerous crosses from Naorem Mahesh Singh and Nandhakumar Sekar, Kerala’s defense held strong. Milos Drincic, who captained the side in the absence of Adrian Luna, alongside Aiban Dohling, made crucial clearances to deny East Bengal’s late attempts.

Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh continued his heroics in the dying moments of the game, making key saves to deny Saul Crespo. Kerala’s backline, supported by Pritam Kotal and Naocha Singh, managed to shut down East Bengal’s offense, maintaining their lead as the clock wound down. With six minutes of added time, Kerala Blasters held firm to see out the game and claim an impressive 2-1 victory.

The win sees Kerala Blasters build further momentum as they look ahead to their next challenge against NorthEast United. With confidence high, Kerala Blasters will be eager to continue their winning run and strengthen their position in the league.

Substituitions:

65’ Sandeep Singh ➡️ Mohammed Aimen
Danish Farooq ➡️ Aibanbha Kupar Dolhing

74’ – Jesus Jimenez ➡️ Kwame Peprah
Vibin Mohan➡️ Mohammed Azhar

89’- Alexander Coeff ➡️ Freddy Lallawmawma

Goals:
63’ Noah Sadoui
88’ Kwame Peprah