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Goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh Joins Kerala Blasters FC on season-long loan deal

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Kerala Blasters FC would like to announce the acquisition of goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh on a season-long loan from Odisha FC. Kamaljit brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League, and the club is confident that his addition will bolster our squad for the upcoming season.

Born on December 28, 1995, in Punjab, India, Kamaljit began his football journey with the AIFF Academy. He later joined Sporting Clube de Goa in 2014, marking his entry into professional football.

Kamaljit Singh began his professional career with Sporting Goa (2014–2016), making his debut in the Durand Cup against United SC on October 29, 2014. After a brief stint with Minerva Punjab (2017), where he appeared in two I-League matches, he moved to FC Pune City (2017–2019), featuring in 11 ISL matches and gaining valuable experience. 

His performances earned him a move to Hyderabad FC (2019–2020), where he established himself as a regular starter with 12 appearances in the season. He then joined Odisha FC (2020–2022), continuing his consistent performances with 15 caps. Kamaljit later signed with East Bengal (2022–2024), where he further solidified his reputation as a dependable goalkeeper with 25 matches before returning to Odisha FC.

Kamaljit has represented India at various youth levels, including the U19 and U23 teams. He was part of the squad for the 2014 Asian Games, gaining valuable international exposure. 

Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys expressed his enthusiasm about the new signing:

“We are happy to welcome Kamaljit Singh to Kerala Blasters. His experience and skills will be valuable to the squad as we aim for a successful season ahead.”

Kamaljit Singh also shared his excitement:

“Joining Kerala Blasters is a significant step in my career. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and connecting with the overall goal of the team.”

The club believes that Kamaljit’s addition will strengthen our goalkeeping department and provide healthy competition within the squad. We are confident that his presence will be instrumental in achieving our objectives for the remainder of the season.

How to Follow CFC vs KBFC?

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The Blasters are set for an intense outing as they take on Chennaiyin FC in a crucial away fixture. They will be determined to bounce back and secure vital points in Chennai tonight.

TEAM UPDATES:

Kerala Blasters FC

The Blasters in their last game against East Benga FC were undone by defensive lapses, which cost them crucial points. Interim Head Coach T.G. Purushothaman stated, “Despite our strong performance, we struggled to convert chances. We have analyzed our mistakes and are focused on making improvements against Chennaiyin FC.”

Despite showing a strong performance, converting opportunities into goals remains a key area of improvement. Defensively, Kerala Blasters are working to tighten their backline after conceding four goals in the last three matches.

Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC enters this clash on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat against FC Goa. Head Coach Owen Coyle expressed his frustration over defensive errors that led to conceding early goals.

Despite their challenges, Chennaiyin remains a formidable opponent with a physical playing style and a squad capable of turning games around. With four of their remaining six games at home, they will be looking to capitalize on their fixtures and push for a positive finish to the season.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH (KBFC):
Naocha Singh: A solid presence in defense, Naocha’s ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions will be essential in countering Chennaiyin’s attacking threats.

Kwame Peprah: The dynamic forward has the strength and finishing ability to trouble opposition defenders. His movement and physicality will be key in breaking down Chennaiyin’s backline.

Jesus Jimenez: The Spaniard with his ability in the attacking third and goal-scoring instincts is a crucial asset in Kerala Blasters’ attacking setup. His ability to link up with other attackers and take on defenders will be crucial in this match.

How to watch and follow the game?
Catch the action live at 7:30 PM IST on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3, Asianet Plus and OneFootball.

Korou Singh’s Journey: From Reserves to the First Team

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Korou Singh’s impressive journey from the reserve squad to the first team underlines both his determination and the effectiveness of the club’s development pathway. As a dynamic winger, Korou has significantly added to Kerala Blasters FC’s attacking play with his vision, pace, and technical skills in the highly competitive 2024–25 ISL season.
He has made 11 appearances and provided 4 assists so far, proving himself to be a reliable asset for the team. His ability to make crucial plays in key moments not only showcases his development as a player but also illustrates his transition from a promising reserve talent to a significant contributor in the top tier of Indian football.

Reserves to Kerala Blasters Team

In August 2023, Korou signed with Kerala Blasters FC and was initially registered with the club’s reserve team. While playing for the reserves in the 2023–24 Kerala Premier League, he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Kerala Police and adding another goal in an 8–0 victory over MK Sporting Club. These performances highlighted his readiness for a bigger platform and caught the attention of the senior coaching staff.
Korou’s consistent performances earned him a call-up to the senior team camp for the 2024 Indian Super Cup. On January 20, 2024, he made his senior team debut against NorthEast United FC, coming on as a substitute and becoming the youngest player to debut for Kerala Blasters at 17 years old.
His Indian Super League (ISL) debut took place on April 6, 2024, also against NorthEast United, where he was substituted during the 77th minute. On November 7, 2024, Korou recorded his first assist for the senior team in a match against Hyderabad, making him the youngest player in ISL history to achieve this milestone.
Korou has significantly impacted the first team, especially with his ability to contribute during crucial moments, despite having limited opportunities. The assists he made this season highlight his skill in creating scoring chances, particularly in high-pressure situations.
His vision and quick decision-making have added a dynamic element to the Blasters’ attacking play. Coming on as a substitute in several matches, he injected energy and pace, effectively exploiting tired defenses late in the games.
Recognizing his potential, Kerala Blasters FC offered him a contract extension until 2029, solidifying their belief in his abilities and long-term value to the team. The extension reflects the club’s vision of nurturing homegrown talent and providing them with a platform to shine at the highest level. This long-term commitment not only underscores the club’s confidence in his abilities but also secures one of Indian football’s most promising young players.

Contributions to Indian Football

Korou has also made a significant impact on the international stage as a regular player for the Indian national team at various underage levels. He was part of the squad that won the 2022 SAFF U-17 Championship, scoring in the final match against Nepal. In the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, he scored a goal against Kuwait and served as the team captain during preparatory tours in Spain and Germany. His performances in these competitions highlighted both his potential and leadership qualities.
Korou’s journey from the reserves to the first team showcases the success of Kerala Blasters’ youth development system. His advancement emphasizes the significance of patience, hard work, and taking advantage of opportunities—qualities that aspiring players should strive to emulate.

Match Report: EBFC vs KBFC  

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Kerala Blasters FC faced their first setback of the year, falling short 2-1 to the Torchbearers at Salt Lake Stadium in an away fixture of the Indian Super League.

First Half: Early Lead for East Bengal

The match began with both teams battling for control, and East Bengal capitalized on a swift counterattack to seize the lead in the 21st minute. Vishnu PV’s composed finish gave the hosts an early advantage.  

Despite being closely marked, the attacking duo of Adrian Luna and Noah Sadaoui showed determination to penetrate East Bengal’s defense. However, the Blasters went into halftime trailing by a goal.  

Second Half: A Spirited Comeback

The Blasters started the second half with renewed energy, demonstrating their ability to adapt and mount a comeback. However, East Bengal extended their lead in the 72nd minute with a well-executed goal by Hijazi. Despite this setback, Kerala Blasters continued to fight relentlessly.  

Substitutions in the second half proved pivotal in shifting the momentum of the game for the visitors. Danish Farooq entered the game and made an immediate impact.  

In the 83rd minute, Danish produced a moment of brilliance with a stunning half-volley from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the top corner of the net. This goal reignited the Blasters, who pressed fiercely for an equalizer in the closing minutes.  

Although they generated several opportunities and forced East Bengal to defend deeply in the dying moments, the Blasters were unable to find the equalizing goal.  

The team now shifts its focus to the next fixture against Chennaiyin FC on January 30 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai.  

Starting XI: 

Sachin Suresh (GK), Jesus Jimenez, Noah Sadaoui, Adrian Luna (C), Korou Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Freddy Lallawmawma, Milos Drincic, Hormipam, Ruivah, Sandeep Singh, Naocha Singh  

Substitutions:

– 58’ Milos Drincic ➡️ Kwame Peprah     

– 67’ Korou Singh ➡️ Lalthanmawia Renthlei 

– 80’ Vibin Mohanan  ➡️ Danish Farooq 

Goal:  

– 83’ Danish Farooq

How to Follow EBFC vs KBFC

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After a strong defensive performance against NorthEast United FC, The Blasters are all set to face East Bengal FC at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

TEAM NEWS:

Kerala Blasters FC:
Kerala Blasters FC come into this game following a spirited performance against NorthEast United FC. Despite being down to 10 men for most of the match, they held on for a 0-0 draw. The team showcased resilience and defensive organization, with goalkeeper Sachin Suresh making five crucial saves to secure another clean sheet this season.

Interim head coach T.G. Purushothaman expressed pride in the team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain their form. With two wins and a draw in their last three matches, the team is steadily building momentum and is focused on finishing the season strong.

East Bengal FC:
East Bengal FC will face Kerala Blasters FC after a narrow 1-0 defeat to FC Goa. Currently, they sit in 11th place on the table and are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.

East Bengal’s head coach, Oscar Bruzon, has stressed the importance of efficiency, highlighting the team’s difficulties in converting scoring opportunities. Injuries and suspensions have impacted their consistency this season, but they remain a competitive team, particularly at home.

Key Players to Watch (KBFC):

Korou Singh: His excellent performance as a makeshift full-back against NorthEast United earned him the Player of the Match award. Korou’s defensive discipline and ability to contribute in attack make him a key figure.

Adrian Luna: The creative midfielder’s vision and passing ability will be vital in unlocking East Bengal’s defense.

Sachin Suresh: The goalkeeper’s recent heroics, which helped maintain a clean sheet, have been crucial in preserving the Blasters’ unbeaten streak.

How to Watch and Follow the Game:
Catch the action live at 7:30 PM IST on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3, Asianet Plus, and OneFootball.

Kerala Blasters FC Secure Signing of Defender Bikash Yumnam Until 2029

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Kerala Blasters FC would like to announce the signing of promising young defender Bikash Yumnam from Chennaiyin FC. The 21-year-old centre-back has committed to a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until 2029.

Bikash Yumnam, born on September 6, 2003, in Lilong Chajing, Manipur, has been a standout talent in Indian football. He began his professional career with Indian Arrows in the I-League, making his debut on February 5, 2020, against NEROCA FC. His impressive performances earned him a move to RoundGlass Punjab FC, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience.

In January 2023, Yumnam joined Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), marking his first foray into India’s top-tier football league. During his tenure with Chennaiyin FC, he further honed his defensive capabilities, showcasing his potential as a future star in Indian football.

Yumnam has also been a consistent presence in India’s youth national teams, representing the U-16, U-19, and U-20 sides. Notably, he was part of the Indian U-16 team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia, a tournament where India conceded only one goal. His performances at the youth level have been instrumental in India’s successes, including winning the SAFF U-15 Championship in 2017 and the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2022.

In 2020, Yumnam gained international recognition by being the first Indian footballer to be featured in The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2020” list, highlighting 60 of the best young talents in world football. The publication praised his composure on the ball, game-reading abilities, and exceptional long throw-ins, earmarking him for a swift progression to the senior national team.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Kerala Blasters FC, Yumnam said, “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Kerala Blasters FC. The club has a rich history of backing and providing opportunities to young talents and I am eager to contribute to the team’s success and grow as a player during my time here.”

Kerala Blasters FC’s Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys added, “We are excited to welcome Bikash Yumnam to the Kerala Blasters family. His talent and potential align with our vision for the future. We believe he will be a valuable asset to our defense and look forward to seeing him develop further with us.”

The club is confident that Yumnam’s arrival will bolster the defensive lineup, providing a significant boost to the team’s ambitions for the remainder of this season and the seasons to come. Bikash will soon join the squad in Kochi to begin his training and integrate into the team. The club extends its best wishes to him for a successful and rewarding journey in the iconic Blasters colors.

Match Report: KBFC vs NEUFC

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After securing back-to-back wins, the Blasters settled for a 0-0 draw against the Highlanders on home ground. Despite being reduced to 10 men early in the first half, the Blasters’ defensive resilience, led by goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, denied the Highlanders a decisive breakthrough in a match filled with drama and missed opportunities.

First Half: Both Teams Seeking a Lead

The match began with tensions high, as early as the second minute, setting the stage for a heated contest. Both teams had chances to score in the opening half, with Adrian Luna and Alaaeddine Ajaraie testing the opposing goalkeepers.

The match’s turning point occurred in the 30th minute when Aibanbha Dohling received a straight red card after a heated altercation with Ajaraie. This left the Blasters one man down, forcing them to adopt a more defensive strategy against the Highlanders.

Despite the pressure, goalkeeper Sachin Suresh performed admirably, making several crucial saves, including a key stop to deny Ajaraie’s powerful strike just before halftime. The Blasters’ defense remained resolute, effectively frustrating the Highlanders’ repeated attempts to take advantage of their numerical advantage.

Second Half: Defensive Resilience on Display

The second half saw NorthEast dominate possession and create a flurry of chances. Sachin Suresh once again came to Kerala’s rescue, denying Zabaco and Guillermo in quick succession.

Kerala’s defensive unit, led by Sachin and a committed backline, held strong from Highlanders making their move for a lead. Despite the relentless onslaught from NorthEast United, Kerala Blasters tried to find opportunities for counterattacks.

Luna’s free-kick in the 74th minute narrowly missed the target, offering a brief moment of hope for the home side. New signing Dušan Lagator made his debut in the 84th minute and adapted quickly to the team’s defensive needs under pressure.

The game concluded in a draw, with Kerala Blasters taking pride in their defensive performance to secure a point, even after playing with only ten players for more than an hour. This draw will boost the Blasters’ morale as they prepare for next week’s match against East Bengal FC at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Starting XI: Sachin Suresh (GK), Sandeep Singh, Adrian Luna (C), Noah Sadaoui, Kwame Peprah, Aibanba Dohling, Hormipam Ruivah, Vibin Mohanan, Freddy Lallawmawma, Milos Drincic, Korou Singh

Substitutions:
46’ Danish Farooq ➡ Vibin Mohanan
84’ Lalthanmawia Renthlei ➡ Freddy Lallawmawma
84’ Dušan Lagator ➡ Adrian Luna
90+1’ Jesús Jiménez ➡ Noah Sadaoui

Kerala Blasters x Manjappada: Minutes of Meeting

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Here are the minutes of the meeting between Kerala Blasters FC and Manjappada, capturing the key points discussed and the collaborative steps forward.

Click here to read

How to follow KBFC vs NEUFC

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After clinching all 3 points from their last win against Odisha FC, the Blasters are prepared to take on #TheHighlanders at home tonight.

Team Updates:

Kerala Blasters FC:

Kerala Blasters FC enters their next match with momentum after securing a comeback 3-2 victory over Odisha FC in Kochi. Interim head coach T.G. Purushothaman praised the team’s resilience in the second half and their effective execution of the game plan.

Kwame Peprah, Jesus Jimenez, and Noah Sadaoui each scored for the hosts, and they are expected to carry this momentum into the upcoming match against NorthEast United.

Coach T.G. Purushothaman highlighted Korou Singh’s outstanding performances so far in this season. With 3 wins in their last 4 games, the Blasters are anticipated to showcase good spirit and energy on their home turf against the Highlanders.

NorthEast United FC:

NorthEast United FC heads into their upcoming clash after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against FC Goa. NorthEast United’s assistant coach Naushad Moosa praised the team’s collective effort and tactical discipline, highlighting their consistent performances in recent matches. 

Jithin M.S. who scored the crucial equaliser against FC Goa will be a constant threat for the Blasters defence. As both teams prepare for an exciting encounter, NorthEast United FC aims to maintain their strong form, while the Blasters enter the match with high hopes continuing their recent momentum.

Key Players to Watch (KBFC)

Noah Sadaoui: The Moroccan forward has been instrumental in the Blasters’ attack, delivering decisive goals and assists, including a stunning winner in the recent victory against Odisha FC.

Kwame Peprah: A consistent performer in front of goal, Peprah’s clinical finishing and energy makes him a constant threat to any defense.

Korou Singh: The teenage winger has been in red-hot form, registering four assists this season. His creativity and pace on the right flank will be crucial in breaching through the NorthEast United defenses.

How to watch and follow the game?

Catch the action live at 7:30 PM IST on Sports18, JioCinema, Star Sports-3, Asianet Plus and OneFootball.

Kerala Blasters FC announces the signing of Montenegrin midfielder Dušan Lagator

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Kerala Blasters FC completes the signing of Montenegrin midfielder Dušan Lagator on an undisclosed transfer fee from Debreceni VSC.

The Blasters are pleased to announce the arrival of Montenegrin defensive midfielder Dušan Lagator. The player has signed a contract with the club, till May 2026. The 30-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience, having played nearly 300 matches for various clubs across Europe. Lagator has also represented the Montenegro National Team in 15 matches at the Under-19, Under-21, and senior levels.

Lagator began his professional career in 2011 with the Montenegrin club FK Mogren and has scored 10 goals over the course of his career. He is expected to join the squad shortly and commence training.

Known for his defensive solidity, aerial ability, and tactical awareness, Lagator’s versatility allows him to operate effectively as a defensive midfielder, providing flexibility to the team’s defensive structure.

“Dušan is a player with considerable experience, and his ability to control the midfield will add great value to our team. We are excited to see him in action and wish him the best,” commented Karolis Skynkis, Sporting Director of Kerala Blasters FC.

“I’m excited to join a club like Kerala Blasters FC because of the vision and project that was shared with me. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and experiencing the unique football culture here in Kerala,” said Dušan Lagator.