Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters and Odisha FC Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 Contest

In an exciting clash at the Kalinga Stadium in the temple city of Bhubaneswar, Kerala Blasters FC and Odisha FC played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. The match began with Kerala Blasters showing early attacking intent, as Danish had a quick opportunity right after kickoff.

The first real chance came from Noah Sadaoui, whose shot earned a corner, but it was cleared by Jaouh. Throughout the match, Noah and Rahul kept delivering crosses to Danish, who found himself in promising positions but couldn’t convert them into goals.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Noah finished off a well-timed assist from Jesus Jimenez, putting Kerala Blasters up 1-0. Just four minutes later, Jimenez found the top corner with a clinical finish, extending the lead to 2-0 and giving the Blasters control in the first quarter of the game.

Odisha FC pulled one back in the 36th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error when Alexandre Coeff, attempting to clear the ball, inadvertently deflected it into his net. The equalizer followed soon after, with Diego Mauricio scoring just before halftime, levelling the score at 2-2.

The second half saw a more physical contest, with both teams creating chances. Jesus Jimenez remained a constant threat for Kerala but couldn’t find the net again. In the 68th minute, coach Mikael Stahre made tactical substitutions, bringing on Mohammed Aimen for Danish, and shortly after, Adrian Luna replaced Coeff. These changes added new dimensions to the attack, with Aimen linking up well with Noah and Luna adding fresh energy.

Despite several near misses, including efforts from Rahul and Noah, neither team could break the deadlock. Odisha’s defence held firm, making crucial saves to deny Kerala a late winner. In the end, both teams settled for a share of the points in an intense contest.

Looking ahead, Kerala Blasters will aim to regroup and prepare for their next fixture against Mohammedan SC on October 20 at Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.

Substitutions:

68’ Danish Farooq ➡ Mohammed Aimen

70’ Alexandre Coeff ➡ Adrian Luna

84’ Rahul KP ➡ Mohammed Azhar

84’ Sandeep Singh ➡ Hormipam Ruivah

84’ Jesus Jimenez ➡ Kwame Peprah

Goals:

17’ Noah Sadaoui

21’ Jesus Jimenez

Odisha FC vs Kerala Blasters FC: Match Preview

Kerala Blasters FC are set to face Odisha FC in an exciting Indian Super League clash on Tuesday, October 3rd, at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The match kicks off at 19:30 PM IST, and both teams are eager to gain an edge early in the season and boost their standings. While Odisha looks to build on their recent success, Kerala Blasters will aim to get back to winning ways after a hard-fought draw in their last outing.

Team News
Kerala Blasters FC:
After a tough 1-1 draw against North East United FC, Kerala Blasters now have four points from three games, placing them fifth in the table. Having shown glimpses of strong play in both attack and defense, the Blasters will look to find consistency and turn solid performances into victories. With one win, one draw, and one loss so far, they’ll be keen to pick up maximum points on their trip to Bhubaneswar.

Odisha FC:
Odisha FC enters this contest on the back of a well-earned 2-1 win over Jamshedpur FC. Playing again at home, the Juggernauts will look to use the energy of their fans to extend their winning run. Odisha’s confidence is high, and they’ll pose a stern test for the visiting Blasters.

Key Players to Watch (Kerala Blasters FC):
Adrian Luna:
Luna made a noticeable impact in his first appearance of the Indian Super League season against North East United, linking up well with the attacking unit. He is expected to play a key role in creating goal-scoring opportunities in the match against Odisha FC.

Mohammed Aimen:
Aimen showed strong positioning and came close to scoring in the previous game against North East United. His ability to create chances and connect with the attack has been effective, making him an important player for Kerala Blasters in the upcoming match against Odisha.

Pritam Kotal:
Pritam has been pivotal in organizing Kerala Blasters’ defense throughout the season. His role in marking Odisha’s key attackers will be crucial in preventing any goal-scoring threats during the match.

Noah Sadaoui:
Sadaoui scored the equalizer against North East United, displaying his finishing capabilities. His speed and attacking presence will be essential in the final third as Kerala Blasters face Odisha FC.

Where to Watch
Tune in live on Sports18, JioCinema, Asianet Plus, and OneFootball at 19:30 IST. Stay updated with Kerala Blasters FC’s social media channels for live coverage and behind-the-scenes content.
Get ready to back the Blasters as they aim to return to winning form in this exciting clash against Odisha FC!

Kerala Blasters share spoils in 1-1 draw at Guwahati

Kerala Blasters FC and North East United FC played out a thrilling 1-1 draw at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati. Both teams deployed balanced formations, ensuring a tactical battle right from the start.
Kerala Blasters began the match strongly, with Noah Sadaoui testing North East’s goalkeeper Gurmeet in the 3rd minute. Danish Farooq soon created another opportunity for Noah, but the Blasters couldn’t capitalize early. North East United responded with pressure of their own, earning consecutive corners but failing to convert. The first half remained even, with both sides unable to break the deadlock, leaving it 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Kerala Blasters made an early substitution, bringing on Kwame Peprah for Alexandre Coeff to add more attacking options. However, North East United took the lead in the 57th minute through a set-piece, with Ajarae capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Blasters to score past Sachin Suresh.
Kerala Blasters responded quickly, with Noah Sadaoui equalizing in the 67th minute following clever play by Vibin. As the game intensified, both teams pushed for a winning goal. Drama unfolded in the 81st minute when North East’s Asheer Akhtar was shown a red card for a harsh sliding challenge on Noah, leaving North East United with 10 men. Kerala Blasters pressed forward to take advantage, but despite creating chances, they were unable to find a late winner.
Adrian Luna, making his first appearance in the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, brought fresh energy to the attack. He linked up well with Mohammed Aimen, who came close to scoring in the 90th minute, only to have his shot blocked. Kwame Peprah then unleashed a powerful strike in stoppage time, but Gurmeet’s save kept the score level. The match ended 1-1, with both sides taking a point from the hard-fought contest.
Kerala Blasters are set to face Odisha FC on 3rd October at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar. With 4 points already on the board, the Blasters will aim to strengthen their position with a vital away victory.

Substitutions:

  • 46’: Alexandre Coeff ➡ Kwame Peprah
  • 57’: Rahul KP ➡ Mohammed Aimen
  • 79’: Jesus Jimenez ➡ Adrian Luna
  • 79’: Sandeep Singh ➡ Hormipam Ruivah

Goals:

  • 67’: Kerala Blasters FC: Noah Sadaoui

Match Preview: Kerala Blasters FC vs NorthEast United FC

Kerala Blasters FC will travel to the north-east to face NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, September 29th. The game will kick off at 19:30 IST. Both teams are in search of vital points early in the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, with Kerala aiming to extend its winning run.

Team News
Kerala Blasters FC:
Following a memorable home win, where the Blasters secured all three points in a hard-fought 2-1 victory against East Bengal FC, the Club’s focus will now shift to continuing that momentum on the road. The Blasters will look to sharpen both offensive creativity and defensive solidity as they aim to extend their strong start to the season.
NorthEast United FC:
NorthEast United FC are coming off a close 3-2 defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and will be determined to put in a solid performance in front of their home crowd. The Blasters will have to be prepared for a spirited challenge, as NorthEast United look to get back to winning ways.
Key Players to Watch: Kerala Blasters FC

  1. Sachin Suresh:
    After his stellar performance in the previous match, the Kerala Blasters goalkeeper will be crucial in denying NorthEast’s attack and maintaining a strong defensive foundation.
  2. Noah Sadaoui:
    The versatile forward scored an equalizer against East Bengal and will be a significant threat in the attacking third with his pace and finishing ability.
  3. Kwame Peprah:
    With his decisive late goal in the last match, Peprah will be keen to continue his scoring form and make an impact in the offensive setup.
  4. Jesús Jiménez:
    Jiménez scored a crucial goal against Punjab FC, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net when it matters most. His presence will be vital as the Blasters face NorthEast.
    Where to Watch
    The match will be broadcast live on Sports18, JioCinema, Asianet Plus, and OneFootball at 19:30 IST. Kerala Blasters’ fans can stay connected via the Club’s social media platforms for live updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage.
    Join the Blasters as they head to Guwahati, looking to maintain their winning form and support your team as Kerala Blasters look to continue their winning ways!

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

Match Preview: Kerala Blasters FC vs East Bengal FC

Kerala Blasters FC gear up to face East Bengal FC in what promises to be an exciting encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on 22nd September, Sunday at 19:30 IST. Both teams are seeking their first win of the new Indian Super League (ISL) season, with the Blasters eager to bounce back after a narrow defeat in their opening match.

Team News

Kerala Blasters FC:
The Blasters kicked off their Indian Super League 2024 campaign with a 2-1 loss to Punjab FC in their season opener. The team showed promising signs, with striker Jesus Jimenez finding the back of the net. Key additions like Noah Sadaoui and Alexandre Coeff are expected to make an impact.
Coach Stahre will focus on tightening the defense and creating more cohesive attacking opportunities as they face a determined East Bengal side.

East Bengal FC:
East Bengal FC, under the guidance of head coach Carles Cuadrat, come into this match following a 1-0 loss in their opener against Bengaluru FC. Despite creating several chances, the Kolkata side was unable to find the back of the net.
Cuadrat has emphasized the importance of sharpness in front of goal. Key players like Cleiton Silva and Nandhakumar Sekar are expected to lead the attack against Kerala Blasters FC.

How to Watch
Catch all the action live on Sports18, JioCinema, Asianet Plus, and OneFootball at 19:30 IST. Stay tuned to Kerala Blasters’ social media platforms for live updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.

Match Tickets
Be a part of the electric atmosphere at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium! Get your tickets for the Kerala Blasters FC vs East Bengal FC match here.
Let’s back the boys in yellow as they aim to secure their first win of the season!

Vibin Mohanan Signs a Contract Extension Until 2029

Kerala Blasters FC is thrilled to announce that midfielder Vibin Mohanan has extended his stay with the club by signing a new four-year contract until 2029.

Vibin, who joined Kerala Blasters’ youth wing in 2020, was promoted to the first team in 2022. Since then, the 21-year-old midfielder has made significant strides, showcasing his talent across several major competitions, including the Indian Super League (ISL), Durand Cup, and Super Cup.

To date, Vibin has made 28 appearances across all competitions for Kerala Blasters, registering his maiden goal and providing 4 assists. Vibin was also recently selected to represent India in the U-23 national team, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Expressing his excitement over the contract extension, Vibin said: 

“I am incredibly grateful to Kerala Blasters for believing in me and supporting my development. It’s a privilege to continue my journey with the club, and I am determined to give my best for the team in the coming years. The fans here in Kerala have always been amazing, and I can’t wait to keep making them proud.”

KBFC Sporting Director, Karolis Skinkys said: 

“We are delighted to have secured Vibin for the long term. He is a player with immense potential and has already shown his capabilities at such a young age. We believe Vibin will continue to grow and become a key part of our project here at Kerala Blasters.

Match Review: KBFC vs PFC

Punjab FC 2-1 Kerala Blasters FC

In their opening match of the Indian Super League 2024-25 season, Kerala Blasters FC were denied victory by a dramatic Filip Mrzljak goal in the 95th minute, sealing a 2-1 win for Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. In a thrilling encounter, the Blasters fought valiantly, equalizing in injury time through striker Jesús Jiménez, only to see their efforts undone in the dying moments.

First Half: A Tight Contest

The match began with Kerala Blasters paying a silent tribute to Wayanad. The starting XI featured French international Alexandre Coeff making his ISL debut in midfield alongside Freddy. Notably, captain Adrian Luna was absent, leaving defender Miloš Drinčić to marshal the backline. The first half was a cagey affair with limited chances for both sides, as the ball remained largely confined to the midfield.

Punjab FC thought they had broken the deadlock when Mushaga Bakenga put the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving the game scoreless at halftime.

Second Half: Injury Time Drama

Kerala Blasters made an immediate impact in the second half with the introduction of Vibin Mohanan and Spanish striker Jesús Jiménez. Their presence injected more pace into the attack, and Noah Sadaoui came close to opening the scoring with a powerful shot, only to be denied by Punjab goalkeeper Ravi Kumar.

Blasters’ head coach Mikael Stahre made five substitutions in the second half, searching for a breakthrough. However, against the run of play, a challenge from Muhammed Saheef on Leon Augustine in the 85th minute led to Punjab being awarded a penalty. Luka Majcen calmly converted, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.

With the home crowd urging them on, Kerala Blasters found an equalizer in the 92nd minute. A perfectly placed cross from Pritam Kotal found Jesús Jiménez, who scored with a precise header on his debut, leveling the match at 1-1 and sending the home fans into a frenzy.

Just when it seemed like the match would end in a draw, Punjab FC launched a last-minute attack. In the 95th minute, Filip Mrzljak struck a ball delivered from a tight angle into the net, sealing a dramatic victory for Punjab FC.

Kerala Blasters will now look to regroup as they prepare for their next fixture against East Bengal FC on 22nd September, aiming to bounce back and secure their first win of the ISL season.

Substitutions:

46’ – Kwame Peprah ➡ Jesús Jiménez

46’ – Mohammed Aimen ➡ Vibin Mohanan

70’ – Freddy Lallawmawma ➡ Mohammed Azhar

75’ – Sandeep Singh ➡ Aibanbha Dolhing

87’ -Muhammed Saheef ➡ Sukham Yoihenba Meitei

Goal:
92’ – Jesús Jiménez

Yoihenba Meitei Signs New Contract with Kerala Blasters Until 2027

We are thrilled to announce that young midfielder Yoihenba has signed a contract extension with Kerala Blasters FC, securing his future with the Club until 2027, with an option for further extension.

Yoihenba, a talented graduate from the Club’s Academy system, made his promotion into the first team last season. Since then he has been a constant part of the first team squad showing gradual improvement during preseason friendlies and the Durand Cup this season. He has also shown a knack for scoring goals, further proving his growth and potential under the new Head Coach Mikael Stahre.

Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, expressed his excitement:

“I’m pleased to see the progress Yoihenba has made in recent years. He is a commited player, a product of our academy. His journey to the first team was long and I’m happy to see his development year after year. I believe Yoihenba will continue to grow and contribute more to the with every passing season.”

Yoihenba said:

“I’m honored and excited to continue my journey with Kerala Blasters. The support from the management and the coaching staff has been amazing through my time as a part of the club, and I’m fully committed to giving my best on the pitch for the team.”

A hardworking and dynamic midfielder, Yoihenba will add depth and options in the midfield as the Club steps into a new season!

Everyone at Kerala Blasters FC congratulates Yoihenba on his new contract and looks forward to his continued success with the team!

Match Preview: KBFC vs PFC

Match Preview

Kerala Blasters FC vs Punjab FC

Kerala Blasters get the new Indian Super League season underway on 15th September (Sunday) when we welcome Punjab FC to Kaloor for a 19:30 IST kick-off.

The Blasters have already returned to competitive action, in the Indian Oil Durand Cup, and we narrowly missed a spot in the semi-finals.

Sunday’s game against #TheShers presents an opportunity for Mikael’s men to build on encouraging performances and start the season in the best possible manner.

Keep scrolling to find team news, opposition information and details about how you can follow the game…

HOW TO WATCH AND FOLLOW

The game will be broadcast live on Sports18, JioCinema, AsianetPlus, and OneFootball at 7:30 PM IST. You can also follow the build-up and in-game updates on our social media platforms.

TEAM NEWS

KBFC

The Blasters have reinforced their attack ahead of this season with the acquisition of ISL star Noah Sadaoui, and Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez Nunez. At the back, experienced French defender Alexandre Coeff has been brought in along with Likmabam Rakesh from Neroca FC.

With a new boss at the helm in the form of Mikael Stahre, KBFC will look to turn over a new leaf this season. Having faced PFC earlier in the Durand Cup which resulted in a stalemate, Mikael will use that knowledge to prepare the squad accordingly this time out.

PFC

#TheShers have undergone a massive overhaul starting with the appointment of Head Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis. PFC parted ways with five foreign players and several Indian players ahead of the new season.

A relatively stable season for the Punjab-based club saw them finish 8th in the 2023/24 season. In the Durand Cup, Dilmperis has handed out plenty of minutes to Indian youngsters like Nihal Sudeesh, Ashis Pradhan, Khaimingthang Lhungdim. Abhishek Singh and Nikhil Prabhu are also young but have already established themselves in the ISL last season and have continued to be key players for Punjab FC this season. 

Meanwhile, Ravi Kumar looks set to be #TheShers main man between the sticks. 

MATCH TICKETS

Get your tickets for our game against Punjab FC here: https://bit.ly/KBFCPFCTickets

#KeralaBlasters #KBFC #ISL #KBFCPFC