Kerala Blasters FC kicked off their 2025–26 AIFF Super Cup campaign with a hard-earned 1–0 victory over Rajasthan United FC at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. A late header from new signing Koldo Obieta sealed the win for the Blasters, who were made to work for all three points against a disciplined Rajasthan side.
Head Coach David CataIà handed starts to new arrivals Juan and Koldo, while Adrian Luna led the side as captain. The starting XI featured Nora in goal, with Sandeep, Juan, Bikash, and Saheef forming the backline. Vibin and Danish operated in midfield, supported by Luna, Korou, and Nihal, with Koldo leading the attack.
The opening stages saw Rajasthan United maintain a compact defensive shape, frustrating the Blasters’ attempts to find an early breakthrough. The first real opportunity came from a set piece when Danish Farooq’s towering header rattled the framework before bouncing out, much to the relief of the opposition goalkeeper.
At the other end, Nora looked assured and commanding between the sticks, notably producing a fine save to deny Robinson’s stinging half-volley midway through the first half.
The momentum shifted decisively in the 53rd minute when Rajasthan were reduced to ten men. Defender Gursimrat Gill was shown a straight red card for pulling back Nihal on the edge of the box, handing the Blasters a numerical advantage for the remainder of the game.
Despite sustained pressure, it took until the closing minutes for the breakthrough to arrive. With just three minutes left on the clock, Juan Rodriguez delivered a pinpoint cross from the deep, and Koldo Obieta, unmarked inside the area, directed a clinical header past the goalkeeper to hand Blasters the lead.
Substitute Amawia nearly doubled the lead moments later, but his volley struck the upright. There was another late scare for Rajasthan when a wayward back-pass from Harmanjot Singh Khabra gifted Koldo a chance inside the box, but the striker’s effort was cleared off the line by a retreating defender.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned victory for Kerala Blasters, to secure three crucial points in their Group Stage opener.
Full-time: Kerala Blasters FC 1–0 Rajasthan United FC
Goal: Koldo Obieta (87’)
The Blasters will look to build on this result as they continue their Super Cup campaign in Goa.
Up Next: Sporting Club Delhi, 3rd November, GMC Athletic Stadium, Kick-Off: 16:30 IST
