Kerala Blasters FC

Menu

Ground: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi

The Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, locally known as Kaloor Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium in Kochi, Kerala, India. The stadium has a capacity of 41,000 spectators.[2] For Indian Super League matches it is restricted to 39,000.[3][4][5] The stadium is widely touted to be one of the noisiest football stadiums in the world.[6]

The stadium has played host to a number of international cricket and football matches but after 2014 it didn’t hold any cricket match due to ISL. The extensive grounds of the stadium serve as venue for important exhibitions, cinema events and political rallies in the city. The most innovative aspect of the stadium is its unique lighting towers of 2 kW Floodlights which when switched on fully can provide lighting levels for HD telecast. The Structure of the tower is itself one of a kind in India

Kerala Blasters FC vs Punjab FC

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.