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Kerala Blasters FC vs. Mohun Bagan Super Giant: A Rivalry Forged in ISL History

Posted on by KBFC Admin Sporthood

Since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2014, Kerala Blasters FC has shared an intense and competitive rivalry with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, formerly known as ATK and later ATK Mohun Bagan. The fixture has consistently been one of the most talked-about clashes in the league, including two ISL finals between both sides. Over the years, these encounters have played a crucial role in shaping the league’s history, making this one of the most highly anticipated fixtures every season.

ATK was one of the founding teams of the ISL, later merging with Mohun Bagan in 2020 to form ATK Mohun Bagan. The club eventually rebranded in 2023 as Mohun Bagan Super Giant, adopting the legacy of Mohun Bagan while continuing its participation in the ISL. Throughout these transitions, their clashes with Kerala Blasters have remained fiercely contested, with passionate support from both sets of fans.

ATK vs. Kerala Blasters (2014-2020)

The rivalry began in 2014, with Kerala Blasters reaching the first-ever ISL final, only to fall short in a narrow 1-0 loss. The following seasons saw Kerala Blasters challenge ATK in several tightly contested matches.

In 2016, Kerala Blasters secured an important league-stage win, showcasing their ability to stand toe-to-toe with their rivals. The season ended in a dramatic final where Kerala Blasters fought hard but were edged out in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Between 2017 and 2019, the matches remained competitive, with both teams achieving wins and sharing points on several occasions.

ATK Mohun Bagan vs. Kerala Blasters (2020-2023)

Following the merger that formed ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020, the rivalry took on a new dimension. Their first meeting under the new identity ended in a close contest, with Kerala Blasters falling short by a single goal.

The matches that followed were often high-scoring and action-packed, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw in 2022. The 2022-23 season saw Kerala Blasters push their opponents to the limit, delivering competitive performances in both encounters.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Kerala Blasters (2023-Present)

With the club rebranding as Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2023, Kerala Blasters continued to build upon their rivalry with them. The Blasters delivered a decisive away performance against the Mariners in December 2023, in what was a closely contested match.

The 2024-25 ISL season has already seen another competitive fixture, with Kerala Blasters putting up a strong fight in a 3-2 battle on December 14, 2024. The upcoming match between the two teams presents another opportunity for Kerala Blasters to make a strong statement.

The rivalry resumes on February 15, 2025, as Kerala Blasters FC faces Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. With the home crowd behind them, the Blasters will be eager to secure a vital win. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.

Secure Your Tickets Now!

Fans can experience this highly anticipated clash live at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase on DISTRICT by Zomato and ensure you are a part of the electrifying atmosphere as Kerala Blasters take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in this crucial ISL fixture.

Match Report: KBFC vs JFC

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters delivered a controlled and authoritative performance to secure a 2–0 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the Indian Super League 2025–26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on April 18.

The hosts set the tone early, combining structured build-up with intent in wide areas. The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute through a well-worked move—Kévin Yoke initiating the phase before Karim Benarif advanced down the left and delivered with precision. Nihal Sudheesh met it with conviction, directing his header past the goalkeeper to give the Blasters a deserved lead.

Jamshedpur threatened a response soon after, with Lazar Ćirković striking the post from a set-piece, but Kerala maintained composure and defensive organisation. The midfield unit controlled transitions effectively, limiting the visitors’ ability to sustain pressure in advanced areas.

The second goal reflected similar clarity in execution. Francisco Feuillassier’s delivery from the flank was met by Vibin Mohanan—introduced earlier in the half—who attacked the space decisively to double the advantage in the 36th minute.

The second half demanded resilience. Jamshedpur increased intensity, committing numbers forward, but Arsh Shaikh produced a sequence of high-quality interventions to preserve the clean sheet. His command of the box and shot-stopping under pressure ensured the hosts retained control despite sustained spells without possession.

Kerala continued to threaten in transition, with Yoke and Víctor Bertomeu linking effectively, while the defensive unit remained compact and disciplined. The contest was effectively settled in the 84th minute when Stephen Eze was sent off, further easing late pressure.

Nihal Sudheesh’s decisive opener and overall influence earned him the Player of the Match, while the collective defensive display underlined a performance built on structure, clarity, and control.

The Blasters now turn their attention to Odisha FC, whom they face at home on April 23, aiming to extend their unbeaten run.

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Get your tickets now #KBFCOFC: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-odisha-fc-buy-tickets

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs JFC

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters are back home with rhythm on their side—unbeaten in two and beginning to show structural clarity under Ashley Westwood. The last outing reinforced a growing pattern: improved defensive organisation, better game management, and decisive moments in key phases.

Jamshedpur FC arrive in decent touch but not dominance. Three consecutive draws, including a 1-1 against Mumbai City FC, point to a side that competes but hasn’t been clinical enough to close games.

More significantly, they travel without Head Coach Owen Coyle on the touchline—an absence that often impacts in-game adjustments, especially in tight away fixtures.

From a historical standpoint, this fixture has been balanced overall—5 wins each and 9 draws across 19 meetings. However, the narrative shifts at Kaloor. Jamshedpur have consistently struggled to impose itself in Kochi, where the Blasters’ control of tempo and crowd influence tends to tilt marginal games.

Tactically, the game sets up in KBFC’s favour:

  • Defensive stability: The inclusion of Fallou Ndiaye has added structure and aerial authority, reducing transition vulnerability.  
  • Midfield control: Blasters are beginning to dictate phases rather than react—key against a JFC side reliant on moments rather than sustained dominance.
  • Game state management: Jamshedpur’s recent run suggests difficulty in converting control into wins; Blasters, conversely, are trending upward in closing phases.

Jamshedpur will remain a set-piece threat and carry physical presence, but without their head coach and with a tendency to stall in decisive moments, this becomes a game of margins—one that historically and stylistically leans home.

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Get your tickets for the next game against Odisha FC: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-odisha-fc-buy-tickets

Match Report: KBFC vs NEUFC

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

Kerala Blasters FC were held to a 1-1 draw by NorthEast United FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, but there were clear signs of structure and progression in Ashley Westwood’s side on Wednesday.

The Blasters controlled large phases of the first half and were rewarded just before the break, as sustained pressure from a well-worked set-piece forced an own goal from Andy Rodríguez. Vibin Mohanan’s influence in midfield was central to the hosts’ rhythm, consistently finding space and dictating tempo, while Karim Benarif marked his first start with composure and intelligence in tight areas.

Defensively, Fallou Ndiaye delivered a commanding performance, dealing effectively with NorthEast’s direct approach and making a series of decisive interventions. The backline, marshalled with discipline, limited clear-cut opportunities despite the visitors’ reliance on pace in transition.

Kerala Blasters continued to carry threat after the interval. Kevin Yoke came closest to extending the lead, driving into the box and forcing a sharp save onto the post, underlining the side’s ability to create moments through direct attacking play.

While NorthEast United found a late equaliser through Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia following a second-phase situation, the overall performance reflected a team growing in control, organisation, and intent.

There remains work to be done in closing out matches, but the Blasters’ structure, midfield authority, and defensive resilience offered tangible positives to build on.

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Get your tickets for our game against Jamshedpur FC: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-jamshedpur-fc-buy-tickets

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs NEUFC

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters return home with real momentum after a controlled 2-1 comeback in the derby against Bengaluru FC. More than the result, it was the manner: improved rest defence, cleaner build-up through the thirds, and better game management after going ahead. Under Ashley Westwood, there’s a clearer framework—full-backs holding smarter positions in possession, midfield rotations offering better passing lanes, and a front line that’s starting to attack space with intent.

At the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the objective is to convert that structure into sustained pressure. Expect Blasters to dominate territory early, press higher on triggers, and look to pin NorthEast United FC into their defensive third. The key will be tempo control—moving the ball quickly enough to stretch a compact block, but with the patience to avoid forcing low-quality entries.

NorthEast United FC arrive in a very different state. A 3-0 loss at home to Sporting Club Delhi highlighted recurring issues: defensive spacing between lines, vulnerability in transition, and limited control in midfield phases. When forced to defend deeper for longer periods, they’ve struggled to maintain compactness—often leaving exploitable gaps between centre-backs and full-backs.

That’s where this game tilts. If Blasters circulate well and switch play with purpose, the overloads will come. Wide isolations, second-ball recoveries, and late runs into the box become decisive patterns against a side still searching for defensive stability.

Historically, this fixture has been tight, but context matters. Form curves are diverging, and Kerala carry both the psychological and tactical edge into this one.

For Westwood’s side, the brief is clinical:

Control phases. Sustain pressure. Punish transitions.

Back-to-back statements are there for the taking.

Match Report: BFC vs KBFC

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

Kerala Blasters FC produced a composed second-half turnaround to secure a 2–1 derby win over Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, registering their first win of the ISL 2025–26 campaign.

The visitors started with intent, creating early pressure, but fell behind in the 28th minute through an unfortunate own goal after a dangerous delivery from the right flank forced a defensive error.

The game shifted decisively six minutes later when Bengaluru were reduced to ten men following a straight red card, handing the Blasters both numerical and territorial advantage heading into the break.

Kerala gradually imposed control after the restart. Their persistence was rewarded on the hour mark when a well-weighted through ball split the defence, allowing Víctor Bertomeu to finish clinically and restore parity.

With momentum firmly in their favour, the Blasters continued to push and found the winner in the 78th minute. Substitute Francisco Feuillassier made an instant impact, showing sharp footwork and composure to convert from a tight angle and complete the turnaround.

Bengaluru threatened sporadically on the counter despite being a man down, but Kerala’s defensive unit remained disciplined in the closing stages. A key save late on, combined with decisive last-ditch defending, ensured the visitors saw out the result.

The victory lifts Kerala Blasters FC, providing a platform to build on, while Bengaluru FC remain fifth in the standings.

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Up Next: Kerala Blasters FC vs NorthEast United FC | 15th April | JLN Stadium, Kochi | KO: 19:30 IST

Get your tickets now: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-north-east-united-fc-buy-tickets

Squad Updates

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters can confirm the following squad updates:

Jai Quintongo will undergo shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury that requires corrective intervention.

In light of this development, Karim Benarif has been registered as a replacement and will be available for selection immediately.

Additionally, Francisco Abalo has been added to the squad, replacing Marlon Roos Trujillo.

Separately, Sachin has successfully undergone surgery following a knee injury. As a result, he will miss the remainder of the campaign as he continues his recovery process.

Karim Benarif signs for Kerala Blasters

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters are pleased to confirm the signing of Moroccan midfielder Karim Benarif, who joins the club till the end of the current campaign.

The  33—year-old central midfielder arrives with a profile built on composure in possession, tactical intelligence, and experience across multiple competitive environments. Born in Rabat, Benarif has developed his game in North African football, featuring in top domestic competitions and gaining exposure in continental tournaments.

Benarif began his professional journey in Morocco, where he represented clubs including FAR Rabat and FUS Rabat, the latter with whom he featured in CAF interclub competitions. His performances at that level underlined his ability to operate in high-intensity fixtures, combining defensive discipline with progressive passing.

In recent seasons, the midfielder has continued his career abroad, most recently turning out for Kerbala SC. Across his career, Benarif has accumulated consistent minutes in central midfield roles, contributing both in ball recovery phases and in initiating attacking transitions.

At the international level, Benarif has also been involved with Morocco’s A setup, earning selection during domestic-based national team camps—further reflecting his standing within the Moroccan football ecosystem. 

A technically secure operator, Benarif is capable of dictating tempo from deeper areas while also supporting forward phases with late runs and link-up play. His positional awareness and reading of the game are expected to add structure and balance to the Blasters’ midfield unit.

Everyone at Kerala Blasters FC welcomes Karim to the club and wishes him success in yellow.

Blasters Appoint Ashley Westwood to Lead First Team

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

Kerala Blasters FC confirm the appointment of Ashley Westwood as the club’s new Head Coach until the end of the current Indian Super League campaign.

Westwood arrives in Kochi with a managerial profile built on structure, resilience, and winning pedigree. A graduate of Manchester United Academy, his football education was shaped in one of the game’s most demanding environments—an ethos that continues to define his approach today. 

Westwood’s transition from a playing career spanning over 400 professional appearances into management has been marked by immediate impact. His tenure at Bengaluru FC remains a benchmark in Indian football—two league titles in three seasons, alongside a Federation Cup triumph, underlining a clear capacity to build winning teams from the ground up. 

Subsequent roles across Asia further strengthened his reputation as a coach comfortable in high-intensity, evolving environments. From shaping projects in Malaysia to contributing within the ATK setup, and more recently leading national teams such as Afghanistan National Football Team and Hong Kong National Football Team.

Ashley is a coach who understands both the Indian football landscape and the demands of building a football identity that endures beyond results. His teams are typically defined by organisation without the ball, intensity in transitions, and a collective accountability that mirrors the standards of elite dressing rooms.

Swagatham Ashley.

How to Watch & Follow KBFC vs PFC

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters return home with purpose, carrying the momentum of a disciplined and character-filled performance in Kolkata against East Bengal FC. That result was more than just a point—it was a display of structure, collective work rate, and a growing sense of belief within the group. The foundations are in place; now it’s about building on them.

Back at the Fortress, the expectation shifts from resilience to authority.

Punjab FC arrive dealing with a significant setback. The suspension of Effiong Nsungusi removes their primary focal point in attack—a player who provides presence, directness, and a constant threat in the final third. His absence disrupts their structure, particularly in transitions and hold-up play, and it’s an area the Blasters will look to exploit with aggressive pressing.

For Kerala Blasters, the approach is clear. Control the tempo early, dictate the midfield, and stretch the game in wide areas. The intensity shown in Kolkata—both on and off the ball—must translate into sharper execution in the final third. The signs are there: improved cohesion, better defensive organization, and a willingness to fight for every phase.

Kochi, under lights, demands more. And this group looks ready to deliver it.

The midfield battle will be decisive—winning second balls, maintaining compactness, and transitioning quickly into attack. Out wide, the Blasters have the opportunity to isolate and create overloads, while defensively, staying alert to Punjab’s adjustments without their main striker will be key.

If Kolkata was about proving a point, tonight is about making a statement.

With the International Break looming, the objective is non-negotiable: step on the pitch, and walk away with all three points.

Momentum is building. Now it’s time to convert it into results.

Watch #KBFCPFC live only on FanCode with kick-off scheduled for 19:30 IST.

Blasters sign Taison Singh

Posted on by KBFC-Media-Manager

The Blasters are pleased to confirm the signing of winger, Loitongbam Taison Singh, who joins the club on a deal until the end of the current season, with an option to extend.

A dynamic wide player with a strong developmental pedigree, Taison arrives in Kochi following his stint with Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s reserve setup, where he has been a consistent attacking outlet across multiple competitions. The 21-year-old primarily operates as a right winger but offers tactical flexibility across both flanks and midfield channels.

Born in Manipur, Taison is a left-footed attacker known for his direct running, close control in tight spaces and ability to stretch defensive lines. Standing at 1.66m, his low centre of gravity and agility allow him to operate effectively in one-v-one situations and in transitional phases. 

A product of India’s youth development pathway, Taison has represented the national team at the U20 level, registering three appearances and finding the net once. He was also part of India’s squads across AFC youth competitions, underlining his credentials as one of the promising attacking prospects in his age group.

Abhik Chatterjee, CEO, Kerala Blasters FC, said: “We are pleased to welcome Taison to the club, a player who is one of the brightest in his age group. We hope that he will use this platform to showcase his abilities and help the team over the course of this season.”

At the club level, Taison has accumulated over 40 senior appearances across competitions, contributing seven goals and an assist, with particularly strong output in the Reliance Foundation Development League, where he recorded six goals in 14 appearances.

Taison said, “I’m delighted to be here. Kerala Blasters is a massive club, and I’m looking forward to learning, improving, and helping the team achieve its goals.”

Having also been part of Mohun Bagan’s wider first-team ecosystem during domestic and continental campaigns, the winger now makes the move in search of consistent senior football and a platform to further accelerate his development.

Taison’s arrival adds depth, pace and unpredictability to the Blasters’ attacking unit as the club continues to build towards a strong finish to the season.

Swagatham, Taison.

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Get your tickets for #KBFCPFC: https://www.district.in/events/isl-2025-26-kerala-blasters-fc-vs-punjab-fc-buy-tickets