Kerala Blasters open ISL 2026-27 with 2-0 win over Inter Kashi in Pune

Kerala Blasters FC began their Indian Super League 2026-27 season with a 2-0 away win over Inter Kashi on Sunday, 11 October. Vibin Mohanan scored in the first half and Andre Green added a second in stoppage time at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, also known as the Balewadi Stadium, in Pune.

Onmanorama reported that it was the club’s first match under new ownership, played under coach Ashley Westwood after a limited pre-season and with key players missing.

How the goals came

Vibin, who wore the captain’s armband, opened the scoring in the 18th minute. According to the ISL’s official report, Korou Singh set him up and he finished with his right foot from the centre of the box. Onmanorama reported that a pass from Freddy Lallawmawma split two defenders to find Korou, whose cut-back Vibin struck first time.

Green sealed the win deep in added time with a left-footed finish into the bottom-right corner, set up by debutant Mohammed Sanan. The ISL and Khel Now placed the goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, while Onmanorama gave it as 90+3.

• Result: Inter Kashi 0-2 Kerala Blasters FC
• 18’: Vibin Mohanan (assist: Korou Singh)
• 90+4’: Andre Green (assist: Mohammed Sanan); Onmanorama listed 90+3
• 61’: Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh saved a Manvir Singh header
• 72’: Inter Kashi’s Ayush Chhikara fired narrowly wide
• 80’: Sumit Sharma headed over from a corner

Inter Kashi push but cannot score

Inter Kashi created chances early on. Rosenberg Gabriel tested Shaikh in the sixth minute, and the goalkeeper saved from Manvir Singh in the 35th minute, the ISL report said. At the other end, Inter Kashi goalkeeper Albino Gomes kept out efforts from Freddy and Korou before the break.

Onmanorama reported that Inter Kashi had more effective attacks in the second half, using space down their right wing. Shaikh saved another Manvir Singh header in the 61st minute, and Chhikara’s late solo run ended with a shot curling wide.

Kerala made changes in the second half. Paul Ramfangzauva and Momo Yansane came on, with Green moving to the left flank, and Sanan and Ebindas were later introduced. Onmanorama said Westwood’s side kept possession late on and defended with discipline before Green’s goal.

None of the reports consulted carried quotes from either team or listed any bookings.

Sources: Indian Super League, Onmanorama, Khel Now.