Kerala Blasters FC began their MG Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune on Sunday.
Vibin Mohanan opened the scoring in the 18th minute, while Andre Green struck in stoppage time to secure all three points for the Blasters.
The victory offers Kerala a positive start to their redemption mission after a difficult previous campaign. Under head coach Ashley Westwood, the Blasters entered the new season with renewed ambitions and a revamped squad, looking to establish greater consistency and challenge for a stronger finish.
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Vibin Mohanan Gives Kerala Blasters The Lead
Kerala Blasters started on the front foot, with Freddy Lallawmawma firing over from distance in the fifth minute. Inter Kashi responded almost immediately as Rosenberg Gabriel tested goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh, who made a timely save to deny the forward.
The breakthrough arrived in the 18th minute when Korou Singh set up Vibin Mohanan inside the box. The midfielder finished with a right-footed effort from the centre of the area to put Kerala ahead.
Inter Kashi looked for an equaliser, with Manvir Singh forcing another save from Shaikh in the 35th minute. At the other end, Freddy Lallawmawma and Korou Singh had opportunities to extend the advantage, but goalkeeper Albino Gomes kept the visitors in the contest.
The Blasters went into half-time with a narrow 1-0 lead.
Inter Kashi Push For Equaliser
Kerala continued to search for a second goal after the restart. Substitute Momo Yansane sent an effort wide, while Paul Ramfangzauva and Freddy Lallawmawma also attempted to trouble the Inter Kashi defence from distance.
Inter Kashi remained dangerous, with Manvir Singh seeing his header saved by Shaikh in the 61st minute. Ayush Chhikara then came close to restoring parity in the 72nd minute, but his effort went narrowly wide.
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The Blasters also threatened from set-pieces, although Sumit Sharma headed over from a corner in the 80th minute. Kerala's defence held firm as Inter Kashi pushed forward in the closing stages.
Andre Green Seals Kerala Blasters' Victory
Kerala Blasters finally put the result beyond doubt in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Mohammed Sanan provided the assist, finding Andre Green, who finished with his left foot into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.