Inter Kashi FC etched their name into Indian Super League history on Saturday night, securing their maiden top-tier victory with a disciplined 2-1 win over Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
In Match 18 of the ISL 2025-26 season, the visitors delivered a composed tactical performance to climb provisionally to sixth in the standings with five points. For Kerala Blasters, the result extended their inconsistent start to the campaign, leaving them searching for rhythm in the early rounds.
Alfred Planas, instrumental in both goals, was rightly adjudged Player of the Match.
Tactical Adjustments Set the Tone
Kerala Blasters head coach David Català rang in four changes to his starting XI, introducing Muhammed Saheef, Vibin Mohanan, Matías Hernández and French forward Kévin Yoke in a bid to spark greater attacking cohesion. Inter Kashi head coach Antonio Habas made three alterations, handing starts to Wayne Vaz, Lithuanian striker Nauris Petkevičius and defender Narender.
The contest opened cautiously. Inter Kashi registered the first meaningful attempt in just the second minute when Rohit Danu tried his luck from distance, though Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh gathered comfortably.
Photo: Shibu Preman / Focus Sports / ISL
The early exchanges were measured, with both teams maintaining compact defensive shapes. Kerala looked to threaten from set-pieces, while Inter Kashi relied on quick vertical passes to release their forwards.
In the 15th minute, Oumar Bah rose to meet Vibin Mohanan’s delivery but headed wide. At the other end, Petkevičius was beginning to find pockets of space, first seeing a shot blocked before dragging another effort wide after a neat build-up involving Planas.
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The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute, moments after the water break. Planas, operating between the lines, produced a precise through ball that split Kerala’s defence. Petkevičius timed his run intelligently, created separation, and drove a powerful right-footed strike into the centre of the net.
It was a goal that encapsulated Inter Kashi’s approach patient in build-up, clinical in execution.
Kerala nearly responded in first-half stoppage time. Korou Singh found himself with a clear opportunity from Naocha Singh’s low cross, but his effort flew over the bar. The hosts entered the break trailing 1-0 despite marginal territorial advantage.
Kerala Push, Kashi Stay Composed
The Blasters emerged after the interval with greater urgency. Substitute Jai Quitongo tested the defence early, and Bikash Y attempted a long-range effort following a corner. However, Inter Kashi remained organised, absorbing pressure and looking dangerous on transitions.
In the 55th minute, Prasanth tested Arsh Shaikh with a sharp strike, underlining that the visitors were far from retreating entirely.
Kerala’s first shot on target came in the 66th minute when Muhammad Ajsal directed a header goalward from close range. Lluis Tarrés reacted sharply to deny him. The Spanish goalkeeper was called into action again minutes later, parrying away Kévin Yoke’s attempt to keep Inter Kashi’s advantage intact.
Despite Kerala’s increasing pressure, the visitors maintained discipline, limiting space centrally and forcing the home side to attempt crosses from wider areas.
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Inter Kashi doubled their lead in the 78th minute through a move that again showcased cohesion. Petkevičius, heavily involved throughout, turned provider this time. Receiving the ball in transition, he laid it off into the path of Alfred Planas on the right side of the box.
The Spaniard kept his composure, placing a measured right-footed shot into the bottom left corner to make it 2-0. The goal highlighted Inter Kashi’s efficiency two clear-cut opportunities, two well-taken finishes.
Late Drama but No Equaliser
Kerala Blasters refused to concede defeat. In the 84th minute, substitute Ebindas Y delivered a cross following a set-piece. Víctor Bertomeu reacted instinctively, producing an acrobatic right-footed finish from a tight angle to reduce the deficit.
The stadium responded with renewed belief. Bertomeu nearly equalised in the closing stages, first seeing a header blocked and then heading wide deep into stoppage time. However, Inter Kashi defended resolutely in the dying minutes. Habas’ side maintained structure, cleared lines effectively and avoided unnecessary fouls in dangerous areas.
When the final whistle sounded, it marked a landmark moment for the club their first victory in the Indian Super League. For Inter Kashi, the result reflects a team steadily adapting to the demands of top-flight football. Their defensive compactness, tactical discipline and clinical finishing were decisive in Kochi.
Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, showed flashes of attacking intent but struggled to convert possession into sustained threat. With consistency still elusive, they will need sharper execution in the final third moving forward.
For Inter Kashi, however, Saturday night in Kochi will be remembered as the evening they transitioned from newcomers to competitors a first ISL win earned through composure, structure and belief.
