Kerala Blasters FC began their AIFF Super Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 win over a spirited Rajasthan United FC side at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.
Despite playing against 10 men for most of the second half, the Blasters were pushed to the limit before Koldo Obieta’s 87th-minute header finally broke the deadlock and sealed three crucial points for the ISL club. The game, marked by intensity and physical duels, saw Rajasthan United defy the odds after Gursimrat Gill’s sending-off early in the second half. But even with a man advantage, Kerala struggled to break down a well-organized and resilient Rajasthan defense until late in the contest. Both teams started cautiously under light drizzle in Bambolim.
Kerala Blasters, under David Catala, looked to dominate possession through Adrian Luna and Vibin Mohanan, while Rajasthan United, led by Rooney Antwi, focused on compact defending and quick counters. The Blasters came close to taking the lead in the 23rd minute when Danish Farooq Bhat’s header from Luna’s corner rattled the crossbar the closest either side came to scoring in the opening half. Rajasthan’s new signing Ebenezer Amoh Kings impressed in midfield, breaking up play and launching transitions, while goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri dealt calmly with Kerala’s aerial threat.
Despite Kerala’s greater attacking thrust, Rajasthan’s defensive discipline ensured the teams went into halftime goalless at 0–0.
Rajasthan reduced to 10 men
The second half began with Rajasthan attempting to push higher up the pitch, but their plans were disrupted in the 51st minute, when center-back Gursimrat Singh Gill received a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Koldo Obieta.
Sensing opportunity, Catala introduced Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui in the 60th minute, hoping to add creativity on the flanks. Yet, Rajasthan down to 10 almost stunned the Blasters on the counter. In the 68th minute, Naoba Meitei’s blistering run down the right nearly created a goal for Robinson Blandon Jr, whose sliding effort missed the far post by inches.
It was a warning sign for Kerala, whose dominance in possession was not translating into clear chances. As time ticked away, frustration grew among the Kerala ranks. Their intricate passing found little joy against Rajasthan’s low block, and it took a late attacking shuffle to change the script. Substitutes Mohammed Aimen and Amey Ranawade injected energy, while Sadaoui began stretching play on the left.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 87th minute. Defender Juan Rodriguez Martinez delivered a precise cross from the right wing, and Koldo Obieta, making his Super Cup debut, rose highest to power a header into the far corner. The Spanish forward’s goal sent the Blasters bench into celebration a relief more than an eruption, as they had labored for much of the match.
Obieta’s strike his first in Blasters colors highlighted exactly why Kerala brought him in: a physical striker capable of converting half-chances under pressure.
Late drama and a tense finish
Rajasthan United, refusing to give up, nearly equalized deep into stoppage time. A looping header from substitute Rahul Soni forced goalkeeper Nora Fernandes into a reflex save to preserve the lead. Moments later, Amawia’s shot for Kerala clattered off the post at the other end. Tempers flared after the final whistle, as players from both sides were involved in a brief scuffle before coaches intervened to calm things down.
Despite the heated end, Kerala Blasters walked away with a crucial victory that puts them second in Group D, level on points with Mumbai City FC but behind on goal difference. Rajasthan, meanwhile, will take heart from a gritty display against top-tier opposition, especially after being a man down for nearly 40 minutes. For Kerala, the win reinforced the impact of their bench depth. The introduction of Sadaoui and Ranawade gave them fresh width, while Luna’s orchestration in midfield remained vital. However, the lack of early precision in front of goal will be a concern for Catala as his side prepares to face Sporting Club Delhi next.
Rajasthan United, on the other hand, proved they could hold their own against ISL opponents. Their defensive structure, led by Abdul Samed Ango and Shafeel PP, and the industrious display from Ebenezer Amoh were standout positives. With better finishing, they might have snatched a point.
Final Score: Rajasthan United FC 0–1 Kerala Blasters FC
Scorer: Koldo Obieta (87’)
Kerala Blasters XI: Nora Fernandes (GK); Shaheef, Bikash Yumnam, Juan Rodriguez, Sandeep Singh; Dannish Farooq, Adrian Luna, Vibin Mohanan; Korou Singh, Koldo Obieta, Nishal Sudheesh.
Substitutes used: Noah Sadaoui, Amey Ranawade, Amawia, Mohammed Aimen.
Rajasthan United XI: Bhabindra Malla (GK); Surendra Singh, Gursimrat Gill, Shafeel PP, Abdul Samed Ango; Alan Thapa, Rooney, Ebenezer Amoh; Naoba Meitei, Robinson Blandon, Rahul Soni.
With three points secured in a tight opener, Kerala Blasters’ campaign is up and running but they will know tougher challenges lie ahead.
