Chennaiyin FC secured their first victory of the Indian Super League 2025–26 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Kochi on Saturday.
A decisive first-half strike from Imran Khan proved enough to separate the two sides, as Chennaiyin ended their winless run while Kerala Blasters suffered their fourth consecutive defeat of the season.
The victory lifted Chennaiyin to eighth place with four points from four matches, while the Blasters remained rooted to the bottom of the standings without a single point. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match for a series of crucial saves that ensured the visitors held on to their slender advantage.
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The visitors began the contest with greater urgency, pressing high and refusing to allow Kerala Blasters to establish early control. Their attacking intent almost produced an early breakthrough when Imran Khan struck the post after the Blasters defence failed to deal with a dangerous cross from Farukh Choudhary.
The rebound fell invitingly for Chennaiyin midfielder Maheson Singh, whose sharp effort at the near post forced an alert save from Kerala goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh.
Chennaiyin’s energetic opening spell disrupted the hosts’ rhythm and set the tone for a tense first half.
Kerala Blasters Grow into the Game
Despite the early pressure, Kerala Blasters gradually began to settle into the contest. Head coach David Català had made five changes to his starting lineup following the previous defeat, bringing in Muhammad Ajsal, Aibanbha Dohling, Bikash Yumnam, Nihal Sudeesh and RV Hormipam.
The changes helped the Blasters create several opportunities as the half progressed. Muhammad Ajsal, Víctor Bertomeu, and Vibin Mohanan all tested Nawaz with attempts on goal. However, Chennaiyin’s goalkeeper remained composed, comfortably gathering each effort to keep the score level.
Photo: Shibu Preman / Focus Sports / ISL
The breakthrough arrived just three minutes before halftime. Chennaiyin midfielder Alberto Noguera slipped a clever pass into the path of Imran Khan, who attempted to curl the ball into the far corner.
The effort took a heavy deflection off RV Hormipam, wrong-footing goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh before nestling into the bottom corner. The goal gave Chennaiyin a 1-0 lead heading into the break and placed Kerala Blasters under immediate pressure to respond.
Blasters Push for an Equaliser
Kerala Blasters emerged from the interval with greater attacking intensity, dominating possession and pushing forward in search of an equaliser. The wide areas became their primary source of threat, with Kevin Yoke and Nihal Sudeesh providing pace and creativity from the flanks.
The hosts created several promising chances during the second half, but their finishing let them down at crucial moments.
Nawaz Stands Firm
Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz played a decisive role in preserving his side’s lead. The shot-stopper produced a spectacular double save to deny Víctor Bertomeu twice from close range, showcasing excellent reflexes under intense pressure.
Moments later, Kerala Blasters came agonisingly close to scoring when Kevin Yoke delivered a precise cut-back to Nihal Sudeesh inside the box. The winger’s powerful effort struck the crossbar, leaving the home fans in disbelief. The duo combined again shortly afterward, but Yoke’s cross narrowly evaded Nihal’s diving header.
Despite the flurry of chances, the Blasters were unable to find the finishing touch.
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As the match entered its closing stages, Chennaiyin focused on defensive discipline to protect their narrow lead. Substitute Ebindas Yesudasan injected fresh energy into Kerala’s midfield, helping the hosts create additional openings. Yet the Chennaiyin backline remained resolute, clearing crosses and blocking attempts as the Blasters launched repeated attacks.
Ultimately, the visitors held firm until the final whistle to secure all three points. The victory marks an important milestone for Chennaiyin FC. After a mixed start to the campaign, head coach Clifford Miranda will be encouraged by his team’s defensive organisation and resilience under pressure.
The win also ended Chennaiyin’s long wait for success in Kochi, marking their first victory at the venue in six years.
For Kerala Blasters, the defeat raises serious concerns about their early-season form. Despite creating numerous chances, the team’s inability to convert opportunities into goals has become a recurring issue. With four consecutive defeats and no points on the board, the Blasters face mounting pressure to turn their season around quickly.
Chennaiyin will now aim to build momentum after their first victory, hoping the result serves as a turning point in their campaign. Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, must address their finishing problems and defensive lapses if they are to revive their hopes in the league.
On a night when chances were plentiful for the hosts, it was ultimately Imran Khan’s deflected strike and Mohammad Nawaz’s heroics in goal that decided the contest in Kochi.
