The Indian Super League, ISL 2025-26 season serves up a compelling double-header on Saturday, February 28, with contrasting narratives unfolding in Kochi and Kolkata.
Kerala Blasters FC host Inter Kashi FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi (17:00 IST), while later in the evening, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mohammedan Sporting Club lock horns in a high-voltage Kolkata derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (19:30 IST). Both matches will be streamed live on FanCode and telecast on Sony Sports Ten 2.
Kerala Blasters vs Inter Kashi: Search for Momentum
For Kerala Blasters, the stakes are immediate. Two consecutive defeats have left them rooted to the bottom of the table without a point. Their latest setback a narrow 0-1 loss to Mumbai City FC courtesy of a 48th-minute strike from Lallianzuala Chhangte underlined both defensive lapses and attacking inefficiency.
Returning to Kochi offers more than home advantage; it presents an opportunity to reset the tone of their campaign. The Yellow Army’s support remains one of the most passionate in the league, and converting that energy into points is now critical.
Head coach David Català was clear about the areas requiring improvement. “Improvement alone is not enough — we must be more decisive in the final third and more compact in defence,” he stated. Against an Inter Kashi side that typically defends in a mid-to-low block, Kerala must increase ball speed, commit more bodies into the box, and sustain intensity for the full 90 minutes.
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Midfielder Vibin Mohanan echoed the sentiment of urgency while acknowledging the emotional lift of playing in Kochi. “Even though we didn’t get the result last time, the support from the fans gave us extra motivation. Whether I start or come on late, I will give everything. We know we must contribute more from midfield.”
Inter Kashi, meanwhile, approach the fixture from a position of cautious optimism. The newcomers remain unbeaten after two draws, including a resilient 0-0 stalemate against Odisha FC. Under Antonio Habas, defensive organisation has been their defining trait. However, converting resilience into victories is the next challenge.
Habas acknowledged the learning curve. “We need time to cope with the pressure and intensity of the ISL. The team is evolving. We must be at our best to compete and secure a positive result,” he said.
Defender Narender Gahlot highlighted the dressing room morale. “We started well against Odisha but were not at our 100 percent physically. We need to stick to our plan.” The tactical battle is clear: Kerala will attempt to dictate tempo and press aggressively, while Inter Kashi aim to absorb pressure and exploit transitional spaces. For both sides, three points could reshape early-season trajectories.
Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan: Derby with Diverging Fortunes
If Kochi is about urgency, Kolkata is about pride and momentum. Mohun Bagan Super Giant enter the derby in strong form, sitting second in the table with six points level with East Bengal but trailing on goal difference. Their recent 2-0 win over Chennaiyin FC, powered by goals from Jamie Maclaren and Dimitrios Petratos, reaffirmed their attacking depth and composure.
Head coach Sergio Lobera dismissed any notion of complacency. “If we think it will be an easy game, we are not going to win. On paper, maybe we are favourites, but on the pitch we must prove it. Overconfidence can create problems.” Maclaren, who has quickly integrated into the squad, reinforced the team-first mentality. “I came here to be successful as a team. Goals will come because I work hard every day. Winning trophies matters more than individual awards.”
In contrast, Mohammedan Sporting enter the derby searching for both their first goal and first points of the campaign. Back-to-back defeats, including a 0-2 loss to FC Goa, have exposed structural and resource limitations. Yet, derbies operate under their own logic.
Head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo acknowledged the constraints from a short pre-season to financial hurdles but rejected excuses. “We have a young, all-Indian squad and we believe in them. We will fight in every match.” Goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee emphasised the emotional weight of the occasion. “When we step onto the pitch for a derby, nothing else matters. It’s about pride and giving everything for the badge.”
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The Kolkata derby promises intensity beyond league standings. Mohun Bagan’s structured build-up and attacking fluidity will test Mohammedan’s defensive discipline. Conversely, Mohammedan’s youthful energy and emotional drive could disrupt rhythm if channelled effectively.
Across both fixtures, narratives converge around momentum. Kerala Blasters seek ignition. Inter Kashi seek validation. Mohun Bagan aim for consolidation. Mohammedan chase redemption. Saturday’s double-header, therefore, is more than a routine matchday it is an early inflection point in the 2025-26 ISL season.
