Imran Khan’s first half strike ensured Chennaiyin FC inflict Kerala Blasters with their fourth consecutive defeat in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Chennaiyin FC secured their first win of the season and moved provisionally into eighth place with four points from four matches, while Kerala Blasters, still searching for their first point, remain 12th. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz was adjudged Player of the Match.
Table of Contents
Team Changes
Kerala Blasters head coach David Català made five changes, bringing in Muhammad Ajsal, Aibanbha Dohling, Bikash Yumnam, Nihal Sudeesh and RV Hormipam in place of Sandeep Singh, Muhammed Saheef, Korou Singh, Danish Farooq and Oumar Ba. Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda made one alteration, with Imran Khan coming in on the wing for Irfan Yadwad.
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi |
| Date | Saturday, March 7, 2026 |
| Result | Kerala Blasters 0-1 Chennaiyin FC |
| Scorer | Imran Khan 42′ |
First Half
The visitors began on the front foot, refusing to allow the home side to settle. Imran Khan struck the post after the Blasters defence failed to clear Farukh Choudhary’s cross. Moments later, Maheson Singh tested the goalkeeper with a sharp effort at the near post after being set up by Imran.
The home side gradually settled and began testing Mohammad Nawaz. Muhammad Ajsal, Víctor Bertomeu and Vibin Mohanan all had efforts on target, but their attempts were directed straight at Nawaz, who dealt with them comfortably.
Chennaiyin took the lead three minutes before half-time through Imran Khan. Alberto Noguera slipped a pass into the winger’s path, and Imran attempted to curl his effort into the far corner. The shot took a heavy deflection off Hormipam and found the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh.
Second Half Pressure
Kerala Blasters displayed greater attacking intent, with Kevin Yoke and Nihal Sudeesh becoming increasingly influential from the flanks while Muhammad Ajsal found promising pockets of space. They fashioned at least four clear-cut chances but were unable to apply the finishing touch.
Mohammad Nawaz produced a brilliant double save to deny Víctor Bertomeu twice from point-blank range. Soon after, Kevin Yoke picked out Nihal Sudeesh with a cut-back inside the box, but the winger’s effort crashed back off the crossbar. The pair combined again moments later, although the French winger’s cross just evaded the diving header of Nihal.
Substitute Ebindas Yesudasan injected fresh energy into the midfield, but the elusive equaliser never arrived. The visitors ultimately preserved their one-goal advantage to seal their first victory in Kochi in six years.
Read More: ISL 2025-26: Bengaluru FC Beat Mohammedan SC 2-1 with First Half Strikes
FAQs
What was the final score of Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin FC?
Chennaiyin FC won 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on March 7, 2026. Imran Khan scored the only goal in the 42nd minute with a deflected shot off Hormipam.
Where does Chennaiyin FC stand in the ISL 2025-26 table?
Chennaiyin FC secured their first win and moved provisionally into eighth place with four points from four matches.
How many consecutive defeats have Kerala Blasters suffered?
Kerala Blasters suffered their fourth consecutive defeat and are still searching for their first point, remaining in 12th place.
Who was named Player of the Match?
Mohammad Nawaz was adjudged Player of the Match after producing a brilliant double save to deny Víctor Bertomeu twice from point-blank range.
What was significant about this victory for Chennaiyin FC?
Chennaiyin FC sealed their first victory in Kochi in six years despite Kerala Blasters fashioning at least four clear-cut chances in the second half.
