ISL 2025-26: Inter Kashi FC assistant coach Carlos Fonseca frustrated over missed opportunities & referees

Inter Kashi have now suffered back-to-back defeats.

Ahead of Inter Kashi’s match against Mumbai City FC, hosts Kashi were buzzing as they hosted their first home game of the ISL 2025-26 season at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Stadium. However, they were heartbroken when the referee blew the full-time whistle, as the Islanders snatched all three points.

Both teams played a cautious approach throughout the first half, despite having a few good chances. However, the game took a dramatic turn during first-half stoppage time when Inter Kashi head coach Antonio Lopez Habas sent off out after a furious dispute with the game’s officials.

Shortly after, Noufal opened the scoring for the Islanders, giving Petr Kratky’s team a 1-0 lead at the halftime break. Inter Kashi came on rigorously in the second half, scoring an equalizer thanks to Rohit Danu.

However, Chhangte took Mumbai back into the game in under a minute, scoring the winning goal that separated the teams at the final whistle. Valpuia was sent off for Mumbai City FC late in the second half stoppage time.

Inter Kashi FC assistant coach Carlos Fonseca spoke with the media following the team’s defeat against Mumbai City, as head coach Antonio Lopez Habas was sent off and suspended.

Carlos Fonseca on missed chances

On another night, if the football gods had been on Inter Kashi FC’s side, the hosts would have at least drawn, if not taken all three points.

Given the number of opportunities they had in second-half stoppage time, Habas’ side should have scored at least an equalizer.

Carlos Fonseca spoke about the plan they prepared to tackle Mumbai City and insisted his side has to improve in terms of finishing.

“We tried to press high. We know that they want to play long. Even when we conceded the goal at the end of the first half, we started so well (in the second half) with the goal. But one minute later, you received that. And after that, I think the team has been playing very well on the game plan of today.” 

“If you look at our last game, we had many chances. Maybe 10 chances, no goal. Today, in the last 10 minutes, maybe 8 chances and no goal. So, it could be a big problem now. For us, it’s difficult to score goals. We did create many chances. But somehow, they won”, insisted Carlos Fonseca.

Also Read: Mumbai City FC survive Inter Kashi fightback to secure hard-fought Win

Carlos Fonseca on referees

Antonio Lopez Habas and refereeing decisions are usually a perfect combination for sparking clashes, disputes, and controversies. Even in the previous game against Jamshedpur, Habas demanded an investigation of the linesman’s actions.

Today, he walked his way into a red card with his harsh statements toward the match officials.

Carlos Fonseca sarcastically insisted that refereeing decisions and weather are examples of things that the coaches and players cannot handle and asked his players to step-up and win irrespective of refereeing calls.

“I talked with the players in the chamber that there are things that we cannot handle. Referees, weather. There are many things that we cannot handle. So, if we cannot handle, we are focusing on us and we try to do the best of us”, lamented Carlos Fonseca

Carlos Fonseca on the season so far

With more than one-third of the ISL 2025-26 season completed, several teams have surpassed their expectations, while a few are struggling for relegation.

Carlos Fonseca was asked which team has impressed him the most and who may win the league, and this is what he said.

“If you see, all of us, we are playing the same system, 4-2-3-1. So, for me, for sure Inter Kashi is the best. Because we have one idea. We are in block. All the games, we are fighting until the end. We also know how to play. So, for me right now, Inter Kashi is the best.”

“Who is going to win? I don’t know. Maybe Jamshedpur. They are playing well. But one thing more. If someone watch the schedule, Jamshedpur, ten games at home. Mohun Bagan SG, ten games at home. East Bengal FC, ten games at home. And Inter Kashi, seven games away”, added Carlos Fonseca.

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