Kerala Blasters eye their first win against debutants Inter Kashi FC

Kerala Blasters FC succumbed to a 1-0 loss against Mumbai City FC

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 action heads back to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, as Kerala Blasters are all geared to face Inter Kashi FC on the 28th of February 2026, for their matchweek 3 fixture.

The Blasters have had a tough start to their ISL campaign, having lost both matches against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC, respectively.

Inter Kashi FC have had a rather positive start to their debut ISL campaign, as they held the reigning Super Cup champions, FC Goa, to a 1-1 draw in their first match and shared the spoils against Odisha FC.

Coming into this match, Blasters are in 12th position, yet to bag a point, while Inter Kashi FC are in the top half of the table with 2 points. As the season progresses forward, the competition will get more and more tighter and both teams will be looking forward to securing all three points and putting themselves in a position where they can eye the championship.

On Saturday, all roads lead to Kochi, and a win would provide the Blasters with a ton of confidence for their upcoming matches, while a win for Kashi would mark a statement that they are here to compete for the title.

As the match approaches, the excitements are high, so are the stakes involved.

The Stakes

Kerala Blasters FC

For the Blasters, this match against Inter Kashi is all about redemption. Following two disappointing losses against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Mumbai City FC, Blasters are currently in an early relegation battle.

A win for them would not only fetch them three points but also boost their confidence and provide the fans with a statement of intent and reassurance.

As the hosts approach the game, nothing less than a win would be a favorable result for the men in yellow. A loss would mean that things would become uphill for the Blasters, as rather than fighting for a spot in the top half, they would have to battle out to prevent relegation.

Hence, for the Tuskers, winning is not just another option, it is the only option.

Inter Kashi FC

Inter Kashi FC have had one of the most unexpected results in the first two matchweeks of the Indian Super League 2025-26.

In their opening match, they locked horns against Manolo Marquez’s FC Goa. The debutants were leading 1-0 against the Super Cup champions for the vast majority of the match until a late penalty converted by the Gaurs settled the game in a deadlock.

In their second match, they drew against Odisha FC, and with two points, they are resting in the seventh position of the league table. A strong contender for the top three, a win for Kashi would help them climb the ladder and create history.

Inter Kashi would be looking ahead to getting all three points against the Blasters, who are not in the best of shape at present.

Team News

Kerala Blasters are expected to miss the services of Sachin Suresh for the match against Inter Kashi as the player sustained an injury during training. Apart from that, there are no major injury concerns for the Blasters side.

Inter Kashi FC are expected to have their full roster for the match against the Tuskers, except Mario Barco, whose availability is yet to be confirmed.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first ever time Kerala Blasters will be facing off against Inter Kashi FC

Predicted lineups

Kerala Blasters FC (4-2-3-1)

Arsh Sheikh, Naocha Singh, Bikash Yumnam, Oumar Bah, Sandeep Singh, Vibin Mohanan, Matias Hernandes, Korou Singh, Marlon Roos, Nihal Sudeesh, Victor Bertemou

Inter Kashi FC (4-4-2)

Lluis Tarres (GK), Sandip Mandi, Nishchal Chandan, David Humanes, Prabir Das, Rohit Danu, Tomba Singh, Sumeet Passi, K Prasanth, Alfred Planas, Sergio Llamas

Players to watchout

Kerala Blasters FC – Matias Hernandez

The former Gokulam Kerala FC midfielder, Matias Hernandez, will be the player to watch out for the match against Inter Kashi FC.

Matias will essentially play the stabilizer role for Kerala Blasters, anchoring the midfield and creating an impenetrable force for the opponents to break past.

With a good physical presence and a decent defensive awareness, Matias has excelled in breaking the opposition’s attacking initiatives with some thumping interceptions, making him a valuable asset against the quick counterattacks.

Even though he was unable to feature in the season opener due to an injury, he made his debut for the Blasters against Mumbai City FC.

Matias came in as a substitute in the second half when the Tuskers were trailing 1-0, and took charge of the defensive duties, where he played a good role to bring balance to the backline.

Rather than positioning the player in the Centre back role, if Matias is played in his stronger defensive midfielder position, he could probably play a significant role in the Blasters first win of the season, especially in Catala’s setup, which places a strong emphasis on the defensive midfielders.

Inter Kashi FC – Nauris Petkevicius

The Lithuanian National Team striker Nauris Petkevicius will be the player to watch out for Inter Kashi FC.

With a proven goal-scoring record in European Football, Nauris can act as a reliable offensive focal point under the plans of Antonio Lopez Habas, who could convert limited chances into goal opportunities.

With the ability to play with both feet, he can be useful in tight spaces, making him an unpredictable threat to the Blasters backline.

The Blasters defensive unit, which has seen multiple lapses was lucky enough not to concede multiple goals.

However, if Nauris can stay alert and keep knocking on the Tuskers doors, he could potentially lead the debutants to a win at Kochi.

Did you Know?

• This will be first ever meeting between Kerala Blasters FC and Inter Kashi FC
• Inter Kashi FC head coach Habas has defeated Kerala Blasters FC 9 times with his former clubs.

Telecast details

The Indian Super League match between Kerala Blasters FC and Inter Kashi FC will be played on the 28th of February 2026.

The match will be live streamed on FanCode and broadcasted on Sony Sports Network.

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