Antonio Habas applauds Inter Kashi players after scrappy win over Mohammedan SC in ISL

Inter Kashi registered their first home win of 2025/26 ISL season.

Inter Kashi won back-to-back matches for the first time in Indian Football League (ISL) history, defeating Mohammedan SC 1-0 at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Stadium. Asif Khan scored the solitary goal of the game, which was the difference between the two teams.

While Inter Kashi dominated possession and retained a significant amount of it, Habas’ team was unable to produce more clear-cut opportunities in the final third or make the most of the space and time they had on the ball. In the end, it appeared like they were content with the one goal scored and were focused on maintaining a clean sheet and securing all three points.

Mohammedan SC, on the other hand, had a few chances but lacked quality in the final third, which is unsurprising given the inexperienced players in their team. While the victory was scrappy, Habas would not mind the performance as long as they got the three points.

Following the match, Inter Kashi FC head coach Antonio Lopez Habas spoke to the media on the team’s performance, the lack of spectators in the stadium, and the difficulty of playing in such a short season.

Antonio Lopez Habas on the performance:

Inter Kashi began the game on top with a strong performance, controlling the most of possession and creating opportunities in the final third. They were rewarded with an early lead thanks to Asif Khan’s left-foot strike. However, after the goal, Habas’ side was unable to produce many clear-cut opportunities and were pushed back by the young Mohammedan team.

Habas acknowledged that his team’s effort in the second half fell short of expectations, but he appeared pleased to have won three points.

“The target for the last two matches for us was 6 points, and we got 6 points. The match today had a lot of tension because you don’t have the possibility to win, thinking about the possibility of the last position, and it was similar for Mohammedan. Today is a big opportunity for them to advance in the table.”

“But fortunately, we had a winner for the match, it’s very important, because today it’s very difficult to play brilliantly, play effectively, and in the first half, the first 45 minutes, we were very good play, and after that, too much tension, too much nervous, and Mohammedan was better. The problem is the grass was too high, too dense, and it’s slow; the ball is all the time slow. For both teams, it’s the same, no excuses.’ 

“I think the most important thing for today is maybe we can play the next season in ISL, it’s important for the club and after that, the resilience for the players during all 90 minutes. Not good in the last 45 minutes but very good in the first 45 minutes,” stated Habas.

Antonio Lopez Habas on lack of fans in the stadium:

Habas, who has been on the touchline for numerous games at Salt Lake Stadium for ATK FC and Mohun Bagan, is used to having a large number of people cheering his side from the stands. However, this season, many teams, like FC Goa and Kerala Blasters FC, have noticed a decrease in the number of supporters in attendance. Habas voiced worry about this element of Indian football.

“It’s very sad, it’s very sad for me. When I talked about the stadium in India, Fatorda, Mumbai, Chennai, Jamshedpur, for example, all the time playing with the fans, but now it’s 500 people. I don’t know what happened to Indian football, but evidently something has to change,” insisted Habas.

Antonio Lopez Habas on playing a 13-game season:

While supporters are excited to see their clubs back in action in the 2025/26 ISL season, a 13-game season is not ideal for both players and coaches since it might not offer enough time and opportunities to get better and express themselves. Habas discussed the season and applauded his players for their outstanding performances despite the uncertainties.

“This season is like this. Congratulations on the possibility to play this season because I found in Spain that it’s not possible to play. We are professionals, no play, no salary, it’s very complicated. Sometimes we don’t understand the players, a lot of players in the club maybe don’t receive the salary.”

“They have to play every day, train every day, it’s very complicated. For me, I want to send one big, big hug for my players, for their professionalism every time because we have a lot of problems,” applauded Habas.

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