In a pulsating ISL 2025-26 encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Ernakulam, Kerala Blasters FC put on a stunning second-half masterclass to dismantle Mohammedan SC 3-1 on home soil.
The Yellow Army, rocking their iconic yellow jerseys, looked rattled when Roy Mahitosh fired Mohammedan ahead on 42 minutes, but the Blasters bounced back with vengeance after the break.
Starting Lineups & Key Substitutions
The starting 11 of both teams are as follows.
| Kerala Blasters (3-5-2) | Mohammedan SC (4-4-2) |
|---|---|
| A. A. Shaikh (GK) | P. Chettri (GK) |
| F. Ndiaye, R. Hormipam, M. Saheef | H. P. Sajad, P. D. Meitei, J. A. Mazumder, J. Lalmuanawma |
| N. Sudeesh, F. Lallawmawma, V. Mohanan, A. Dohling, K. Yoke | Lalngaihsaka, A. Singh |
| Franchu, V. Bertomeu | M. Chothe, R. Mahitosh, A. Singh (Kiyam), Lalthankima |
Key Kerala Blasters Substitutions:
Sreekuttan M S came on for Nihal Sudeesh at half-time (46′) and repaid the faith instantly with the crucial third goal. Matias Hernandez replaced Kevin Yoke (77′), and Ebindas Yesudasan came on for Vibin Mohanan (77′).
On the final whistle, Francisco Feuillassier was replaced by Muhammad Ajsal (90′), completing a full house of changes as Kerala managed the game comfortably in the closing stages of a thoroughly dominant home performance.
Key Mohammedan SC Substitutions:
Mohammedan made several changes: Md Fardin Ali Molla on for Lalthankima (55′), Rochharzela replaced Makan Chothe (77′), Jeremy Laldinpuia came on for an injured Lalngaihsaka (78′), and Maharabam Maxion for Adison Singh (84′).
First Half: Mohammedan Strike First Through Roy Mahitosh (42′)
Kerala Blasters dominated possession from the very first whistle, playing an expansive and fluid style of football that put Mohammedan SC on the back foot almost immediately in Ernakulam.
Despite controlling 65% of the ball, the Blasters could not find the breakthrough, and Mohammedan punished them ruthlessly with a sucker-punch goal against the run of play.
Roy Mahitosh, the Mohammedan midfielder wearing jersey #52, latched on to a clinical move and slotted home in the 42nd minute to give the visitors a shock 0-1 lead at half-time.
The Blasters’ dressing room must have buzzed with frustration, but also determination. Manager Ivan Vukomanovic made a crucial half-time change, introducing Sreekuttan M S for Nihal Sudeesh at the break.
Second Half: Kerala Blasters Erupt With Three Stunning Goals
Just before halftime, Franchu ignited the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, brilliantly finishing Kevin Yoke’s clever assist to level the match 1-1 and breathe fresh life into Kerala Blasters’ roaring supporters.
Kerala Blasters returned after the break with unstoppable energy, and Victor Bertomeu punished Mohammedan SC in the 59th minute, calmly smashing home another precise Kevin Yoke delivery for 2-1.
With confidence surging through the Yellow Army, Mohammedan SC struggled desperately to contain relentless attacks as Kerala Blasters dominated possession, intensity, and momentum in front of their passionate home crowd.
Substitute Sreekuttan M S delivered the finishing touch in the 74th minute, calmly converting Franchu’s perfectly weighted pass to seal a thrilling 3-1 victory and spark wild celebrations in Ernakulam.
Cards and Controversy: Amarjit Singh Kiyam Sees Red (89′)
The match was not without its flashpoints. Hormipam Ruivah of Kerala Blasters received a yellow card in the 72nd minute, while Mohammedan midfielder Amarjit Singh Kiyam was booked in the 80th minute.
However, Kiyam’s night ended in catastrophe. The Mohammedan midfielder picked up a second yellow card in the 89th minute, earning his marching orders and leaving his side to finish the game with ten men.
Referee Tejas Nagvenkar showed Kiyam the red card, which effectively ended any faint hopes of a late Mohammedan fightback in the dying embers of a tense but ultimately one-sided contest in Ernakulam.
Full Team Statistics: Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan SC
The full match stats are as follows.
| Statistic | Kerala Blasters | Mohammedan SC |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 19 | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 1 |
| Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Fouls | 5 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Offsides | 1 | 1 |
| Corners | 3 | 3 |
Key Takeaways from the Match
Kerala Blasters showcased tremendous character, recovering from a frustrating first-half setback to dominate Mohammedan SC after the break with relentless attacking football, sharper movement, and clinical finishing in Ernakulam.
Kevin Yoke emerged as the creative heartbeat of Kerala Blasters, providing two crucial assists and constantly troubling Mohammedan’s defence with intelligent passing, composure, and excellent link-up play throughout the contest.
Mohammedan SC struggled badly against Kerala’s second-half intensity, managing only one shot on target while losing midfield control, defensive organisation, and eventually discipline after Amarjit Singh Kiyam’s late red card.
Substitute Sreekuttan M S proved decisive for Kerala Blasters, instantly impacting the game with energy and confidence before sealing an impressive comeback victory that reignited the Yellow Army’s title ambitions.
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Conclusion: Yellow Army Delivers a Statement Performance
Kerala Blasters FC delivered exactly the kind of high-energy, attacking display that their loyal fanbase demands, coming from behind to score three second-half goals and record a commanding 3-1 home victory.
This win will do wonders for the confidence of Ivan Vukomanovic’s squad heading into the next phase of the ISL 2025-26 season. The Yellow Army looks sharp, dangerous, and very much back in the hunt for the title.
As for Mohammedan SC, they will have plenty to ponder. The red card for Kiyam and a lopsided stat sheet signal that serious work is needed to compete with ISL’s top sides in the coming weeks.
