Sporting Delhi put on a dominant home display, defeating Kerala Blasters 2–0 in an ISL 2025-26 fixture. The match, played at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad, ended in comprehensive fashion.
Kerala Blasters endured a miserable evening as they not only failed to score but also had defender Aibanbha Dohling dismissed in the 86th minute. It was a night to forget.
Sporting Delhi’s two goals came from Mohammed Aimen in the 36th minute and Matija Babovic deep into injury time at 90+7′, sealing an impressive and well-deserved clean sheet win.
Sporting Delhi vs Kerala Blasters: Starting XI & Lineups
The starting 11 of both teams are:
Sporting Delhi (3-4-3)
GK: N. Fernandes (#20) | DEF: A. Saji (#4), R. Ribeiro (#33), Manoj Mohammed (#41) | MID: L. Semkholun (#13), A. H. Hudu (#43), O. Fane (#42), A. Lalrochana (#19) | FWD: J. Sunny (#11), M. Babovic (#7) ⚽, M. Aimen (#23) ⚽
Kerala Blasters (4-4-2)
GK: A. A. Shaikh (#31) | DEF: A. Dohling (#27) 🟥, F. Ndiaye (#44), B. Yumnam (#63), N. Sudeesh (#17) | MID: R. Borges (#22), V. Mohanan (#8), M. Hernandez (#21), D. Farooq (#13) | FWD: K. Yoke (#39), J. Quitongo (#9)
First Half: Mohammed Aimen Strikes to Give Sporting Delhi the Lead
The first half was a balanced but tense affair, with both sides looking to assert control. Sporting Delhi began with intent and pressed Kerala Blasters high up the pitch throughout.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute when Mohammed Aimen (#23) slotted home brilliantly, assisted by L. Semkholun. It was a moment of clinical quality that gave Sporting Delhi the edge.
Aimen’s goal gave Sporting Delhi a 1-0 lead heading into the break. Kerala Blasters struggled to create clear-cut chances and looked vulnerable against Delhi’s well-organized defensive structure throughout.
At half-time, the scoreline read Sporting Delhi 1–0 Kerala Blasters. Kerry Blasters coach Ashley Westwood immediately made a substitution, bringing Ebindas Yesudasan on for Rowllin Borges at the 47th minute.
Second Half: Red Card Drama as Sporting Delhi Extend Their Lead
The second half saw Kerala Blasters push hard for an equalizer, but Delhi’s defense held firm. Despite more possession in pockets, Kerala lacked a cutting edge in the final third throughout.
Kerala Blasters made their second substitution in the 69th minute as Muhammad Ajsal (Striker #19) replaced midfielder Nihal Sudeesh (#17). Ashley Westwood was desperate to find a breakthrough goal.
The game’s defining moment came in the 85th-86th minute when Kerala Blasters defender Aibanbha Kupar Dohling (#27) was shown a red card and sent off at G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, leaving Kerala with ten men.
With Kerala Blasters reduced to ten men, Sporting Delhi capitalized brilliantly. Devendra Murgaonkar came on as a substitute in the 90+1′ minute for Mohammed Aimen as Delhi looked to hold and punish.
Sporting Delhi vs Kerala Blasters: Full Team Statistics
| Stat | Sporting Delhi | Kerala Blasters |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 12 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 5 |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Fouls | 9 | 6 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Offsides | 0 | 3 |
| Corners | 5 | 6 |
Match Statistics Analysis: How Sporting Delhi Dominated
Sporting Delhi had 12 shots compared to Kerala Blasters’ 13, with both teams level on 5 shots on target. However, Sporting Delhi were far more clinical and composed when their chances arrived.
Sporting Delhi dominated possession with 55% compared to Kerala’s 45%. The hosts controlled the tempo effectively, denying Kerala any sustained rhythm or momentum during key periods of the match.
Kerala Blasters committed just 6 fouls against Delhi’s 9, but the indiscipline that hurt them most was the red card for Aibanbha Dohling in the 86th minute, which killed the game.
Kerala’s 3 offsides reflected their desperation to find an equalizer in the second half. Sporting Delhi’s backline was expertly marshaled throughout and was rarely troubled by the Blasters’ attackers.
Substitutions: How Both Managers Responded to the Game
Coach Ashley Westwood made his first change at the 47th minute, bringing on Ebindas Yesudasan (#47) to replace Rowllin Borges (#22). This was an attempt to inject fresh energy into the midfield.
Westwood’s second substitution saw Muhammad Ajsal (#19) replace Nihal Sudeesh (#17) in the 69th minute. The striker’s introduction showed Kerala’s urgent need for a goal to get back into the match.
Sporting Delhi’s only substitution came in the 90+1′ minute when Devendra Murgaonkar (#29) replaced goal-scorer Mohammed Aimen (#23), wrapping up the game with fresh legs and composure at the back.
Suggested Reads:
Conclusion: A Complete Performance from Sporting Delhi
Sporting Delhi put on a thoroughly professional and dominant display to beat Kerala Blasters 2-0. Mohammed Aimen and Matija Babovic were the heroes with crucial goals at vital moments of the match.
Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, looked disjointed and lacked leadership when they needed it most. Dohling’s red card was the final blow that ensured there was no way back for the Blasters.
This result is a massive boost for Sporting Delhi’s ISL 2025-26 campaign. They look confident, well-drilled, and dangerous going forward, and will be a team no opponent wants to face right now.
