Kerala Blasters defeated Chennaiyin FC 3-1, securing their first-ever away victory against them in ISL history.
Chennai: In a commanding performance, Kerala Blasters etched their name in history with a remarkable win at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. Defeating Chennaiyin FC 3-1, the Blasters celebrated their first-ever victory at their opponent’s home ground in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The scoring began in the third minute when Jesús Jiménez found the net, followed by goals from Korou Singh in stoppage time (45+3’) and Kwame Peprah in the 56th minute. This victory also marked Kerala Blasters’ first league double over Chennaiyin FC since the 2021-22 season. Despite being reduced to ten men in the 36th minute, Chennaiyin managed to score a consolation goal through Vincy Barretto during injury time. With this win, the Blasters secured their seventh victory of the season, accumulating 24 points and holding onto the eighth position in the league table, while Chennaiyin FC remained in tenth place with 18 points.
Tactical Changes and Lineups
Kerala Blasters made three changes from their previous match against East Bengal, with Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, and Noha Sadoui missing out on the starting eleven. Sachin Suresh retained his position as the goalkeeper, while Sandeep Singh, Milos Drincic, Ruivah Hormipam, and Naocha Singh formed the defensive line. In midfield, Adrian Luna and Danish Farooq played in defensive roles, with debutant Lal Thanhmawia Renthlei, Korou Singh, and Kwame Peprah supporting Jesús Jiménez in attack.
Chennaiyin FC, led by goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz, fielded a defense comprising Lal Dindpui, Ryan Edwards, Pritam Kotal, and Renthlei. The midfield featured Conor Shields, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Farukh Choudhary, and Lucas Brambilla, while Irfan Yadwad and Wilmar Jordán Gil spearheaded the attack.
Match Overview
Right from kickoff, Kerala Blasters pressed aggressively, and in just the third minute, they took the lead. A swift attacking move saw Korou Singh surge forward and draw a foul near the box, but the ball fell to Jiménez, who capitalized with a precise strike into the left corner, beating both Chennaiyin captain Ryan Edwards and goalkeeper Nawaz. This was Jiménez’s 11th goal of the season and the fastest goal for the Blasters this campaign.
Chennaiyin FC attempted a quick response, with Wilmar Jordán and Irfan Yadwad combining for a promising chance, but Sachin Suresh made a crucial save. The Blasters continued to dominate, with Jiménez attempting another shot in the 13th minute, only to be denied by Nawaz. Chennaiyin had a rare opportunity when Conor Shields delivered a pinpoint free kick to Edwards, whose header was brilliantly saved by Sachin Suresh.
The match turned in Kerala Blasters’ favor in the 36th minute when Wilmar Jordán was sent off for a dangerous foul on Milos Drincic, reducing Chennaiyin to ten men. Shortly after, the Blasters doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. A well-worked counterattack saw Kwame Peprah pass to Luna, who provided a perfect assist for 18-year-old Korou Singh to finish into the bottom left corner.
Second Half: Blasters Seal the Win
Kerala Blasters continued to control possession in the second half. In the 54th minute, a long-range attempt from Conor Shields went wide. Two minutes later, the Blasters extended their lead to 3-0. Adrian Luna delivered a well-placed cross from the left, which was expertly finished by Kwame Peprah before the ball touched the ground.
Chennaiyin made three substitutions in an attempt to reduce the deficit, focusing on set-piece opportunities, but the Blasters’ defense remained resolute. Coach Ivan Vukomanović made further tactical changes, bringing in Vibin Mohanan and Dusan Lagator for Peprah and Hormipam.
In the closing stages, Lalthathanga Khawlhring attempted to increase the lead with a powerful strike, but Nawaz pulled off a fine save. Noha Sadoui and Ishan Pandita were introduced in the 80th minute, replacing Jiménez and Lalthathanga. Sadoui’s direct free kick narrowly missed the target, while a thunderous shot from Vibin Mohanan was also kept out by Nawaz.
Chennaiyin finally found a late goal in injury time through substitute Vincy Barretto, but it was merely a consolation. Kerala Blasters will now prepare for their next fixture against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on February 15 in Kochi.
