Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) hosted Punjab FC (PFC) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. The start for the Blasters under their new coach Mikael Stahre in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024/25 season was not as expected. They lost their first home game against last year’s debutant Punjab FC (PFC). This was their back-to-back loss at their home stadium against the same opponent.
KBFC is the only Indian team that has not won any silverware since the inception of the club. They qualified for three finals of the ISL on all three they failed to touch their hands on the coveted trophy of Indian football. Stahre has joined the club with his high pedigree of guiding top teams across Europe and Asia. His side started well in the Durand Cup however they failed in the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The game was evenly poised at halftime with the home side failing to open the scoring despite having some of the best chances. However, things changed in the second half with both sides playing more open football. The ‘Shers’ was awarded a penalty in the 86th minute of the game. Luka Majcen scored from the spot to give the away side the lead.
Kerala Blasters loses for their fault
The lead was not there for very long after a delightful cross from Pritam Kotal was met by the side’s new No.9 Jesus Jimenez in the 92nd minute of the game. Making it 1-1. However, at the very last minute of the game, a mistake by Sachin Suresh cost the side as Filip Mrzljak won the game in the last minute of the match scoring from a narrow angle.
The Manjappada FC the so-called fans of the Blasters were left stunned and silent. Is Blasters the most overhyped team in the Indian football circuit? It is debatable as the team has not put their hands on the trophy yet. However, the team has always performed at its level best in every tournament. They will look to win the tournament this time around.
