Kochi/Kolkata, Friday, February 27, 2026: Kerala Blasters FC will take on Inter Kashi FC as both sides aim to secure a crucial victory in their Indian Super League 2025-26 season encounter on Saturday, February 28, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. The match is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 IST.

The second match of the day sees Mohun Bagan Super Giant host Mohammedan SC in a blockbuster derby at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, with the kickoff slated for 19:30 IST on Saturday.

Both matches will be streamed live on FanCode and telecast on Sony Sports Ten 2.

Kerala Blasters FC vs Inter Kashi FC

Kerala Blasters FC head into the fixture looking to capitalise on their passionate home support. After suffering consecutive defeats to open their campaign, including a narrow 0-1 loss to Mumbai City FC where they conceded a 48th-minute strike by Lallianzuala Chhangte, the Yellow Army will be eager to open their account and secure three vital points in Kochi.

With the Blasters currently sitting at the bottom of the table without a point, they know the importance of turning their home ground into a fortress early in the season against the newly-promoted visitors.

Kerala Blasters FC head coach David Català emphasised his team's focus on the necessity of maintaining their intensity. “We are improving, but improvement alone is not enough — we must be more decisive in the final third and more compact in defence. Against a team like Inter Kashi, who defend in a mid-to-low block, we have to move the ball faster, arrive in the box with more players, and maintain our intensity for the full 90 minutes. I don’t want excuses about preparation time or late arrivals; this is our reality, and we must adapt quickly, compete with personality, and show that we are ready to fight for victory.”

Kerala Blasters midfielder Vibin Mohanan said, “Playing at home in Kochi after a long time was a proud and emotional moment for me. Even though we didn’t get the result, the support from the fans gave us extra motivation. Whether I start or play just ten minutes, I will give everything for the team. We know we must improve, especially in contributing more from midfield, and we are working hard to give our supporters a performance they can be proud of.”

Inter Kashi FC, meanwhile, arrive in Kochi aiming to continue their resilient start to their debut ISL campaign. Antonio Habas’s men have shown impressive defensive solidity to remain unbeaten, accumulating two points from consecutive draws, including a recent hard-fought 0-0 stalemate against Odisha FC.

As this is the first-ever meeting between the two sides, the visitors will aim to carry this defensive organisation against their opponents, who will be backed by a massive home crowd.

Acknowledging the intimidating home support of the Kerala fans at the JLN Stadium, and the need to convert defensive resilience into actual points, Inter Kashi head coach Antonio Habas views the pressure as a vital developmental tool for his side.

“Being the newest entrant of the ISL, we need a bit of time to cope with the pressure and intensity. The team is constantly evolving and improving. Only two matches. We need to play regularly to be competitive with the other ISL teams. We must be at our very best to compete and try to secure a positive result," said Habas.

Inter Kashi defender Narender Gahlot said, “The morale inside our dressing room is extremely high. We want to win the next game and get into the points table. Against Odisha, we started the game really well but we were not at our 100 per cent physically. We need to stick to the plan as a team and the results will follow.”

Kerala Blasters will look to control and dictate tempo in front of their home fans while Inter Kashi aim to stay compact and capitalise on transitions. With three important points to be won, the match promises to be an interesting contest.

Mohun Bagan SG vs Mohammedan Sporting Club

Mohun Bagan SG will look to extend their dominant run as they face local rivals Mohammedan Sporting in a highly anticipated Kolkata derby. The defending champions have started the season brilliantly on the attacking front, currently sitting second in the table with six points — level with arch-rivals East Bengal FC but behind on goal difference. They enter the derby on the back of a clinical 2-0 victory over Chennaiyin FC, propelled by goals from Jamie Maclaren and Dimitrios Petratos, and will be eager to secure the bragging rights.

Reflecting on his team's form and the emotional weight of a derby, Mohun Bagan SG head coach Sergio Lobera stressed the importance of maintaining the intensity. “If we think it will be an easy game, we are not going to win, for sure. We need maximum respect for the opponents because in football, anything can happen. On paper, maybe we are favourites, but on the pitch we must prove it. If we are not at 100 per cent, if we have overconfidence, we may have problems. It is important to give everything with the right approach and show that we are better during the 90 minutes.”

Mohun Bagan SG forward Jamie Maclaren said, “I came here to be successful as a team first. I know the goals will come because I work hard every day and my confidence is high. Last year I didn’t win the Golden Boot, but I scored in the final and we won the championship — that is what matters most. Of course, winning individual awards would be special, but my ambition is to win trophies with this team.”

Mohammedan will head into the match searching for their first points and first goal of the campaign after back-to-back defeats in their first two matches. Coming off a 0-2 defeat to FC Goa, the Black and White Brigade, currently languishing down the table, will be desperate to bounce back.

Speaking about the performances in the last two encounters, Mohammedan head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo said, “Yes, we are facing challenges — from a short pre-season to the transfer ban and financial issues — but there is no excuse in football. We have a young, all-Indian squad and we believe in them. These players have shown incredible professionalism despite not having the same facilities or advantages as other ISL clubs. We will not give up, we will fight in every match, and we are confident that with hard work and unity, this team will continue to improve and compete strongly in this league.”

Mohammedan Sporting goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee said, “Problems will always be there in football, but when we step onto the pitch for a Derby, nothing else matters. For those 90 minutes, it’s about pride, emotion, and giving everything for the badge and the fans. We know Mohun Bagan are a strong side in good form, but we are motivated to improve every game, stay focused on our plan, and put in a performance that reflects our character and determination.”