Kochi, April 18 (NationPress) In a stunning display, Kerala Blasters FC triumphed over Jamshedpur FC with a decisive 2-0 victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday. Goals from Nihal Sudheesh and substitute Vibin Mohanan in the first half secured all three points for the home team, who showcased a strong defensive effort with goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh making crucial saves to maintain a clean sheet. Nihal Sudheesh earned the title of Player of the Match.

The match kicked off with high energy, as both teams sought to dominate midfield. Kerala Blasters quickly made their intentions clear, with notable contributions from Karim Benarif and Kévin Yoke. Jamshedpur’s response came through calculated build-ups, making for a competitive start.

The first breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute, following a well-executed offensive play. Kévin found Benarif on the left, who skillfully maneuvered past his defender to send in a precise cross. Nihal Sudheesh timed his run impeccably from the right, leaping above his opponent to head the ball home, giving Kerala a 1-0 advantage.

Jamshedpur nearly leveled the score just two minutes later when Lazar Ćirković connected with a corner kick, sending a powerful header that struck the post, narrowly escaping disaster as Kerala held firm.

Both teams continued to press, with Jamshedpur creating threats through Nikhil Barla and Mohammed Sanan, while Nikola Stojanović controlled the midfield. However, the visitors struggled with their finishing, with many opportunities going wasted.

Kerala Blasters extended their lead in the 36th minute when Francisco Feuillassier delivered a well-placed cross from the touchline. Substitute Vibin Mohanan, who had entered the match earlier for the injured Benarif, rose to head the ball past Albino Gomes, increasing the score to 2-0.

Jamshedpur sought to respond before halftime, with Vincy Barretto testing Arsh Shaikh with a header, and Sanan having a shot blocked. Nevertheless, Kerala's defense remained resilient, taking a two-goal lead into the break.

As the second half commenced, Jamshedpur displayed renewed vigor, pushing forward in search of a comeback. Early in the half, Arsh Shaikh was forced to intervene against a dangerous cross from Rei Tachikawa, with Ritwik Das and Messi Bouli both testing the Kerala goalkeeper shortly thereafter.

Despite Jamshedpur’s persistent offensive, Arsh Shaikh excelled, making vital saves against Bouli, Stephen Eze, and others, as Kerala absorbed the pressure with great discipline.

Kerala remained a threat on the counterattack, with Yoke and substitute Víctor Bertomeu combining effectively, while Vibin came close to scoring again, only to be forced wide.

The match took a significant turn in the 84th minute when Jamshedpur's captain Stephen Eze received a red card, reducing his team to ten men and severely diminishing their chances of a comeback.

In the final moments, Kerala managed the game adeptly, maintaining possession and restricting Jamshedpur’s scoring opportunities as the visitors struggled to find clear chances.

The final whistle signaled a well-deserved 2-0 victory for Kerala Blasters FC, marking their second win of the season and elevating them to 11th place with eight points. Jamshedpur FC, on the other hand, fell to fifth place with 15 points from nine matches following a disappointing outing away.