Kerala Blasters FC Triumphs Over Jamshedpur FC with 2-0 Victory in ISL

In an exciting match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kerala Blasters FC triumphed over Jamshedpur FC with a 2-0 victory. Goals from Nihal Sudheesh and Vibin Mohanan secured the win, while goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh's impressive performance kept a clean sheet. The match featured a lively pace, with both teams creating opportunities, but Kerala's solid defense and effective counter-attacks proved decisive. With this victory, Kerala Blasters climbed to 11th in the standings, while Jamshedpur slipped to fifth place. Read on for a detailed recap of the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 02:08 IST

Kerala Blasters Secure Victory at Home

Kochi (Keralam) [India], April 18: In a strong performance, Kerala Blasters FC defeated Jamshedpur FC 2-0 during the Indian Super League 2025-26 match held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Saturday.

Goals from Nihal Sudheesh and substitute Vibin Mohanan clinched the win for the home team, who showcased solid defensive skills with goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh making key saves to maintain a clean sheet. Nihal Sudheesh earned the Player of the Match title, as noted in a press release.

The match kicked off with both teams eager to dominate the midfield. Kerala Blasters displayed early aggression through Karim Benarif and Kevin Yoke, while Jamshedpur responded with careful build-up play, resulting in a balanced start.

The first goal came in the 12th minute from a well-executed attacking play. Kevin found Benarif on the left, who advanced and delivered a precise cross into the box. Nihal Sudheesh timed his run perfectly from the right, heading the ball into the net to give Kerala a 1-0 lead.

Jamshedpur quickly sought to equalize, coming close just two minutes later when Lazar Cirkovic's powerful header from a corner hit the post, narrowly avoiding danger as Kerala managed to escape a tense moment.

The match continued at a lively pace, with both teams creating chances. Jamshedpur threatened down the right flank with Nikhil Barla and Mohammed Sanan, while Nikola Stojanovic controlled the midfield. However, the visitors struggled with accuracy in their final attempts.

Kerala Blasters extended their lead in the 36th minute. Francisco Feuillassier sent a well-placed cross from the touchline, and substitute Vibin, who had replaced the injured Benarif ten minutes earlier, headed the ball past Albino Gomes, making it 2-0 for the hosts.

Before halftime, Jamshedpur tried to respond, with Vincy Barretto testing Arsh Shaikh with a header and Sanan's shot being blocked, but Kerala's defense held firm, taking a two-goal advantage into the break.

In the second half, Jamshedpur came out with renewed determination, pushing forward in search of a comeback. Early pressure saw Arsh Shaikh dealing with a dangerous cross from Rei Tachikawa, while Ritwik Das and Messi Bouli both tested the Kerala goalkeeper shortly after.

Despite Jamshedpur's persistent attacks, Arsh Shaikh remained resolute, making several crucial saves to deny Bouli, Stephen Eze, and others as the Blasters defended with discipline.

Kerala continued to threaten on the counter, with Yoke and substitute Victor Bertomeu combining well, while Vibin nearly scored a third but was forced wide by the defense.

The match took a decisive turn in the 84th minute when Jamshedpur captain Stephen Eze received a red card, leaving the visitors with ten men and effectively quashing their hopes of a comeback.

In the final moments, Kerala managed the game effectively, maintaining possession and limiting Jamshedpur's chances as the visitors struggled to create clear opportunities.

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