ISL 2026: Inter Kashi secure Historic Win as Kerala Blasters suffer hat-trick of Defeats

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Inter Kashi FC marked a landmark moment by securing their inaugural victory at the Indian Super League's highest level, defeating Kerala Blasters FC 2-1 in Match 18 of the 2025-26 campaign at Kochi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on February 28, 2026.

This hard-fought win lifted the away team to a temporary sixth position with five points, as the home side continued hunting for stability amid a shaky start. Alfred Planas stole the spotlight as Player of the Match.

David Català, Kerala Blasters' boss, rang the changes with four new faces-Muhammed Saheef, Vibin Mohanan, Matías Hernández, and Kévin Yoke-while Inter Kashi's Antonio Habas introduced Wayne Vaz, Nauris Petkevičius, and Narender.

The match kicked off with measured play. Rohit Danu of Inter Kashi fired the opener in minute two, but Arsh Shaikh claimed it comfortably. Midfield battles dominated, stifling chances up top.

In the 15th minute, Oumar Bah powered a header from Vibin Mohanan's set-piece just wide for Kerala. Petkevičius sparked for Inter Kashi, getting denied once before missing the target from Planas's feed.

Petkevičius broke the ice in the 34th minute after the hydration pause, latching onto Planas's incisive pass, shaking free, and blasting a right-footed winner centrally for 1-0.

Kerala spurned a sitter at half-time's end, Korou Singh lifting Naocha Singh's cross high.

Post-interval, Kerala pushed harder: Jai Quitongo tested Tarrés soon after entering, Bikash Y skimmed over from a set-play scramble. Inter Kashi countered venomously, Prasanth forcing Shaikh into action at 55 minutes.

The Blasters registered their first saved shot in the 66th- Ajsal's close-range nod, with Tarrés then thwarting Yoke shortly after.

Inter Kashi sealed it at 78 minutes through teamwork: Petkevičius fed Planas, who slotted a precise right-footer low into the left corner for 2-0.

Kerala hit back at 84 via Bertomeu's stunning overhead kick off Ebindas Y's free-kick cross. Bertomeu threatened parity late, a blocked header, then one wide in stoppage, as Inter Kashi stood tall for the 2-1 triumph.

Kerala Blasters lose three in a Row

With the defeat, the Blasters have now lost three matches in a row and are yet to get a point in this truncated ISL season. They will take on fellow Southern team Chennaiyin FC in their next ISL match.