Kerala Blasters vs Chennaiyin ISL, AS IT HAPPENED: Chennaiyin FC secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Kerala Blasters FC in Kochi on March 7, 2026, holding firm to claim all three points. The only goal of the contest arrived just before half-time, when Imran Khan struck in the 42nd minute to give the visitors the lead. Chennaiyin looked more threatening in the first half and their pressure eventually paid off with the decisive breakthrough.
After the restart, Kerala Blasters pushed hard for an equaliser and created several promising chances inside the box to equalise and even take the lead, but they failed to convert their opportunities. The result extends Kerala’s poor run to four consecutive defeats, while Chennaiyin climb to eighth place in the standings after a disciplined defensive display to protect their advantage.
For the Kerala Blasters, the situation is particularly dire as they sit at the bottom of the table with zero points. Despite showing flashes of technical brilliance and dominating possession in their previous outings, a lack of clinical finishing has cost them dearly, most recently in a stinging 1–2 defeat to league debutants Inter Kashi. The “Manjappada” faithful will be out in full force, but their support comes with the heavy expectation of a turnaround.
Chennaiyin FC enter the cauldron of Kochi in a slightly better tactical position, having secured their first point of the campaign through a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Odisha FC. The “Marina Machans” have shown glimpses of defensive resilience, led by the veteran Elsinho, but their offensive output remains a concern, having found the back of the net only once this season.
Since their first meeting in 2014, the two sides have faced each other 24 times in the league. Kerala Blasters hold a razor-thin advantage with 8 victories, while Chennaiyin FC has claimed 7 wins. The most common outcome of this high-intensity clash has been a stalemate, with 9 matches ending in a draw.
While Chennaiyin dominated the early years—including a memorable 6–3 victory in 2020—the momentum has shifted significantly toward the men in yellow recently. Kerala Blasters “did the double” over the Marina Machans in the 2024-25 season, securing a 3–0 win at home and a 3–1 victory in the return leg. As they head into tonight’s clash in Kochi, Chennaiyin will be desperate not only for their first win of the 2025-26 season but also to bridge the gap in this storied head-to-head record.
Kick-off: 7:30 PM IST, Saturday, March 7, 2026
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Ernakulam
That’s it! It’s full-time here in Kochi and Chennaiyin walk away with all three points after successfully holding onto their 1-goal lead. Kerala have slumped to 4 defeats in a row now. CFC climb up to 8th spot. Kerala had better chances in the second-half, chances which could’ve given them the lead from inside the box.
Things are getting intense as David Catala, the KBFC coach goes into the book for his antics in the touchline. As we speak, 8 long minutes have been added on for stoppages!
We are into the last 10 minutes of the game and somehow Chennaiyin hold onto their one-goal lead. Can they go all the way? or we might see a Kerala late surge?
Just 15 minutes left in the match. Chennaiyin make a change and bring in Chima Chukwu to the playing XI. Inigo Martin has been taken off. Kerala did show promise in the first part of the second-half but the game has now once again slowed down a bit.
For those who missed the Imran Khan goal…
CFC are living dangerously and that forces Miranda to make a couple of changes. Pereira and Vivek come on and the goal-scorer Imran and Mandar have been taken off. Kerala keep on pressing men forward as they search desperately for the equaliser.
Oh no! Blasters fail to score yet again not once but twice from point-blank range as Nawaz deny them on both occasions! They also came close from the corner and it looks like the hosts feel that they can make a comeback! CFC are clearly on the backfoot now.
Kerala are getting more of the ball in the second-half. They are coming close but they need more commitment and conviction while take the shots.
Kerala rattle the bar through Nehal! A shot from inside the box and this should’ve been the equaliser! Unlucky for the Blasters!
There was a short break as Maheson looked injured and had go through a thorough check. We are good to go now…Oh no! He has been called off! Hnamte comes on to replace him.
We are back for the second-half! Kerala get the ball underway! Its time to buckle up for them and try to get a goal back in the game!
Snaps from the match!
The hosts trail at the break. Can they make a comeback?
That’s it! It’s half-time here in Kochi! Chennaiyin go into the break with a 1-0 lead, through a 42-minute strike from Imran Khan. Questions will be asked as far as the Kerala defence is concerned in the dressing room and the Chennai side will be looking to build on the lead. Both had their chances but CFC looked better and the goal was coming.
Just what the doctor ordered! 2 minutes have been added on for stoppages!
GOOAL!! Imran Khan gives the lead to CFC!! The number 7 had a shot from outside the box, took a deflection along the way and it was unreachable for the keeper, who made a desperate dive to save! 1-0 to the visitors!
The Blasters earn back-to-back corners and failed to produce any good. The first was too close to the post and it was easily cleared away by the CFC defenders. The second one was a sloppy delivery as it missed everyone and went out for a goal kick! Meanwhile, Inigo Martin’s goal has been ruled out for off-side as Mandar while delivery the lay-off was off-side!
Kerala Blasters have made a tactical change as we approach the 40th minute mark. They have brought in Marlon in place of Bikash for creativity.
It has been a slow first-half. Chances have been created but we didn’t get to see the attractive kind of football we expected from this fixture so far.
Kerala have been sloppy to say the least today! They are committing unnecessary fouls and giving absurd amount of space to Chennaiyin.
Chance for Kerala! The shot comes straight to the Chennai keeper! Best chance of the game for KBFC so far! A first-time effort from inside the box, could’ve gone in if the keeper was tested.
The attacks are coming thick and fast in favour of Chennaiyin! Inigo Martin meets a teasing ball into the box and his headed attempt just sailed over the bar. Kerala on the other hand did manage to crowd outside the Chennaiyin box, but failed to produce any promise as of now.
Kerala draw a save! Like we said, Chennaiyin are looking dangerous and are getting acres of space to have a shot towards goal!
Chennaiyin have more of the ball and are troubling the Kerala defenders every now and then. They look more compact in the midfield and are showcasing more fluidity from the flanks.
Early waring signs for Kerala! Chennayin almost scored a goal from inside the box after a defensive lapse allowed a shot that hit the bar!
3 minutes into the game and both the teams are passing out among themselves, looking to build-up play slowly and steadily.
It’s kick-off here in Kochi! As Chennaiyin get the ball underway in Kochi!
Kerala complete their last-minute preparations as we are now minutes away from kick-off!
10 minutes to go for kick-off! The Southern Derby always promises thrills and spills in the ISL and Indian football fans just can’t wait for the match to begin!
The gaffers have a quick chat before they cross swords.
Happy faces from Kochi!
In other news, a team from South India- Bengaluru FC have beaten Mohammedan SC in Kolkata!
The Blasters have reached their home!
Chennaiyin FC have also announced their line-ups and their playing XI boasts of Elsinho, Noguera, Mandar and Pritam.
Kerala Blasters have announced their playing XI! Victor starts for the hosts!
The first Southern derby of the season! It’s gonna be epic as both teams chase their first win!
KBFC Coach David Catala and star player Victor Bertomeu have their say ahead of the big clash!
CFC Coach Clifford Miranda and goalkeeper Mohammed Nawaz have their say ahead of the big clash!
Kerala Blasters FC and Chennaiyin FC have met 24 times in the league since 2014. The Blasters hold a slight edge with eight wins, while Chennaiyin have seven victories, with nine matches ending in draws. Although Chennaiyin dominated the early meetings—including a 6–3 win in 2020—the balance has recently shifted. Kerala Blasters completed a league double in the 2024–25 season, winning 3–0 at home and 3–1 away. Heading into the clash in Kochi, Chennaiyin will be eager to secure their first win of the 2025–26 campaign and narrow the gap in the head-to-head record.
Chennaiyin FC head into Kochi with slightly better momentum after earning their first point of the season in a gritty 1–1 draw against Odisha FC. The “Marina Machans” have displayed some defensive solidity under the guidance of experienced defender Elsinho, but their attack has struggled so far, managing just one goal in the campaign.
Kerala Blasters FC are in a worrying position, sitting at the bottom of the table in 12th spot without a single point. Although they have shown good control and attacking intent in recent matches, poor finishing has hurt them, including a narrow 1–2 loss to Inter Kashi. The passionate “Manjappada” supporters are expected to back the team strongly, but they will also be hoping for a much-needed change in fortunes.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the ISL 2025-26 match between Kerala Blasters and Chennaiyin FC all the way from Kochi, Kerala!
