Kerala Blasters vs Punjab FC ISL, AS IT HAPPENED: Full-time at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Punjab FC secure an emphatic win, extending Kerala Blasters FC’s winless run this season. Punjab laid the foundation in the first half with a clinical display, as Zeljkovic, Osuji and Ramirez got on the scoresheet to hand their side a 3-0 lead at the break. Despite showing more intent after the restart and pulling one back through Fallou, the Blasters couldn’t complete a comeback. Punjab’s disciplined defending ensured they held firm under pressure, sealing a crucial victory that lifts them to fifth in the standings. Meanwhile, Kerala remain rooted in 13th place, with their struggles continuing in a disappointing campaign. Stay tuned for KBFC vs PFC live score, KBFC vs PFC live match updates, key moments, and real-time coverage from this blockbuster KBFC vs PFC encounter here on NewsX.
The 2025-26 campaign has been nothing short of a nightmare for the Tuskers. Currently sitting 13th in the table (just above the relegation zone) with only 1 point from 5 games, the pressure on Head Coach David Catala is immense. The Blasters have lost all their home games so far this season, a statistic that has seen stadium attendance hit record lows.
The biggest issue has been a toothless attack, having scored only one goal all season. With creative sparks missing and the team looking “clueless” in the final third, tonight is likely the final stand for the current leadership. They must find a way to ignite players like Victor Bertomeu and Kevin Yoke if they are to secure their first three points of the season.
Punjab FC enters Kochi in much better spirits, currently occupying 8th place with 5 points. They are coming off a heroic 1-1 draw against FC Goa, where they played with ten men for nearly half the match. Under coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, the “Shers” have developed a reputation for being incredibly difficult to break down.
However, they face a significant setback tonight. Their leading goal-scorer, Nsungusi Effiong, is suspended following a red card in the previous outing. Punjab will look to Manglenthang Kipgen and Muhammed Uvais to provide the creative outlet and exploit a fragile Kerala defense that has looked vulnerable under pressure.
While the rivalry is relatively new to the ISL, the numbers show a slight edge for the visitors in recent league history:
| Competition | Total Matches | Kerala Blasters Wins | Punjab FC Wins | Draws |
| ISL (All-Time) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| All Competitions | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
That’s it! It’s full-time here in Kochi and Kerala Blasters are still winless in the ongoing season! Punjab move up the table to 5th position, while the Manjapadda languish in the 13th position. KBFC did raise hopes of a comeback following a goal from Fallou’s goal as they created a number of chances but the defence of Punjab FC were well prepared.
Osuji’s shot saved by the KBFC keeper! It’s almost time for the referee to blow the final whistle!
8 minutes have been added on for stoppages!
5 Minutes to go in the game and we are not expecting any comeback. Kerala did raise hopes of a potential aggression but PFC have managed things well.
Ajsal came close to reducing the deficit! A shot from the edge of the box but it was aimed towards the Punjab keeper! If we compare,
73 minutes in the clock, Kerala Blasters have shown signs of a comeback but Punjab after conceding the goal, look better organised and have cut down the supplies.
Those who’ve missed Dani Ramirez’s goal!
GOAAL! Hello! There is something to cheer about for the Kerala Blasters as Fallou heads in to reduce the deficit. Is there a comeback on the cards?
We are back for the second-half! Kerala get the ball rolling! The hosts have a mountain to climb!
Punjab On Top! Kerala Reeling!
That’s it! It’s half-time here in Kochi and Punjab go into the break with a deserved 3-0 lead! Kerala looked clueless and apart from Punjab’s prolific scoring, they did a fine job at the back. The Blasters, who are without a win now, go into the break with a mountain to climb in the second-half.
Here’s a look at Osuji’s goal!
GOAAAL! It’s getting bad to worse for Kerala as Ramirez puts the ball into the back of the net to score no. 3 for Punjab. It’s all but over as it seems in the first-half itself!
Zeljkovic’s goal that gave the visitors the lead!
The Blasters look clueless in the field, they haven’t been able to generate a proper opening and have so far failed to capitalise from the set-pieces they earned. The final delivery into the box have been relatively poor.
GOAAAL!! Punjab have doubled their lead! It’s Osuji, who get’s his first ISL goal. Kerala have been lazy and clumsy and this had it coming! Osuji found space and pulled off the simplest of finishes to rub salt on Kerala’s wounds.
Zeljkovic does the trick for the visitors!
GOAAAL! We have the first breakthrough in the game and it’s Punjab’s Zeljkovic, who gets the all important goal! Arshdeep once again came out of his line and the PFC keeper went past him to put the ball into the empty net. 1-0 to the visitors!
We are already into the first 5 minutes into the game. Both of the teams are passing among themselves before PFC found a way through but the Kerala GK came out of his box and have handled the ball from a wide position. He will definitely get booked and gets a yellow. Just because it was 50-50 chance, otherwise it was a certain red card!
We are underway in Kochi! Kerala Blasters get the ball rolling on their home turf!
It’s about time here in Kochi! The pre-match pleasantries are done as we get ready for kick-off!
Time to showcase North wala Swag!
Vibe on point!
Inspection done!
Lovely Kochi weather! Sun’s out!
Kerala Blasters have also announced their playing XIs! Ajsal and Kevin in focus!
Punjab FC have announced their playing XIs! Uvais, Kipgen in focus!
Kerala Blasters getting ready for Saturday night showdown!
Although this is a relatively new rivalry in the Indian Super League, recent records slightly favour Punjab FC. In ISL meetings, the two sides have faced each other three times, with Punjab winning twice and Kerala Blasters FC registering one victory. Across all competitions, they have played six matches in total. Kerala Blasters have won three of those games, while Punjab FC have two wins, with one match ending in a draw.
Punjab FC arrive in Kochi with confidence, sitting 8th on the table with five points. They are coming off a resilient 1-1 draw against FC Goa, despite playing a large part of the game with ten men under coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, earning a reputation for defensive solidity. However, they will miss top scorer Nsungusi Effiong due to suspension. The responsibility now falls on Manglenthang Kipgen and Muhammed Uvais to create chances and take advantage of a shaky Kerala defence.
The 2025–26 season has been disastrous for the Tuskers, who sit 13th with just one point from five matches. Head coach David Catala is under heavy pressure as the team has lost every home game, leading to a sharp drop in attendance. Their main concern is a struggling attack, with only one goal scored so far. Lacking creativity and direction in the final third, this match could be crucial for the current setup. Players like Victor Bertomeu and Kevin Yoke need to step up if they hope to secure their first win.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the ISL 2025-26 match between Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC!
