Chennaiyin FC held to 0-0 by Kerala Blasters in ISL 2026-27; Amrinder Singh and Nikola Stojanovic stand out
Chennaiyin FC and Kerala Blasters FC played out a 0-0 draw in an ISL 2026-27 clash, with goalkeeper Amrinder Singh producing a string of important saves and Nikola Stojanovic influential in midfield. Adrian Luna missed a second-half penalty when his effort struck the woodwork and both sides failed to convert late chances.
Chennaiyin arrived off a disappointing trip to Kolkata where they returned from Mohun Bagan SG with zero points despite what the report described as their best performance of the season, while Kerala Blasters came in after a goalless draw with Mumbai City FC at their fortress. Clifford Miranda named an unchanged starting XI for Chennaiyin; Ashley Westwood made changes for the Blasters, restoring Andre Green to the starting lineup in place of Momo Yansane. The first half saw Chennaiyin dominate possession and create several openings, while Kerala threatened on quick transitions; the teams went into the break level at 0-0.
Adrian Luna was the Blasters player entrusted with the penalty after the interval, but his spot-kick hit the post and stayed out. Amrinder Singh was called into action repeatedly after the break: he made a low save to deny Andre Green in a one-on-one and produced further key stops, denying Irfan Yadwad in the 35th minute, saving again in the 67th minute and making a one-on-one stop in the 89th minute, performances the report rated as decisive in preserving the clean sheet. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Nawaz also saved a 54th-minute attempt from a Blasters attacker earlier in the half.
Nikola Stojanovic was singled out for his midfield influence, described as winning all his tackles, completing three ground duels and registering three recoveries while creating four big chances; he linked play with Madih Talal, Brison Fernandes and Irfan, and delivered crosses from attacking set-pieces. Madih Talal finished all his dribbles, had two shots on target including one that forced a near-post save from Amrinder, supplied the corner that led to Emmanuel’s effort which Amrinder cleared off the line, and completed more than 95% of his passes in the final third.
Chennaiyin’s defensive contributions featured Saheef handling Korou Singh on the right, winning most duels and making several clearances, while Imanishimwe produced multiple recoveries and interceptions, came close to scoring early in both halves, was booked late for a challenge on Momo Yansane and was sent off in stoppage time following a heated exchange with Andre Green. Laldinpuia won all aerial duels, made recoveries higher up the pitch and received an early booking for a tactical foul on Korou.
Irfan Yadwad led Chennaiyin’s attacking threat with the most chances; he missed a late 1v1 after attempting to chip Amrinder and had an earlier effort denied by the woodwork after being moved to the left. Brison Fernandes created openings early and combined with Talal before fading and being replaced by Prakadeswaran, while Ramon provided link-up play but failed to score, completing only five passes overall. Substitutes Chawngthu and Bryce were noted for tidy contributions—Chawngthu completed 13 of 15 passes and one key pass after coming on for Ayush Chhetri, and Bryce, with under ten minutes, created the game’s best chance by receiving Dinpuia’s pass and crossing to Irfan for a 1v1.
The match finished Chennaiyin FC 0-0 Kerala Blasters. Adrian Luna’s missed penalty and Amrinder Singh’s late saves ensured the draw, and the report added that a Blasters player received a straight red card in stoppage time following a heated exchange with Emmanuel, a dismissal that leaves Kerala Blasters a man short for their next match.
