Kerala Blasters 0-0 Mumbai City in 2026-27 ISL third match; Carlos Delgado praised, Yansané criticised
Kerala Blasters FC were held to a 0-0 draw by Mumbai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in the third match of their 2026-27 Indian Super League season, in front of a sold-out crowd of around 40,000. The goalless result left both sides with a point each and featured clean sheets for both goalkeepers.
The hosts dominated possession and created the clearer openings but failed to convert, with Mohammed Sanan, Freddy Lallawmawma and Adrian Luna among those offered presentable opportunities. Nebojsa Kosović provided midfield control while Thingujam Korou Singh and Sreekuttan MS supplied wide deliveries that fed the front line. Amrinder Singh made key saves to deny Noufal and Valpuia after a loose pass from Huidrom Naocha Singh nearly invited punishment, and TP Rehenesh produced repeated saves to preserve Mumbai’s clean sheet. The match summary carried the headline assessment that Carlos Delgado shone and Yansané disappointed.
Amrinder Singh was Kerala’s standout performer, making the crucial interventions that prevented Mumbai from scoring and reacting sharply to Naocha’s error; one of his attacking forays ended with an effort that hit the side netting. Bolton delivered an experienced, composed display at the back, reading Mumbai’s attacks well and allowing the team to push numbers forward. Aibanbha Kupar Dohling was steady in the defence and received a 6.5/10 rating for a shift that limited Mumbai to few clear chances. Huidrom Naocha Singh was given 6.0/10 for a split performance: a risky pass nearly conceded a goal but he made a vital clearance off an Akash Mishra cross.
In attack, Mohammed Sanan emerged as Kerala’s most dangerous forward, taking several threatening shots and delivering excellent crosses, including the ball that found Adrian Luna; the coverage noted he deserved a goal for his contributions. Freddy Lallawmawma was heavily involved and a persistent threat but missed a big chance from Kosović’s cross and later sent another shot wide. Nebojsa Kosović controlled the midfield tempo and supplied the best chance of the night with a brilliant cross to Freddy, while Sreekuttan’s wide deliveries included a cutback that resulted in a shot over the bar. Thingujam Korou Singh, rated 6.0/10, provided width with his right-flank runs but was substituted at half-time after failing to produce the decisive final pass.
For Mumbai City, TP Rehenesh produced a reassuring performance in goal, handling the shots he faced and keeping a clean sheet with comfortable distribution. Lazar Ćirković was identified as a commanding presence at the heart of the defence, dealing with crosses and making important clearances to help secure the shut-out. Leandro Otormín was substituted in the 40th minute after appearing to limp off. Ajsal made an impressive full debut for Mumbai City and was replaced by Hridaya Jain around the 85th minute; the report noted Ajsal’s performance was an encouraging positive given Wilmar Jordan and Vikram were facing lengthy injury lay-offs.
Several substitutes had only limited time to affect the game: Hridaya Jain came on for Ajsal around the 85th minute, and other late introductions were noted as having little opportunity to change the scoreline. The match report also singled out unnamed Mumbai players who were less effective in possession or failed to provide enough penetration, while other contributors were praised for composure and transition play after Otormín’s withdrawal.
The scoreline produced the second goalless draw of the 2026-27 ISL season, and both Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC left Kochi with a single point each. NorthEast United lead the ISL 2026-27 points table.
