Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City held to goalless draw as 40,014 pack Kochi stadium

Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City FC played out a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on October 25, 2026, in Kerala’s first home match of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. The fixture was witnessed by a sell-out crowd of 40,014.

Only a day before kick-off the Kerala government stepped in to resolve a dispute between the Blasters and the Greater Cochin Development Authority over stadium rent. The government reduced the fee from Rs 9.25 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh per match and cut the security deposit from Rs 1 crore to Rs 25 lakh, ensuring the club could play in Kochi. The match was the Blasters’ first at the stadium since UAE-based owners Al Fursan Sports Investment Group took charge, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium has been the club’s home since the ISL began in 2014.

On the field neither side could find a breakthrough: Kerala registered 17 shots to Mumbai’s 11 but only had four on target, while Mumbai produced five shots on target. Mumbai goalkeeper TP Rehenesh and the visitors’ defence kept the match goalless despite sustained pressure from the hosts. Both teams had notable periods of possession and attempts but failed to convert their opportunities.

Kerala made attacking changes to try to force a winner, introducing Korou Singh at half-time “looking to add more attacking thrust.” Momo Yansane was substituted in the 60th minute for Andre Green, and Ebindas Yesudasan replaced Mohammed Sanan. Adrian Luna continued to provide a creative outlet for the Blasters but the team could not turn pressure into a goal.

The draw followed Kerala’s 4-1 defeat to NorthEast United and left the Blasters with four points from three matches, while Mumbai City moved to two points from their first three games. Head coach Ashley Westwood had promised an aggressive approach and maximum effort ahead of the fixture, and the side displayed attacking intent even if they lacked the clinical edge to make it count.

Kerala Blasters travel to face Chennaiyin FC on October 31, while Mumbai City will host Sporting Club Delhi on November 1. Both teams return to action on those dates.