ISL: Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City play out goalless draw in Kochi

Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC played out a goalless draw in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The match ended 0-0 after neither side could find the breakthrough, and the points were shared.

Hosts seek recovery after heavy defeat

Kerala Blasters entered the match looking to bounce back from a 4-1 defeat to NorthEast United FC in their previous game.

Mumbai arrive after draw with Punjab

Mumbai City FC arrived in Kochi after losing 1-2 to Churchill Brothers and drawing 1-1 with Punjab FC. Blasters coach Ashley Westwood said Mumbai had not earned as many points as their performances and statistics suggested they should have, describing them as underperforming in terms of results. He noted they have good players, including several regular national-team players, quality foreign players, a good manager, and a strong club, and said he expected a difficult match.

Chances created but no goals

Both teams took the field under pressure, and the match quickly developed into an end-to-end affair. Kerala Blasters had the first clear opening in the 11th minute, with Mohammed Sanan causing problems for the Mumbai City defence through a series of dangerous crosses. One such delivery found Hormipam Ruivah amid a scramble inside the six-yard box, but his effort struck the side netting. The Blasters continued to press high, dominate possession, and push for the opener, while Mumbai City initially struggled to string passes together and make inroads into the final third.

Visitors threaten before halftime

Mumbai City came close to scoring their first open-play goal of the season in the 23rd minute. Muhammed Ajsal showed great strength to bring Carlos Delgado’s lobbed pass under control and drive into the box before delivering a cross from deep towards P N Noufal in the six-yard area. Noufal struck firmly with his right foot, but Amrinder Singh produced an excellent save to deny the visitors. Mumbai City made their first change in the 39th minute, bringing on Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung for Leandro Otormin. Sanan almost broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. In the 45+2 minute, he skilfully beat his man with a stepover and fired a left-footed shot across the goal, but it missed by a few inches. The half ended goalless.

Second-half chances go begging

Both sides returned from the half-time break determined to break the deadlock. Kerala Blasters made a change at the restart, bringing on Sreekuttan M S for Korou Singh Thingujam in the 46th minute. Mumbai City came close to taking the lead six minutes later when Valpuia’s free-kick prompted Amrinder to rush off his line and clear the ball. The clearance fell to Akash Mishra, whose header struck the woodwork, letting Kerala Blasters off the hook.

Late substitutions and final whistle

Neither side could find the breakthrough, and the points were shared.

Key match facts

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Sources

• Hindustan Times

• thehindu.com

• Photo: Footy2000, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)