Kerala Blasters, Mumbai City draw a blank, but Kochi crowd steals the show

Kerala Blasters and Mumbai City FC played out a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on Sunday, but there was no shortage of noise in Kochi. A packed house of 40,014 turned up to welcome the Blasters under their new ownership for their first home game of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season, giving the occasion a lift even if the players could not quite provide the finishing touch.Both sides had their moments but neither found a way through. Kerala looked eager to make a statement in front of their supporters, while Mumbai had to withstand pressure as the match wore on. The result gave both teams a point, but the evening belonged to the Yellow Army in the stands.First game of the season in Kochi, and the Blasters faithful came ready for it. Watch #KBFCMCFC live on YouTube and #SonyLIV: https://t.co/TH6jbzAn4Z #MGISL13 #WeAreOpen https://t.co/mu5zUegh7x— MG Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) October 25, 2026The turnout was particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding the club’s home venue in the build-up to the fixture. Only a day before kick-off, the Kerala government stepped in to settle a fresh dispute between the Blasters and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) over the rent for the stadium. The government reduced the fee from Rs 9.25 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh per match and the security deposit from Rs 1 crore to Rs 25 lakh, ensuring the club could play in Kochi.For a club that has called the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium home since the ISL began in 2014, the uncertainty had threatened to overshadow the start of a new chapter under UAE-based owners Al Fursan Sports Investment Group. Instead, the stadium was full, the noise was back and the supporters made their presence felt from the first whistle. ".. ..? ! ..!" [Blasterscorner, kbfc, kerala, ISL] https://t.co/UsRjVwc9HD— Blasters Corner (@BlastersCorner) October 25, 2026 BLASTERS FIND OPENINGS, BUT NO GOALKerala showed more attacking intent as the game progressed and finished with 17 shots, compared to Mumbai’s 11. But the hosts managed only four shots on target, with Mumbai goalkeeper TP Rehenesh and the visitors’ defence doing enough to keep them at bay. Mumbai, meanwhile, registered five shots on target but could not find a breakthrough either.Kerala introduced Korou Singh at half-time, looking to add more attacking thrust. Momo Yansane was taken off in the 60th minute, with Andre Green coming on, while Ebindas Yesudasan replaced Mohammed Sanan. Adrian Luna continued to provide a creative outlet, but the Blasters could not turn their pressure into the goal the crowd wanted. The draw was not short of effort, but the final ball and finishing let both sides down. For Kerala, the frustration was obvious. A sold-out homecoming deserved a goal, perhaps even a win, but the team had to settle for a point.TOUGH TASK MOVING AHEADThe result came after Kerala’s 4-1 defeat to NorthEast United, making a response in front of their own supporters important. Head coach Ashley Westwood had promised an aggressive approach and maximum effort, and the Blasters showed attacking intent, even if they lacked the clinical edge to make it count.The draw took Kerala Blasters to four points from three matches, while Mumbai City moved to two points from their first three games. Kerala’s next fixture is away against Chennaiyin FC on October 31, while Mumbai City will host Sporting Club Delhi on November 1.For Kerala, the challenge now is to turn the energy of a packed home crowd into points on the pitch. Mumbai, meanwhile, will be looking for their first win of the campaign when they return to action. On Sunday, neither side could find a goal, but the Kochi supporters had already made their statement. In a season that began with uncertainty over whether the club would even have its home ground, they showed up in full voice.- Ends