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ISL 2026-27: Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC Play Out Goalless Draw in Kochi
Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC played out a 0-0 draw in the ISL 2026-27 as Amrinder Singh made crucial saves and Akash Mishra hit the woodwork in a closely contested clash in Kochi.
Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC shared the points after playing out a 0-0 draw in the MG Indian Super League 2026-27 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Sunday. Despite creating several promising opportunities, neither team managed to find the back of the net in a closely contested encounter. Kerala Blasters were looking to recover from their 4-1 defeat against NorthEast United FC, while Mumbai City entered the match after a 1-1 draw with Punjab FC. Both sides showed attacking intent throughout the game, but their finishing let them down. Mumbai City goalkeeper Amrinder Singh produced an excellent reflex save to deny PN Noufal from close range. At the other end, Akash Mishra saw his header strike the woodwork, while Mohammed Sanan came close to scoring after an impressive individual run. However, neither team could break the deadlock, and the contest ended with the score unchanged.

Kerala Blasters Start Strongly in Front of Home Fans

The match began at a high tempo, with both teams looking to exploit spaces in the opposition's defence. Kerala Blasters made an energetic start and created the first clear opportunity in the 11th minute. Mohammed Sanan caused problems for Mumbai City's defence with a series of dangerous crosses. One of his deliveries found Hormipam Ruivah inside the six-yard box during a scramble in front of goal. However, Ruivah's attempt struck the side netting, allowing Mumbai City to escape without conceding. The hosts continued to press high up the pitch, maintained possession and searched for an early goal. Mumbai City initially struggled to build attacks and make progress into the final third, but the visitors gradually settled into the game and began to enjoy more possession.

Amrinder Singh Denies PN Noufal from Close Range

Mumbai City came close to scoring in the 23rd minute when Muhammed Ajsal controlled a lofted pass from Carlos Delgado with good strength and advanced into the penalty area. Ajsal then sent a cross from deep towards PN Noufal, who was positioned inside the six-yard box. Noufal connected with a powerful right-footed effort, but Amrinder Singh reacted quickly to make an outstanding save and keep the scores level. The Islanders continued to search for an opening and made their first substitution in the 39th minute, bringing on Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung in place of Leandro Otormin. Kerala Blasters nearly took the lead just before half-time. In the second minute of added time, Sanan used a stepover to get past his marker before striking a left-footed shot across goal. His effort narrowly missed the target, leaving the home supporters waiting for the opening goal. Both teams went into the break at 0-0 after an entertaining first half in which each side had created chances.

Akash Mishra Hits the Woodwork After Half-Time

Kerala Blasters made a change at the start of the second half, introducing Sreekuttan M S for Korou Singh Thingujam as they looked to increase their attacking threat. Mumbai City came close to taking the lead in the 52nd minute. Valpuia's free-kick forced Amrinder to rush off his line and clear the ball. The clearance fell to Akash Mishra, who attempted a header, but his effort struck the woodwork. The opportunity gave Mumbai City a major chance to move ahead, but Kerala Blasters escaped without conceding. The hosts responded with two substitutions in the 60th minute, bringing on Ebindas Yesudasan and Andre Green for Sanan and Momo Yansane.

Both Teams Miss Opportunities to Break the Deadlock

Mumbai City continued to threaten as the match entered its final stages. Noufal had another opportunity in the 71st minute after moving along the wing and attempting a right-footed shot from distance. Amrinder was again equal to the challenge and saved the effort. The rebound fell to Ajsal, but he sent his follow-up attempt over the crossbar, wasting another promising opportunity for the visitors. Kerala Blasters also increased the pressure, delivering several crosses into the penalty area in search of a late winner. However, Mumbai City's defence remained organised and dealt with the deliveries effectively. Mumbai City made another substitution in the 85th minute, with Hridaya Jain replacing Ajsal. The visitors later brought on Supratim Das and Yuvraj Kadam for Puipuia and Farukh Choudhary. Kerala Blasters introduced Vibin Mohanan for Adrian Luna during stoppage time as the hosts continued to push forward.

Defences Hold Firm as Points Are Shared

Kerala Blasters kept sending crosses into the box during the closing minutes, hoping to find a decisive goal in front of their home supporters. Mumbai City, however, defended resolutely and prevented the hosts from creating a clear finishing opportunity. Despite the late pressure, neither side managed to score, and the referee brought the match to an end at 0-0. Amrinder Singh's crucial saves helped Kerala Blasters secure a point, while Mumbai City were left to rue their missed chances, including Akash Mishra's header against the woodwork. Both teams showed attacking intent but lacked the finishing touch required to claim all three points in Kochi.