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Kerala Blasters top Group C after hard-fought draw with Punjab FC

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In an intense Group C clash at the 133rd edition of The Durand Cup, Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC played out an hard-fought 1-1 draw at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan The draw saw both teams move to four points from two matches, with Kerala Blasters FC topping the group due to their earlier victory over Mumbai City FC

The first half was a tightly contested affair with both sides creating chances and fighting for possession. In first-half injury time, Luka Majcen broke the deadlock after he made a perfectly timed run to beat the offside trap and latch onto a long pass from Nikhil Prabhu. The Slovenian striker controlled the ball expertly and slotted it past Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeper Som Kumar, giving Punjab FC a crucial lead.

Kerala Blasters made strategic changes at the start of the second half as Head Coach Mikael Stahre introduced Pritam Kotal and Mohammed Aimen, injecting fresh energy into the team. The changes paid off quickly. In the 56th minute, Adrian Luna found Peprah on the left wing and Peprah’s precise cross reached an unmarked Mohammed Aimen at the far post, who calmly slotted in the equalizer.

The remainder of the match was marked by end-to-end action, with both teams pushing for a winner. Punjab FC came close but Keeper Som Kumar made vital saves to deny Luka Majcen and Filip Mrzljak. Kerala Blasters in return nearly clinched victory in the dying moments through consistent attacks leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

As the Durand Cup progresses, Kerala Blasters will aim to build on their strong performances and maintain their top spot in the group!

Goal :

Mohammed Aimen: 57′

Substitutions :

46′ : Hormipam ➡ Pritam Kotal

46′ : Yoihenba ➡ Mohammed Aimen

75′ : Aiban Dohling ➡ Naocha Singh

KERALA BLASTERS FC SETS SIGHTS ON DURAND CUP

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Kochi – July 31, 2024 – As the rigorous and rewarding first leg of the preseason in Thailand comes to an end, Kerala Blasters FC is set to embark on the next exciting chapter of their journey by competing in the prestigious 133rd Durand Cup in Kolkata.
The Blasters, who are grouped alongside the CISF Protectors FT, Punjab FC & Mumbai City FC, will kick-off their Durand Cup campaign on August 1st against Mumbai City FC. This is followed by games on August 4th vs Punjab FC and on August 10th vs CISF Protectors FT.

Under new head coach Mikael Stahre, there has been a focused approach on building up the right mentality & intensity in training sessions and matches. Fans would have been happy to see forward Kwame Peprah back amongst the goals as he looks to make a strong comeback from his injury last season. With 8 goals scored in three matches, there were plenty of ‘firsts’ in goal contributions as Pandita, Amawia, Saheef, Yoheinba, all got on the scoresheet. In the three games played in Thailand, the team achieved the following results:

  • KBFC vs. Pattaya United: 1 – 2
  • KBFC vs. Samut Prakan City FC: 3 – 1
  • KBFC vs. Ratchaburi FC: 4 – 1

Despite starting with a loss, there have been clear signs of improvement. With new coaching principles, technicalities and tactics being introduced to the squad, Coach Mikael will be happy to have concluded the first leg with a dominant win against Thai top-division side Ratchaburi FC. 

Meanwhile, Forward Jaushua Sotirio and midfielder Vibin Mohanan, both of whom suffered minor knocks in Thailand, are under rehabilitation with the team. Defender Prabir Das also returned home prematurely due to personal reasons. Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, who has been undergoing individual rehabilitation in Kochi, has now rejoined the team in Kolkata. Newly signed defender Alexandre Coeff will join his new teammates next week in Kolkata

The Durand Cup squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Sachin Suresh, Nora Fernandes, Som Kumar, Mohammed Arbaz

Defenders: Milos Drincic,Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Pritam Kotal, Alexandre Coeff, Aiban Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, Naocha Singh

Midfielders: Mohammed Azhar, , Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Yoihenba Meitei, Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Saurav Mandal, Bryce Miranda, Adrian Luna, Rentlei Lalthanmawia

Forwards: Noah Sadaoui, Kwame Peprah, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Ishan Pandita, , Sreekuttan MS, Muhammed Ajsal, Mohammed Aimen

With the Durand Cup on the horizon, there will be plenty of excitement to see the team back in competitive action. Forward Noah Sadaoui will look to carry forward his form from last season’s Durand Cup where he finished as joint-highest goalscorer with 6 goals. Head coach Stahre will also be hoping the players align with his philosophy and secure results in his first assignment with the team, aiming to challenge for the title.

In light of the recent natural calamity and tragic loss of life in Wayanad, Kerala Blasters players will wear black armbands during their opening group fixture of The Durand Cup 2024. This gesture is to express our deepest solidarity and condolences to those affected during this difficult time.

Kerala Blasters FC Extends Sandeep Singh’s Contract Until 2027

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Kerala Blasters FC is pleased to announce the extension of right back Sandeep Singh, who puts pen-to-paper on a contract extension until 2027.

Since joining Kerala Blasters FC in 2020, the 29-year-old has been a versatile and reliable presence in the defensive lineup. In his 57 appearances for the club, Sandeep has demonstrated his consistency and adaptability across various positions in defence. For all his defensive contributions, fans will perhaps most fondly remember Sandeep’s memorable late winner against Odisha FC in the 2022-23 ISL Season.

On the contract extension Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said :

“I am very pleased to extend Sandeep Singh’ stay with us. He has been a reliable player in the ISL, and a experienced member of the dressing room. We’re looking forward to seeing him contribute even more with his experience and continue to be an important part of our team in the coming seasons.”

Sandeep Singh said :

“I am excited to extend my journey with Kerala Blasters FC. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and remain fully committed to contributing to the team’ success in the coming seasons. Together, we will strive to achieve great things and continue building on the progress we’ve made.”

The extension of Sandeep’s contract underscores the club’s recognition of his value and the depth he adds to the squad. Over the past four years, Sandeep has been a crucial component of the team, and the Club is excited to continue building with him.

The Blasters are set to kick-off their Durand Cup campaign on August 1st vs Mumbai City FC, as new head coach Mikael Stahre and the team look to hit the ground running. The squad has already shifted base to Kolkata, after completing the first leg of preseason in Thailand.

Kerala Blasters FC Extends Miloš Drinčić’s Contract Until 2026

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Kerala Blasters FC is excited to announce the extension of Montenegrin center back Miloš Drinčić’s contract until 2026. This decision comes after a standout debut season that showcased Miloš’ vital role in the team’s future success.

Since joining Kerala Blasters FC in 2023, the 25-year-old has been a key figure in the defensive line. In his first season, Miloš made a significant impact across 22 games, contributing not only as a defensive leader but also with crucial goals, highlighting his versatility and importance to the squad. His gritty, physical style of play has garnered admiration from fans and teammates alike.

On the contract extension Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said : “Miloš is a determined player with high motivation to perform and leadership qualities. I’m happy that he will continue with us and I’m looking forward for a good season ahead for him.”

Miloš Drinčić said : “Continuing my association with Kerala Blasters FC was a pretty easy decision for me. The fans’ passion and the club’s vision perfectly match my aspirations. I’m proud to represent Kerala Blasters FC and look forward to making ongoing contributions and lead the team towards mutiple title triumphs.”

With Miloš Drinčić’s extended commitment, Kerala Blasters FC is excited about the future and looks forward to many more impactful moments. The club anticipates that his presence, alongside recent signing Alexandre Coeff, will fortify the defense and contribute to the team’s prolonged success.

Kerala Blasters FC Complete Signing of Defender Alexandre Coeff

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Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) is pleased to announce the signing of Alexandre Coeff. The experienced and versatile French defender, who last played for SM Caen in the French Ligue 2, puts pen-to-paper on a one-year contract with the Blasters. Pre-dominantly a center-back, Coeff has demonstrated impressive versatility throughout his career, slotting in comfortably as a defensive midfielder and right back on numerous occasions.

Born in France, Coeff has had an impressive footballing journey, showcasing his talents across various leagues and continents. He spent his early days of football in the youth ranks of Plouzane Athletic, Stade Brestois 29, Guilers and Cavale Blanche Brest, before moving to the infamous RC Lens Academy in 2008. He received his first professional contract from RC Lens aged only 16, following impressive performances through the Club’s youth ranks. After a successful stint with RC Lens, having made 56 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit, Coeff’s professional career took off with a series of significant moves, starting with Italian Serie A Club Udinese in 2013 who bought the player on a five-year deal.

Still very young, Coeff was immediately loaned to La Liga Club Granada FC in 2014, helping the team finish a Club high fifth position. The following years saw a series of loan moves to top division teams like RCD Mallorca (Spain), Mouscron (Belgium), Ajaccio (France), and Stade Brestois (France), before moving on a permanent transfer to AE Larisa (Greece) in 2018. Between 2018 and 2023, the 32-year-old had stints with Ajaccio, Auxerre (both in France) and Brescia (Italy).

Coeff’s experience is exemplified by his 320 career appearances across some of the biggest leagues, during which he also has a hand 25 goal contributions. He has also represented the France National Team at all age group levels.

Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said:

“Alexandre will bring us much-needed experience and quality, and he will reinforce different positions in our team. Additionally, we expect leadership qualities from him.”

On signing with the Blasters, Alexandre Coeff said:

“Hello to the entire Yellow Army, thank you for this warm welcome, I have rarely experienced this in my career, I can’t wait to vibrate with you on the ground, see you soon.”

Alexandre Coeff becomes the club’s second foreign signing of the summer after Noah Saddaoui. He will link up with his new teammates soon, having requested some additional time due to personal reasons.