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Kerala Blasters complete signing of full-back Aibanbha Dohling

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Kerala Blasters can confirm that it has reached an ageeement with FC Goa for the transfer of Aibanbha Dohling, for an undisclosed fee.

Aibanbha puts pen-to-paper on a three year deal that will see him at KBFC until 2026.

The transfer remains subject to completion of medicals.

Aiban, who started his career with the youth team of Shillong Lajong in 2010, would eventually return back to Lajong for his professional debut in 2016 in the Hero I-League.

Between 2010 and 2016, he represented the Tata FA Club in the youth I-League and represented Jharkhand in the Santhosh Trophy.

In 2019, the young defender made the switch to the ISL signing on with FC Goa. A versatile and aggressive defender, who has primarily plied his tried on the left side of defense, Aiban has been a core member of the FC Goa team since joining the team and won both the Hero ISL Shield and Durand Cup with them.

With over 80 games and experience in tournaments like Hero I-League, Hero ISL, Hero Super Cup, AFC Champions League and Durand Cup, Aibanbha Dohling comes into the Kerala Blasters squad with a wealth of experience and exposure and title-winning mentality.

Commenting on the signing, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said:

“Aiban is a proven performer over the years in the Hero Indian Super League. His presence and experience in our squad will solidify our defense further. I expect him to continue delivering consistent performances in the upcoming season and gel well with rest of our defensive unit.”

Aibanbha Dohling said :
“It was a long window and I want to thank the Club for their persistence over the window and making this dream of mine happen. I am so happy and proud to join KBFC and I am ready for this new challenge. I look forward to giving it my all for the Club and bring cheers to the very passionate KBFC fanbase.”

The Club welcomes Aiban into the Blasters family and wishes him the very best on this next chapter.

Aibanbha will be joining up with the squad in Kochi soon as the Blasters get set to travel to Dubai for the last leg of preseason.

Pre-Season Friendly: Kerala Blasters FC 2 – 3 PUNJAB FC

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Kolkata: 27 August 2023: A closely contested pre-season friendly between Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC ended in a 2-3 victory for the team from Punjab.

This afternoon, both teams played at the AIFF Center of Excellence in Kolkata with pre-season game time and squad depth being the underlying focus of the game.

An early goal by Punjab FC, Hero ISL’s newest team, established the lead, setting up a tussle that continued throughout the first half as both teams attempted to outflank each other through constant attacks. Bidyashagar, in good form, scored the equalizer following a precise ball delivery by fellow statesman Naocha Singh.

As both teams retreated back into the sheds at the end of the first half, the score was 1-1. Entering the second half, Kerala Blasters made as many as five changes to their starting XI, and soon into the second half Punjab FC registered two goals in quick succession to put pressure on the Blasters unit.

Post the 60-minute mark the Blasters again introduced more fresh legs into the game making five more changes at constant intervals ensuring some match-time to every available member of the squad.

Around the 75th minute Miloš Drinčić and Yoihenba Meitei replaced Hormipam Ruivah and skipper Adrian Luna respectively, Miloš the towering Montenegrin center back stepping foot on the pitch for the first time in KBFC colors made an immediate impact when he headed a ball delivered from a corner-kick set piece, making the score 2-3.

As the final whistle blew, both teams shook hands with Punjab FC holding onto their one-goal lead to the end. After the conclusion of this pre-season match, the Kerala Blasters will finish their stay in Kolkata and regroup in Kochi for a few days prior to embarking on the Hala Blasters Tour 2023, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates from September 5 to 16, 2023.

First Half :

GK: Karanjit Singh

Pritam Kotal ,Hormipam Ruivah, Marko Lešković, Naocha Singh, Bryce Miranda, Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Sourav Mandal, Bidyashagar Singh, Adrian Luna

Second Half :

GK: Sachin Suresh

Prabir Das ,Hormipam Ruivah, Bijoy Varghese, Naocha Singh, Bryce Miranda, Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Nihal Sudeesh, Rahul KP, Adrian Luna

Subs : Vibin Mohanan, Mohammad Azhar, Sandeep Singh, Justine Emmanuel, Muhammed Saheef, Miloš Drinčić and Yoihenba Meitei

Asian Paints join hands with Kerala Blasters FC as Official Paint Partner

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Kochi, August 24, 2023: Kerala Blasters Football Club announces its partnership with Asian Paints, India’s leading paint and decor company, as the Official Paint Partner for the upcoming Hero Indian Super League 2023/2024. With this partnership, the Asian Paints logo will be displayed on the undercollar of the team’s jersey. This exciting collaboration marks a new chapter for both organizations and reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

Commenting on the association, Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints Limited, said ‘We’re thrilled to be associated with Kerala Blasters FC for the upcoming Indian Super League Season. This marks our second partnership with the team, and we take great pride in collaborating with such a formidable club in the tournament. At Asian Paints, we believe in fostering and supporting the sporting culture in India, and football holds a special place in this endeavour. The Indian Super League has played a key role in elevating the popularity of football across the nation, and we eagerly look forward to the forthcoming season. Our heartiest wishes to Kerala Blasters FC for this upcoming season!’

Commenting on the association, Nikhil Bhardwaj, Director, Kerala Blasters Football Club, said, “It is our pleasure to partner with a great brand like Asian Paints. We thank them for placing their trust in Kerala Blasters and thoroughly look forward to having a successful & colourful partnership together.”

The collaboration between Kerala Blasters FC and Asian Paints goes beyond the realm of sports. It demonstrates a commitment to creating a vibrant sporting culture and building deeper connections with communities in India.

About Asian Paints Limited:
Since its foundation in 1942, Asian Paints has come a long way to become India’s leading and Asia’s second largest paint company, with a consolidated turnover of ₹ 34,489 crores (₹ 345 billion). Asian Paints operates in 15 countries and has 27 paint manufacturing facilities in the world, servicing consumers in over 60 countries. Asian Paints has always been a leader in the paint industry, innovating and introducing new concepts in India like Colour Ideas, Safe Painting Service, Colour Next and Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Stores. Asian Paints manufactures a wide range of paints for Decorative and Industrial use for interior and exterior walls. Their portfolio also includes SmartCare range for waterproofing, WoodTech products for wood finishes and Adhesives range for all surfaces. The company is also present in the “Home Improvement and Decor segment” and offers bath and kitchen products. The company also introduced lighting, furnishings, and furniture in its portfolio and offers a range of safe and supervised painting and interior design services.

Kerala Blasters FC end their Durand Cup 2023 campaign, with a resounding 5-0 victory against IAFT

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Kerala Blasters stepped on the field at East Bengal Ground in Kolkata for an afternoon game against Indian Air Force Football Team earlier today. The eleven to take field in today’s game had a large core of youngsters lead by the experienced Pritam Kotal who donned the captain’s armband in absence of Adrian Luna.

The Blasters dictated the pace of the game from the very first whistle with precise and sharp passing, creating constant attacks at the goal of the opponent.

This sustained pressure helped Blasters in scoring their first goal in the 9th minute through a well placed shot from young Mohammed Aimen, earning him, his third goal in as many games of the tournament.

Bidyashagar soon added to the Blasters goal tally with a clean strike in the 12th minute to assert his presence in the game. From there through the end of the first half KBFC held a large chunk of the possession with the midfielders combining smartly with the strikers to create multiple chances, without any further addition to the goals scored.

In the second half, Kerala Blasters opened their scoring in the 57th minute through midfielder Danish Farooq who impressed with his all-round play both at the back and frontline of the pitch today.

In the 62nd minute Vibin Mohanan provided a nicely aimed left footed cross that Bidyashagar headed into the goal to make it 4-0 for Blasters.

KBFC rounded off their goal count for with a fifth goal in the 82nd minute again through Bidyashagar, who also brought up his hat-trick through that strike, producing a near flawless performance in the game.

Kerala Blasters bows out of the Durand Cup 2023 with this dominant performance, with the highlight being the younger, inexperienced members of the squad stepping up and performing for the team.

KERALA BLASTERS FC SIGN GHANAIAN STRIKER KWAME PEPRAH

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Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of Ghanaian striker, Kwame Peprah, who puts pen to paper on a two-year deal until 2025.*

Peprah, who hails from Kumasi, Ghana, has experience playing across the first divisions of Ghana, South Africa and Israel.

The 22-year-old striker first gained attention with his impressive performances for local club King Faisal FC in the Ghana Premier League. He scored 2 goals from 13 appearances in his debut season in 2019. Following this, in a breakthrough 2020/21 season, Peprah scored 12 goals, finishing as the top-scorer for his club and as the second-highest goal-scorer in the league.

Perpah then moved to Orlando Pirates in 2021, making an immediate impact. He was named the Pirates’ Player of the Season and also shortlisted for the DStv Premiership Young Player of the Season award following an impressive 7 goals in his debut season.

Prior to joining the Blasters, Peprah had loan spells with Maritzburg Utd. in the DStv Premiership and with Hapoel Hadera in the Ligat ha’Al.

Commenting on the new signing, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said:

“Kwame is an important addition to our squad. His physical attributes and footballing skills make him a big asset for our team. A young, versatile, & fast-footed striker, I believe Kwame will pose a constant threat to the Hero ISL defences and help our team fight for the highest targets.”

Kwame Peprah said :

“Many thanks to the Club for providing me with this opportunity. I am really happy to join this amazing Club and to have the opportunity to play in India. I look forward to joining my teammates very soon and to kick-start the next season!”

Subject to medicals, Kwame Prepah would be soon joining the rest of the squad. The Club would like to congratulate Kwame and wish him all the best for the upcoming season.

Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC share the spoils in the Durand Cup

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Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC played out a 2-2 draw in their Group C match of the Durand Cup earlier this evening.

The match was a closely contested affair, with the Kerala Blasters creating plenty of chances without the finishing required to close out the game. In comparison, the largely inexperienced Bengaluru FC side made the most of the limited number of chances they managed to create through precision shooting in front of the net.

Kerala Blasters took the lead in the 14th minute through a goal from young Nigerian forward Justine Emmanuel, and from that point onwards, the Blasters strung together multiple attacks against the young BFC side without bearing any addition to the goal tally. Eventually in the 38th minute, against the run of play, Bengaluru forward Edmund Lalrindika equalised for his team.

From that point forward, the intensity of the game picked up for both teams, ending the half-time at 1-1 on an equal footing.

Kerala Blasters began the second half with much higher intensity, raising the pace of the game in pursuit of a goal to break the deadlock; however, this created openings in the Blasters formation, which were brought to the fore by a goal from Ashish Jha in the 52nd minute that brought the Blues into the lead.

Following the trend of the game, Rahul KP’s left-footed attempt missed the goal by a whisker in the 55th minute. Soon after, Rahul was subbed out for Ishan Pandita, who stepped on the field for his new team in the 59th minute, while Danish Farooq was replaced with young Mohammed Aimen in the 67th minute.

These changes brought a new influx of energy into the Kerala Blasters attack, creating more and more pressure on the BFC defence. Eventually, in the 83rd minute, Aimen found the back of the net with a flawlessly placed goal after receiving a clinical pass from skipper Adrian Luna.

With scores tied at 2-2, the Blasters suffered a body blow when defender Hormipam Ruivah received his second yellow card of the game in the 84th minute, leading to KBFC having to play with only 10 men for the remaining 14 minutes of the game.

Post-injury time, when the final whistle was blown in the 98th minute, both teams found themselves level at 2-2.

Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters face off in the Southern Derby

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TEAM NEWS

This evening, Kerala Blasters FC will face off against reigning Durand Champions Bengaluru FC in a must-win Southern Derby fixture at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan.

The two teams go into this game needing a victory to be able to keep their chances of progressing in the tournament strong. The Blues come into the game after securing a 1-1 draw against the Indian Air Force on Monday, whereas the Blasters are looking to bounce back from a 4-3 loss against Gokulam Kerala in their opening game of the campaign.

QUICK RUNDOWN

KBFC now finds themselves in a scenario where they have to win their last two remaining Group C games to enhance their chances of qualifying for the next round of the tournament.

The two teams most recently played in April 2023 in the Hero Super Cup, resulting in a stalemate 1-1 draw featuring one goal each from Roy Krishna and Dimitrios Diamantakos for their respective teams.

The Blues come into the tournament with a relatively inexperienced side, whereas the Blasters have deployed a squad with a mix of youth and experience at Ivan Vukamanovic’s disposal.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT

Muhammad Aimen: The young midfield pocket- sized dynamo has been steadily grabbing attention with his energetic play and ability to move the ball into attacking positions.

Jeakson Singh : With his presence, Jeakson Singh could again dominate the game’s flow for the Kerala Blasters and ensure that the Blasters retain most of the possession for the entirety of the game.

Hormipam Ruivah: The young defender has grown in stature with every passing game over his time at KBFC, and his performance this evening at the back of the formation could prove to be vital to the result going in Blasters’ favour.

WHERE TO WATCH

Kick-off: 6.00 PM

Live Streaming: Exclusive to Sony LIV

Live Telecast: Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD

The live updates for the game will also be made available through the club’s official Twitter account.

Muhammad Ajsal to join Inter Kashi on loan

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The Club can confirm that striker Muhammad Ajsal will join Hero I-League team Inter Kashi on a season-long loan deal. Having earned a maiden call-up to the senior team this pre-season, this move will see Ajsal continue his development with the necessary competitive match-time and experience.

Everybody at the Club would like to wish Ajsal the best of luck on his loan spell with Inter Kashi.

KERALA BLASTERS FC SIGN MONTENEGRO DEFENDER MILOŠ DRINČIĆ

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Kerala Blasters FC have signed 24-year-old Montenegro centre-back Miloš Drinčić on a one-year deal for the upcoming Hero ISL 2023/24 season.

Only 24, Drinčić has already amassed close to 230 appearances across the top tiers of Montenegro and Belarus. Drincic, who most recently turned out for Shakhter Soligorsk in Belarus, started his professional career in Montenegro with FK Iskra Danilovgrad in 2016. A string of consistent and dominant performances in the top division earned him a move to Sutjeska Niksic in 2021.

Milos experienced his first silverware that same year as he would go on to become a mainstay in the Sutjeska Niksic team that won the championship in 2022.

The young and towering Montenegrin, who has consistently competed in tournaments like UEFA Champions League & Europa Qualifiers, was part of Montenegro’s U17, U19, and U23 teams.

On the inclusion of Miloš Drinčić into the Blasters squad Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said:

“Milos Drincic is exactly the profile we were looking for – fighter mentality, peak age, playing in top European league, and great ambition to represent Kerala Blasters. There were no doubts we wanted him. Though it took some time, I’m glad we have Milos with us. I wish him to become an important part of Kerala Blasters going forward.”

Miloš Drinčić said:

“I see this as a wonderful opportunity to explore a new challenge in a different league with a great Club. There was a good feeling from the first moment I started speaking with Karolis. I am really looking forward to this new chapter of my career, and I hope to make it a memorable one. I assure you I will be giving it my all both on and off the pitch.”

Miloš Drinčić, who is set don the number 15 jersey this season, is set to join the Blasters camp in Kolkata. The Club extends a warm welcome to Milos into the Blasters family and wish him the best for the upcoming season.

KBFC is all set to kick off Durand Campaign!

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As the curtain closes on the first leg of preseason, the excitement is palpable in the air as KBFC embarked on an exhilarating first month of preseason training, igniting their preparations for the imminent Durand Cup.

Under the watchful guidance of the coaching staff, led by the head coach and his support team, the players dedicated themselves to a rigorous regimen of training sessions, cultivating essential skills, refining tactical prowess, and forging team cohesion.

In a series of friendly matches against local clubs Maharajas College and Kovalam FC, the Blasters aimed to fine-tune strategies, grant playing time to players, and explore various technical and tactical combinations. Central to the training camp’s agenda was the cultivation of match fitness – high-intensity drills, endurance conditioning, and simulated matches were rigorously employed to ensure optimal physical


preparedness while minimizing injury risks. Noteworthy individual performances highlighted both new signings’ seamless integration and emerging talents’ promising potential, promising a dynamic blend of experience and youthful vigor.

Beyond the pitch, the camaraderie among teammates blossomed, fostering unity through shared experiences and team-building activities. As the first month concluded, Kerala Blasters stand on the cusp of intensifying their preparations, poised to enter the Durand Cup arena with unwavering determination, a united front, and a well-honed game plan, ready to showcase their progress.

The team has already touched down in Kolkata and had their first set of training sessions. The Blasters will face Gokulam Kerala FC in their opening encounter on August 13.