Jamshedpur, February 28: Kerala Blasters FC gears up to face Jamshedpur FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi for their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) clash on March 1. With playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, Kerala Blasters are desperate for points, having accumulated just 24 from 21 matches this season, placing them ninth on the ISL table.
Jamshedpur FC, on the other hand, is riding high after securing their spot for the playoffs and is currently positioned fourth with 37 points. They aim to finish the league stage with momentum, and their head coach Khalid Jamil emphasized the importance of staying focused. "This is a pivotal match for us. Just because we have qualified doesn’t mean we can relax. Every match matters, and we must approach it with the same intensity and preparation," said Jamil, who has made history by being the first Indian coach to guide his team to the playoffs.
The Men of Steel will lean on their recent performance after clinching a convincing 2-0 victory over Mohammedan SC. Players Ritwik Das and Nikhil Barla contributed to the score sheet, with Ritwik’s return from injury adding much-needed depth to their attack, and Barla’s first goal boosting his confidence.
Kerala Blasters will attempt to turn around their mixed form, coming off two consecutive losses against top teams Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa. Interim coach T.G. Purushothaman acknowledged the challenge at hand, stating, "We have a slim chance and need to win our last three matches.... we need luck too. We are also planning for the Super Cup."
For Jamshedpur FC, this matchup holds personal significance for winger Sreekuttan, who began his career with the Blasters' reserve team. "Playing [in Kerala] is always special for me. Now, returning as an opponent is unique, and I really look forward to it," he shared.
Historically, the past encounters between these two teams have favored Jamshedpur, as they emerged victorious once and drew once from their last two ISL meetings. With both teams eyeing valuable points, an intense battle is expected on Saturday evening.
Fans will be able to catch the match live on Star Sports and via streaming on JioHotstar. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying contest.
With the stakes high for Kerala Blasters and Jamshedpur FC searching for affirmation of their playoff readiness, this match is poised to be pivotal, not just for the teams, but for the league narrative as well.