Following the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, the Blasters started preparations for the new season right-away as just one week after their elimination from the 2023–24 league playoffs, the Blasters announced the departure of their head coach Ivan Vukomanović, who left the club as the most successful head coach in the history of the club, after his three years at the club.[2] Vukomanović was replaced by the Swedish manager Mikael Stahre, who joined the club on a two-year contract in May 2024.[3] The Blasters also bid farewell to their all-time top-scorer and the golden-boot winner, Dimitrios Diamantakos, who left the club in May for a new contract in East Bengal FC.[4] In the following days, the club would announce the departures of more of their foreign players from the previous season as the likes of Daisuke Sakai, Marko Lešković (who signed in the 2021–22 season), and Fedor Černych were released from the club following the end of their contracts.[5] Amidst their Thailand tour ahead of the new season, the club's then longest-serving player at that time, Jeakson Singh was sold to East Bengal for a reported transfer fee of ₹3.2 crores (US$382,300) plus add-ons,[6] with the Blasters receiving the highest transfer fee ever for an Indian player in the nation's football history.[7][8]
Following their Thailand tour during the pre-season, the Blasters began their 2024–25 campaign with an 8–0 win over Mumbai City FC in the 2024 Durand Cup in their first competitive match of the season. This victory broke the club record for the biggest win in the Blasters' history and tied the record for the biggest win in the tournament's history, matching the score of the 1889 Durand Cup final.[9] After going unbeaten in the next two group stage matches, the Blasters qualified for the quarter-finals, and met their rivalsBengaluru FC in the fixture, which they lost 1–0 resulting in their elimination from the tournament.[10]
After a rather disappointing 2023–24 season, the Kerala Blasters' quest for their first ever silverware led them to 2024–25 season.[11] The Blasters' 2023–24 season was marked by a roller-coaster journey consisting of injuries and suspensions.[12] Ahead the 2023–24 campaign, the Blasters ended their six-year association with their then-most-capped player at the time, Sahal Abdul Samad, who was involved in a swap-deal with Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the transfer of Pritam Kotal; with the Blasters receiving a reported transfer fee of ₹90 lakhs (US$108,000).[13] The club went to the United Arab Emirates for their final pre-season camp ahead of the league season.[14] The Blasters began their 2023–24 season with the 2023 Durand Cup, in which they were knocked-out of the tournament after finishing third in the group of four.[15] Following the end of his ten-match ban, the then manager of the Blasters, Ivan Vukomanović, returned to the dugout on 27 October 2023 in the match against Odisha FC.[16] The Blasters had a satisfactory end to the first half of the league, as by the winter-breaks in December, the Blasters reigned at the top of the table, spending 45 days at the spot.[17] During the international breaks in January 2024, the Blasters took part in the 2024 Indian Super Cup, but was disqualified from the tournament for yet again finishing third in the group table.[18][19] Coming into the second-phase of the league, an injury plagued Blasters' side coupled with dozens of suspensions, lost their winning momentum, as they ended the regular season fifth on the table.[20] However, the Blasters qualified for the league playoffs for a third consecutive time, meeting Odisha FC in Kalinga Stadium on 19 April 2024, who put an end to the Blasters' season, as the Blasters lost the match two goals to one, thus ending a yet another season without a trophy.[21]
Pre-season overview
2024
April
On 26 April 2024, the Blasters announced that they had mutually parted ways with their head coachIvan Vukomanović, after his three season at the club.[22] Vukomanović left the club as the most capped and successful head coach in the history of the club with a win percentage of 44.8% across the league,[23] surpassing his predecessors at the club. He also held the club record for the highest points-per-game ratio (1.58) in the league,[24] as well as was the first Blasters' head coach to take the side to three consecutive playoffs, and left the team as the only Blasters manager to have a positive goal-difference during his tenure at the club.[25]
On 6 May, it was reported by Marcus Mergulhao that the Blasters had imposed a fine of Indian rupees 1 crore (US$120,000) to their then head coach Ivan Vukomanović following the infamous walk-out incident in the 2022–23 season league playoffs.[28] Although not being formally announced by the club, the figure was disclosed in the Blasters' appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the All India Football Federation on various charges.[29]
On 12 May, it was reported by Marcus Mergulhao that the Blasters had signed the Indian goalkeeperNora Fernandes from Aizawl FC on a multi-year deal till 2027.[30] In the following day, the Blasters announced the contract extension of their Indian full-backNaocha Singh, who signed a one-year permanent contract, after representing the club in the previous season as a loanee from Mumbai City FC.[31]
On 16 May, the AIFF announced that the Blasters (along with three other clubs in the league) had failed to secure the ICLS Premier 1 club licensing for the 2024–25 season.[32] As per the reports, the Blasters were denied the club licensing due to the safety concerns raised by the AFC General Secretary, Windsor John, over the Blasters' home ground Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.[33] The clubs, who were denied the Premier 1 club licensing were given with an option to seek an exemption to participate in the national competitions by 22 May 2024 by the national federation.[34]
On 18 May, the Blasters announced the contract extension of their club captain and their Uruguayanmidfielder, Adrián Luna, on a three-year deal until 2027.[35][36] Just two days following Luna's contract extension, the Blasters' striker Dimitrios Diamantakos announced that he would be leaving the side after his two-year stint at the club.[37] Diamantakos left the club as their all-time top-scorer across all competitions, having scored 28 goals in 43 games,[38] and after becoming the first player in the Blasters' history to win the league's Golden Boot award, after having scored 13 goals of 17 matches in the 2023–24 season.[39]
Ivan Vukomanović left the Blasters after his three seasons at the club.
Mikael Stahre replaced Vukomanović as the Blasters head coach in May 2024.
On 23 May, the Blasters announced the appointment of the Swede, Mikael Stahre as their new head coach on a two-year deal till 2026,[40] replacing the Serbian, Ivan Vukomanović.[41][42]
Kerala Blasters FC
@KeralaBlasters
ഒരേ വികാരവും ഒരേ വിചാരവുമായി പത്തു വർഷങ്ങൾ 💛 #KBFC #KeralaBlasters #10YearsOfKBFC
@IndSuperLeague
On 27 May, the Blasters celebrated their ten-year anniversary since their first season in 2014.[43] On the same day, it was reported that the Blasters full-back Nishu Kumar, who had played the previous season on loan for East Bengal FC, had signed a permanent contract with the same side, leaving the Blasters after his four-year association with the club.[44]
On 31 May, the Blasters would announce a series of departures from the club, starting with the departure of their assistant coach Frank Dauwen, who served as the assistant to Vukomanović.[46] They would then formally announce the departure of their striker Dimitrios Diamantakos following the end of his contract, with the latter joining the East Bengal FC.[47][48] The Blasters would also then bid farewell to their experienced custodian Karanjit Singh following the end of his contract,[49] along with their alternate goalkeeper, Lara Sharma, who also left the club.[50]
June
On 1 June, the Blasters announced the departure of their JapanesewingerDaisuke Sakai after his one-year stint at the club,[51] followed by that the departure of their Croatiancentre-backMarko Lešković, who left the club after his three-years at the club,[52] leaving Luna as the only remaining foreign player from the famous 2021–22 batch. On the same day, the Blasters thanked all of their partners and sponsors from the previous season.[53]
On 3 June, the Blasters announced the departure of their forward and Lithuania national team captain, Fedor Černych,[54] who was signed in early 2024 as an injury replacement for Luna.[55]
On 7 June, the Blasters announced the signing of Swede, Björn Wesström as their new assistant coach, replacing Frank Dauwen.[56] Along with Björn, the Blasters also announced the signing of the 36 year-old Portuguese, Frederico Pereira Morais, as their assistant coach for set-pieces.[57] The club would also announce the retaining of their Indian assistant coach, T. G. Purushothaman, as well as their goalkeeping coach, Slaven Progoveki for the 2024–25 season.[58]
On 8 June, Onmanorama reported that the Blasters will travel to Thailand on the first-week of July for a two-week pre-season camp ahead of the 2024 Durand Cup tournament.[59] The next day, the Blasters confirmed the retaining of their Strength and Conditioning Coach Werner Martens through a social media post.[60]
On 12 June, the Blasters announced the signing of the young Indian goalkeeper, Som Kumar, from Slovenian club NK Olimpija Ljubljana on a four-year deal till 2028,[61] becoming the first Blasters' signing under Stahre.[62]
On 15 June, the Blasters announced that they would be travelling to Thailand for their pre-season preparations; a news which was earlier reported by Onmanorama a week prior to the official announcement.[63] The club announced that they would set up their camp in Chonburi, Thailand from 3 July to 22 July,[64] with the players directly reporting to the Pattana Sports Complex. The Blasters also stated that the team would play at least three friendlies against top-tier Thai clubs during their three weeks at the country ahead of the Durand Cup tournament, which would commence on 26 July 2024.[65]
On 18 June, the Blasters announced the signing of the twenty-one year old Indian full-back, Likmabam Rakesh on a three-year deal till 2027;[66] who signed from the recently relegated I-League club, NEROCA FC.[67]
On 24 June, the Blasters announced the signing of Indian winger R. Lalthanmawia from I-League club Aizawl FC, on a three-year contract until 2027.[68] Three days later, the Blasters officially announced the arrival of the Indian goalkeeper Nora Fernandes, who was also signed from Aizawl on a three-year deal.[69] The club also further stated that both the players would join the squad in Thailand for their pre-season camp on 3 July.[70][71]
On 1 July, the Blasters announced FREEMANS - Measuring Tools as their main sponsors on a five-year sponsorship deal.[74] On the next day, following the months of speculation, the Blasters officially announced the signing of the Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui,[75] who signed a two-year contract following his spell at FC Goa.[76] The Blasters confirmed the arrival of the team in Thailand for their pre-season preparations on 3 July,[77] and subsequently announced their squad for the pre-season camp.[78] The club also stated that the players who were injured in the last season, along with some players who were sent on loan during the previous season would also be training with the first-team; with Korou Singh to join the camp following his India U-20 national team commitment.[79]
On 9 July, the Blasters announced the loan departure of their young Indian winger Nihal Sudeesh on a season long loan-deal to the fellow ISL club Punjab FC.[80][81] The following day, the Blasters were drawn in to the Group C for the 2024 Durand Cup tournament.[82][83] The club played their first pre-season friendly-match against the Thai League 2 club Pattaya United F.C. on 11 July behind closed doors, which they would lose 2–1,[84] with Yoihenba Meitei scoring the consolation goal for the Blasters.[85]
On 17 July, the Blasters played their second pre-season friendly against Thai League 2 club Samut Prakan City F.C., which they won 1–3.[86] The Blasters took a two-nil lead with Muhammad Saheef and Kwame Peprah finding the back of the net by the end of the first-half. Samut Prakan City pulled one back in the second-half, however a third goal for the Blasters by Ishan Pandita secured the team their first win in their pre-season tour in Thailand.[86] On the following day, the Blasters would announce the departure of their longest-serving player Jeakson Singh, who ended his six years association with the club,[87] after the club reached an agreement with East Bengal FC for the transfer of the player for a reported record Indian transfer fee of ₹3.2 cores plus add-ons.[88][89]
On 20 July, the Blasters played their third pre-season friendly in Thailand against Thai League 1 club Ratchaburi F.C. which they won 1–4, with Mohammed Aimen, Kwame Peprah, Lalthanmawia, and Muhammad Saheef finding themselves in the score-sheet for the Blasters.[90]
On 26 July, the Blasters would announce the game tech platform, Batery AI as their presenting sponsor for the upcoming season.[93] The next day, the club announced the contract extension of their Montenegrin defender Miloš Drinčić on a two-year deal till 2026.[94]
On 30 July, the Blasters announced the contract extension of their Indian defender Sandeep Singh till 2027 on a three-year contract.[95][96] Later that day, the Blasters' young full-back Aritra Das announced his departure from the club following his four years at the club via an Instagram post.[97]
On 31 July, the Blasters would provide a statement which stated that Aritra will be joining the I-League club Inter Kashi FC as part of a transfer agreement which includes a buy-back clause in his contract to Inter Kashi.[98] With the club's Durand Cup campaign set to begin on 1 August, the Blasters announced their kit and squad for the Durand Cup tournament on the same date.[99][100] The club also announced that their forward Jaushua Sotirio was out of the Durand Cup squad after sustaining an injury during their pre-season tour in Thailand, and their midfielder Vibin Mohanan was also under rehabilitation with the team after sustaining an injury during the same tour. The Blasters also stated that their defender Prabir Das was also out of the squad as the latter returned home due to personal reasons, and the club further clarified that their goalkeeper Sachin Suresh and the newly signed defender Alexandre Coeff would join the squad in due time.[101][102] Following the recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, the Blasters announced that their players would wear black armbands during their opening group fixture of the Durand Cup to show solidarity with those affected by the disaster.[103]
The Blasters' starting line-up for their first Durand Cup match of the season against Mumbai City FC on 1 August 2024, in which the Blasters recorded a historic 8–0 win.[104]
On 1 August, the Blasters played their first competitive match of the season in the Durand Cup against Mumbai City FC, which they won with a record-breaking score of 0–8.[105] Mumbai City's defence was under relentless attack from early on in the match, and the Blasters' Noah Sadaoui had one goal disallowed for an offside in the first half of the game. However, Noah would find the net just one minute later, scoring his debut goal for the club and opening the scoresheet for the Blasters.[106] In the 39th minute, Kwame Peprah would double the lead for the Blasters, and would subsequently complete a brace just five minutes later following a rebounded ball from Noah in front of the opposition net.[106] Blasters were leading three-nil while coming into the second-half. Noah would score his second of the night in the 50th minute with a header from a Mohammed Aimen's cross from the wing.[107] Just two minute after Noah's brace, Peprah would complete his hat-trick to score the fifth goal of the night for the Blasters.[108] This was not the only hat-trick by a Blasters' player in the match, as Noah would also score his third of the night with a 76th-minute goal, thereby completing his hat-trick in his debut match for the club.[109]Ishan Pandita was subbed in for the hat-trick hero Kwame Peprah. Pandita would score his debut goal for the Blasters in the 86th minute, and would complete a brace just one minute later to further stretch the scoreline.[110] The match ended 8–0 to the Blasters following Pandita's brace. This match broke several records as it became the highest-win ever in the history of the Blasters, and would also become the joint-biggest win in the Durand Cup history by sharing the record with the 1889 Durand Cup final between Highland Light Infantry and Shimla Rifles, which also ended 8–0 at full-time.[111]
On 4 August, the Blasters played their second group stage match in the Durand Cup against Punjab FC, which ended in a 1–1 draw.[112] Both the sides started with their main-eleven with Punjab taking the lead through Luka Majcen, who scored by overcoming an offside trap set by the Blasters defence just before the half-time in the added time.[113] Aimen, who came in as a substitute for Yoihenba Meitei ahead of the second-half scored the equalizer for the Blasters from a Peprah's cutting pass across goal in the 56th minute,[114] as the latter made no mistake and tapped the ball into the goal to seal the draw for the Blasters as the match ended in a 1–1 draw in the Salt Lake Stadium.[115]
On 10 August, the Blasters officially announced Reyaur Sports as their kitting and merchandise partner for the upcoming season.[116]
On 10 August, the Blasters would play their last group stage match of the Durand Cup against CISF Protectors FT, which they won 7–0.[117] The Blasters were quick to attack as they netted an early goal through a header from Peprah in the 6th minute of the game.[118] Within just two minutes, Noah would double the lead for the 'Yellow Army' with a half-volleyed goal.[119] The Blasters' third goal of the night came from Aimen, who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the net in the 16th minute.[120] It did not take so long for the Blasters to score their fourth of the night as Noah would complete his brace just four minutes after Aimen tripled the lead. The goal-scoring spree continued for the Blasters, as both Naocha Singh and Mohammed Azhar (the twin brother of third goal-scorer, Aimen) would score their debut goals for the club in the 25th and 44th minutes respectively as the Blasters led by six goals to nil by the end of the first-half.[121] The Blasters continued their relentless attack into the opposition defence but were not entirely able to capitalize on the goal-scoring chances in the later-half. In the 88th minute, Bryce Miranda was brought down in the penalty-box by a CISF defender, and the match referee Crystal John would award the Blasters with a penalty. However, Noah Sadaoui would chip the ball above the crossbar. Noah was quick to redeem himself, as just one minute after his missed penalty, he would score from an open-play and would subsequently complete his second hat-trick of the 2024 Durand Cup.[122] Noah's hat-trick was the final blow to the opposition as the Blasters defeated the CISF Protectors by a 7–0 scoreline, thus solidifying their spot at the top of the group table.[123]
Following the 3–0 win of Punjab against Mumbai City on 11 August, the Blasters qualified for the quarter-finals of the Durand Cup for the second time in their history due their +15 goal-difference, despite having the same points as Punjab in the group table.[124]
On 14 August, the Blasters' youth division players: Ebindas Yesudasan and Thomas Cherian, along with Korou Singh were called up to the India under-20 football team's final 23-member squad for the 2024 SAFF U-20 Championship.[125][126]
The Blasters' starting line-up for their quarter-final fixture in the Durand Cup against their arch-rivals Bengaluru FC on 23 August 2024. This was the first Southern Derby of the season.[127]
On 23 August, the Blasters played their quarter-final match of the 2024 Durand Cup against rivalsBengaluru FC, which they lost 1–0.[128] Thirty seconds into the match, the Blasters' goalkeeper Som Kumar was injured and was taken-off the pitch due to a head-on-head collision with ex-Blasters player and Bengaluru forward Jorge Pereyra Díaz. Following a goalless first-half, the match seemed to go towards a penalty-shootout but a last second goal by Pereyra Díaz resulted in the elimination of the Blasters,[129] as they fell short 1–0 at regular-time resulting in their disqualification.[130] The next day, the club provided a statement on the injury sustained by Som on their X handle, where they stated that he was in a stable condition after undergoing treatment for his head injury.[131]
On 29 August, it was heavily reported by the media that the Blasters had signed the Spanish forward Jesús Jiménez on a two-year deal.[132][133] The next day, the Blasters officially announced the arrival of Jiménez on a two-year contract till 2026 from the Greek club OFI Crete FC. Jiménez arrived at the club after having taken part in OFI Crete's pre-season training for the upcoming season.[134] Jiménez would mutually terminate his contract with OFI before joining the Blasters.[135]
On 31 August, following the conclusion of the 2024 Durand Cup Final, Noah Sadaoui won the Golden Boot award for topping the goal-scoring chart with 6 goal throughout the tournament.[136][137]
September
On 3 September, the Blasters' chairman Nikhil Bhardwaj issued his statement via an X post, addressing the concerns and dissatisfaction raised by their supporters in the social media and by their fan group Manjappada for having an 'underwhelming' preparation for the upcoming league campaign.[138] Later that day, the club would announce the loan departures of Likmabam Rakesh (to Punjab FC), Bikash Singh (to Mohammedan SC), Thomas Cherian (to Churchill Brothers FC Goa), Muhammad Ajsal (to Gokulam Kerala FC) and Mohammed Arbaz (to Real Kashmir FC) for the upcoming season.[139]
On 5 September, the Blasters announced their away-kit for the upcoming league campaign.[140]
On 7 September, the Blasters announced Medhaa Corporate Advisors as their principal sponsors for the upcoming season, replacing previous sponsors, BYJU'S.[141]
On 8 September, the Blasters would announce their home-kit for the upcoming season,[142] along with the three-year contract extension of their Indian midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma with an option for further extension.[143] Later that day, the club announced that their captain Adrián Luna has been granted a short-term personal leave to attend the birth of his baby, with the latter joining the squad back in one week time.[144]
On 9 September, the Blasters announced the departure of their Nigerian forward Justine Emmanuel following a mutual agreement for the termination of the player's contract.[145] They also announced that they had played a friendly match against the newly promoted ISL side, Mohammedan SC on the previous day, which they won 2–0.[146]
On 10 September, the Blasters' management met with Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, to donate ₹25 lakhs to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for the rehabilitation of the people affected by the landslides in Wayanad in the month of July.[147] The Blasters' also launched a 'Goal for Wayanad" initiative by which the club plans to contribute ₹1 lakh for every goal scored by the Blasters in the upcoming league season to the CMDRF.[147] They further stated that along with the ₹25 lakhs cheque to CM's relief fund, the co-owners of the Blasters has donated an additional ₹1.25 crore for the rehabilitation process.[148] Later that same day, the club announced Adrián Luna and Miloš Drinčić as the club's captain and vice-captains respectively for the upcoming league campaign,[149] following which they announced Salpido as their official audio partner for the season.[150]
On 11 September. the Blasters announced their third kit for the upcoming season.[151] On the same day, the Blasters announced the extension of their association with Kalliyath TMT as their associate sponsor for the 7th season.[152]
On 13 September, the Blasters announced KCare of Kalliyath Group as one of their official sponsors for the season,[153] and following which the club announced that they have reduced the stadium capacity by 50 per cent for their season opener against Punjab due to Onam celebrations across the state of Kerala.[154] The club would further announce Futureace Hospital as their official medical partner for the league season.[155]
On 14 September, the Blasters announced the contract extension of their Indian midfielder Yoihenba Meitei till 2027 with an option to extend.[156] They also announced their squad for the league season,[157] followed by the announcement of VIP as their associate sponsor for the season.[158]
On 15 September, the Blasters played their first league match of the season against Punjab FC, which they lost 1–2 at home.[160] A closely competed first-half saw neither teams taking a lead. Momentum of the match remained unchanged until the final ten minutes of the regular time, as a penalty goal by Punjab's Luka Majcen in the 86h minute gave the visitors a late lead.[161] The Blasters' new signing, Jesús Jiménez would level the match for the Blasters with a headed ball from a Pritam Kotal's cross just two minutes into the injury time, putting the Blasters back into the match with his debut goal for the club.[162] When the match seemed to lean towards a draw, Filip Mrzljak of Punjab would score the winner for the visitors in the final minutes of the injury time, as the Blasters lost their first match of the season.[163]
On 18 September, the Blasters announced the contract extension of their Indian midfielder Vibin Mohanan on a new four-year contract till 2029.[164][165]
On 22 September, the Blasters played their second league match of the season against East Bengal FC, which they won 2–1 at home.[166] Neither sides would break the deadlock in the first half of the game, but the first act of the match came in the form of an opener from the visitors, as Vishnu Puthiya Valappill scored the opening goal for East Bengal in the 59th minute of the match.[167] The Blasters were quick to retaliate as Noah would level the match in the 63rd minute with a shot between the legs of the East Bengal keeper, Prabhsukhan Gill to restore the match for the Blasters.[168] Later into the second-half, Peprah would come in as a substitute for Jiménez, who would prove to be pivotal for the Yellow Army as he scored the winner for the Blasters with an edge of the box shot into near post in the 88th minute, as the Blasters won their first league match of the season.[169]
On 29 September, the Blasters played their third league match of the season against NorthEast United FC, which ended in a 1–1 draw on the road.[170] Just like the previous two matchdays, neither two sides scored by the end of first 45 minutes.NorthEast United received a free-kick some yards outside the penalty box, which was fired in by Alaeddine Ajaraie in the 58th minute as Sachin Suresh lost the ball between his legs, allowing it to pass the goal line after stopping the free-kick. However, the Blasters' equalized through Noah, whose left-footed strike from outside the box found the right bottom corner of net in the 67th minute.[171] A tightly contested match concluded with a red card for Asheer Akhtar, who was sent-off due to challenge on Noah, as the Blasters' registered their first draw of the season.[172]
October
On 1 October, the Blasters appointed Abhik Chatterjee as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with Chatterjee assuming the position from 3 October.[173][174] The next day, the club provided a statement on the injury sustained by their defender Aibanbha Dohling following a successful arthroscopic surgery on his knee.[175]
On 3 October, the Blasters played their fourth league match of the season against Odisha FC, which ended in a 2–2 draw on the road.[176] A fast-paced first-half saw the Blasters open the scoresheet through Noah Sadaoui, whose left-footed curler found the back of the net in the 18th minute. Having assisted for Noah just three minutes before, Jiménez would score his second of the league from a Noah's assist as they doubled the lead in just 21 minutes into the first-half.[177] After the Blasters' keeper failed to stop an Ahmed Jahouh's ball, a late clearance by Coeff resulted in the Blasters conceding an own goal in the latter's name just 8 minutes after the Blasters doubled their lead. Odisha would finally score an equalizer in the 36th minute through Diego Maurício, who levelled the score-line before going into the second-half. Both the sides failed to capitalize on their goal scoring chances during the second-half with the Blasters missing out on a potential penalty on their favour,[178] as the match ended in a 2–2 draw with both sides taking a point.[179]
On 15 October 2024, the Blasters announced the arrival of Englishman, Cole Carter as their reserve side's new goalkeeping coach.[180]
On 20 October, the Blasters played their fifth league match of the season against newly promoted Mohammedan SC, which they won 1–2 on the road.[181] Having a weak start to the to first-half, the Blasters went down by a goal after Mohammedan's Mirjalol Kasimov converted a penalty following a foul by the keeper Som Kumar in the eighteen-yard box in the 23rd minute. Mikael Stahre would sub in Peprah during the second-half who proved to be pivotal, as he scored the equalizer for the Yellow Army in the 67th minute from a Noah's assist.[182] It did not take the Blasters long to score the winning goal as a cross from Naocha Singh was met by a header from Jiménez, who slotted the ball in the back of the net to ensure the three points for the Blasters.[183] Following the winner, the Blasters' players and travelling fans were met with aggression from Mohammedan fans, who pelted the Blasters' fans with bottles and stones and threw other projectiles into the pitch, causing the referee to temporarily suspend the game.[184] After the crowd was contained, the referee resumed the match, and the Blasters' won their second league match of the season with a comeback.[185]
On 21 October, the Blasters provided a statement on the crowd incident during their match Mohammedan on the previous day,[186] and their complaints lodged to the Kolkata authorities and to the league.[187]
On 25 October, the Blasters played their sixth league match of the season in derby match against Bengaluru FC at home, which they lost 1–3.[188] A sold-out Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi saw the Blasters going down by an early goal by Jorge Pereyra Díaz, who chipped the ball into the goal following a defensive error by Pritam Kotal. The Blasters had their fair share of chances to equalize during the first-half, and it came to be fruitful as the Blasters received a penalty-kick in the last minute of the injury time after Peprah was brought down by Rahul Bheke in the box. Jesús Jiménez would make no mistake as he put the ball in the back of the net to pull the Blasters back into the game ahead of the later half. However, Bengaluru would claim their lead back through Édgar Méndez in the 74th minute, who capitalized from yet another defensive mistake by the Blasters. Édgar would score his second of the night in the injury time of the second-half, as the Blasters lost their second match of the season.[189]
November
On 3 November, the Blasters played their seventh league match of the season against Mumbai City FC, which they lost 4–2 on the road.[190]Nikos Karelis's brace across 9th and a 55th-minute penalty would give Mumbai City a two-goal lead. However, Jiménez would capitalize on a penalty for the Blasters in the 57th minute to give them their first goal of the night. In the 71st minute, Peprah's headed goal would give the equalizer for the Blasters, but he was sent-off with a second-yellow due to player removing his jersey till his head whilst celebrating the goal.[191] Mumbai would take advantage of the ten-man Blasters side, as they scored two more goals in the 75th and 90th minutes respectively through Nathan Rodrigues and Lallianzuala Chhangte, as the Blasters lost their third match of the season.[192]
On 5 November, the Blasters' midfielder Vibin Mohanan was called up for national team for the first-time in his career, after being named in the 26-men probables for a friendly match against Malaysia.[193][194]
On 7 November, the Blasters played their eighth league match of the season against Hyderabad FC, which they lost 1–2 at home.[195] Jiménez scored in his fifth continuous game for the Blasters to give them an early lead in the 13th minute from a Korou Singh's assist. With that assist, Korou would become the youngest player in the league to provide an assist.[196] The visitors would equalize through Andrei Alba in the 43rd minute, who would then go on the score a winner for Hyderabad after successfully converting a penalty-kick in the second-half,[197] as the Blasters lost their fourth match of the season in a match riddled controversial refereeing decisions.[198]
On 24 November, the Blasters played their ninth match of the season against Chennaiyin FC in the derby match, which they won 3–0 at home.[199] Neither sides scored by the end of the first 45 minutes. The opening goal of the match was scored by Jiménez, who scored in his sixth consecutive game for the Blasters as he shot a close range ball into the bottom right corner in the 55th minute.[200] Fourteen minutes later, Noah Sadaoui would double the lead for the Tuskers as he made no mistake and converted a Luna's ball into the back of net.[201] The Blasters would secure their three points and bragging rights of the derby through a final goal by Rahul K. P. who capitalized on a Noah's solo assist in the added-time of the later-half, as the Blasters won their third match of the season. This was also the club's clean-sheet in 18 league games.[202]
On 28 November, Blasters played their tenth league match against FC Goa, losing their sixth home match at Kochi for 1-0. Goa scored the only goal of the match through Boris Singh Thangjam at 40th minute. Blasters failed to score an equalizer in the second half as the match ended in a 1-0 loss for Kerala Blasters.
After the loss, Blasters faced Bengaluru FC once again on 7th December. The match took place at Bengaluru's home ground Sree Kanteerava Stadium. After early misses from both sides, Sunil Chhetri scored an early lead for Bengaluru at the 8th minute. Ryan Williams doubled the lead on 38th minute and both team farewelled for the halftime in the score 2-0. After the kick off for the second half, Jesus Jimenez and Freddy Lallawmawma scored the comeback goals for Blasters, equalizing the score. After promising sequences for Blasters, Chhetri regained their lead in the 73rd minute, assisted by Pereyra Diaz. Despite constant attempts, Bengaluru managed to score another goal through Chhetri, making him the oldest ISL player to score a hat-trick. He also became the first player to score a hat-trick this season. The final whistle came on the 98th minute, securing a win for Bengaluru and yet another loss for Blasters.
Yellow body, yellow sleeves, yellow shorts and yellow socks.[99]
Used in all games
GoalkeeperDC
Black body, black sleeves, black shorts and black socks.[294]
Used in all games
Pre-season and friendlies
In early June 2024, it was reported that the Blasters would travel to Thailand in the first-week of July for a two-week season camp in the country ahead of the Durand Cup.[59] The following news was officially confirmed by the club in mid-June, with the Blasters camping in Pattana Sports Complex in Chonburi, Thailand from 3 July to 22 July.[295] The Blasters announced their first pre-season friendly on their Thailand tour on 11 July on the matchday against Thai club Pattaya United F.C., which ended in a 2–1 defeat for the Blasters.[84] They played the Thai club Samut Prakan City F.C. next on 17 July which they won 1–3 at full-time, winning their first match of the pre-season friendlies.[86] The Blasters met the Thai League 1 club Ratchaburi F.C. next in their Thailand tour, with the Blasters winning the match by the tally of 1–4.[296] Following the Ratchaburi game, Thai League 3 club Maraleina F.C. announced in Facebook that they would be playing the Blasters on 26 July.[297] However, neither sides announced the scores of the friendly match. Later on, the Blasters' assistant coach Björn Wesström would confirm via an Instagram post that the team had indeed played a fourth friendly match in Thailand before returning to India for the Durand Cup tournament.[298] Following their Durand Cup exit, the Blasters would play their first Indian opponent in a friendly fixture ahead of the league campaign against the newly promoted side Mohammedan SC on 8 September, where the Blasters came out on top with a 2–0 win with Sadaoui and Yoihenba striking the net.[146]
The Blasters were drawn in to the Group C on the group-stage draw conducted on 10 July, after the President on India, Droupadi Murmu, flagged-off the trophy tour of the tournament.[300] All the group stage matches of the Blasters were played in Kolkata since all the Group C matches were drawn to be held in the region.[301] The club has participated in the tournament since 2021, and has qualified for the knockout rounds only once in its history.[302]
The fixtures of the 133rd edition of the Durand Cup was announced by the organising committee on 12 July, with the Blasters starting their campaign with the match against Mumbai City FC on 1 August 2024.[303] The Blasters would then qualify for the knockout stages with seven points and with a superior goal-difference as compared to the second-placed Punjab FC.[304] They would meet Bengaluru FC in the first Southern Derby of the season in the quarter-finals fixture, which ended in a 1–0 defeat for the latter, resulting in their disqualification from the Durand Cup.[305]
Updated to match(es) played on 5 January 2025. Source: ISL Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 6) number of goals scored; 7) fair play ranking; 8) drawing of lots (Note: Head-to-head record is used only after all the matches between the teams in question have been played).
Updated to match(es) played on 24 November 2024. Source: Indian Super League A = Away; H = Home; N = Neutral; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss
Matches
The league fixtures from September till December were announced by the FSDL and AIFF on 25 August 2024.[306] For the first time since 2016 season, the Blasters were not involved in the league's opening fixture, with the latter playing their first match of the season at home against Punjab FC on 15 September 2024.[307] The fixtures for the later part of the season was announced during October.[308]
Note: The following table consists of the Blasters' players (excluding the players who departed the club permanently or on loan) who were called up for their countries' senior and junior squads for the international fixtures during the season.
^Jeakson is present in this list as a result of the club announcing his departure following his international call-up, and his subsequent international appearances.
^Černych is present in this list as a result of the club announcing his departure following his international call-up.
Note: The Indian Super League Player of the Match awards are awarded after each matchday to the players by the league based on their performances on that day.
Note: The Indian Super League Team of the Matchweek awards are awarded after each matchday to the players by the league based on their performances on that matchweek.
Note: The Indian Super League Goal of the Week awards are awarded after each matchweek to the players by the league based on a fan-expert voting system.
Note: The Durand Cup Player of the Match awards is awarded after each matchday to the players by the Durand Cup based on their performances on that day.
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