Mohun Bagan Begin ISL Campaign Against NorthEast United

Guwahati: Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has set a clear target for his team ahead of their Indian Super League opener against NorthEast United FC, insisting that there is no alternative to victory for the Kolkata giants here on Monday.

Mohun Bagan will take on North East United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, looking to build on a productive pre-season that saw them lift the IFA Shield and gain valuable match time in multiple competitions.

The fixture will be the first of two consecutive away games for Mohun Bagan, who have already faced the Guwahati-based side in the Durand Cup this season.

Dilmperis believes the demanding pre-season schedule has helped his squad develop tactical flexibility, with the players adapting to two different formations across high-pressure matches.

"We managed to work on two formations. We played 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1. The players can now adapt to both, so we can use them in different games or switch during a game.

"Most of the players have had playing time, and that playing time was under a lot of pressure because we wanted to win the title. The whole process was beneficial for us," he said.

The Greek coach, however, wants his team to play with greater aggression and intensity, and acknowledged that maintaining those levels throughout a match could take time as the season progresses.

Kerala Blasters Begin Season With 2-0 Win Over Inter Kashi

Vibin Mohanan and Andre Green struck a goal each to help Kerala Blasters FC begin their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi here on Sunday. Mohanan opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Green struck in stoppage time to seal all three points for the Blasters.

Kerala Blasters started on the front foot, with Freddy Lallawmawma firing from distance in the fifth minute.

Kashi responded a minute later as Rosenberg Gabriel tested goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh with an effort from the left side of the box, but the Kerala custodian was equal to the task.

Manvir Singh also threatened for Inter Kashi, sending an attempt over the crossbar as both sides looked to establish control in the opening exchanges.

Korou Singh provided the assist, setting up Mohanan to finish with a right-footed effort from the centre of the box and give Kerala the advantage.

Blasters continued to push for a second goal after the restart, with substitute Momo Yansane sending an effort wide shortly after coming on.

Paul Ramfangzauva and Freddy also attempted to extend the lead from distance, while Green came close in the 65th minute but narrowly missed the target.

Kashi remained in the contest and threatened to level the score. Manvir Singh saw his header saved by Shaikh in the 61st minute, while Ayush Chhikara fired narrowly wide in the 72nd minute as Inter Kashi sought a breakthrough.

Blasters sealed the victory in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Mohammed Sanan set up Green, who finished with his left foot from the centre of the box into the bottom-right corner to make it 2-0.