The atmosphere was electric at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi two weeks ago as India registered a stunning victory over Hong Kong China in the AFC Asian Cup qualifier. It may have been a dead rubber as neither had any chance of qualifying, but the match was an exciting affair and brought great joy to a crowd of over 22,000.
Kerala Blasters FC is hoping that its fans will also come in large numbers for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 match against NorthEast United on Wednesday. Those passionate supporters had stayed away in previous games this season, and the Blasters team had justified their disinterest with tasteless football.
But things are changing.
The franchise has got a new coach – Ashley Westwood – and he seems to be turning things around. The Englishman, who achieved a lot with Bengaluru FC during his first assignment in India a few years ago, guided Blasters to their first win of the season. Ironically, that win came against his old team, in Bengaluru.
READ ALSO | ISL: Bengaluru FC magician Ashley Westwood sees similar magic at Kerala Blasters
“Obviously it’s always nice to get the first win,” Westwood said.
“We don’t have many games left so the motivation for the players is to play well, impress me, impress the management and keep your place, your share in this club,” he added.
Like the Blasters, NorthEast has also struggled this season. Like its opponent, it has only achieved one victory, but has two points more.
The Westwood boys will be hoping to overtake NorthEast with their first win on home ground, ideally in front of a good crowd.
Published on April 14, 2026
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