Kerala Blasters had one of the worst starts to an ISL season in recent times with four consecutive defeats. However, an injury-time equalizer from Muhammed Ajsal ended the losing streak in an away match against East Bengal.
Kerala Blasters will be hoping to revive their faltering campaign against visiting Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Saturday.
The Kochi side have struggled to be sharp up front and have failed to score a goal in open play. The lack of a good playmaker and a porous defense has exacerbated the problems.
The mid-table, Punjab FC, started with a defeat against Jamshedpur FC but have since been on the path to revival, beating Bengaluru FC and drawing with NorthEast United and FC Goa.
«Punjab FC is very compact in defense and has shown that it is difficult to make a comeback if it scores first. We will do our best and try to control the game. We have to improve our defense and show the same attitude and energy that we showed against East Bengal,» said Kerala Blasters coach Davis Catala.
Punjab FC will miss its key striker Effiong Nsungusi, who was shown a red card in the last match against FC Goa.
The Nigerian had scored all four goals that Punjab FC have scored this season and his absence will be a major blow. Brazilian defender Pablo Santos is nursing a hamstring injury and is a doubtful starter, which will force coach Panagiotis Dilperisto to reshape his squad.
Dilperisto downplayed Effiong’s absence and said his team was well prepared to face a rejuvenated Kerala Blasters team.
Published on March 20, 2026
