THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Kerala Blasters open their KPL campaign with a defeat

Former India captain IM Vijayan at the sidelines of the Kerala Premier League match Royal Travels FC vs Kerala Police. (Photo courtesy: Kerala Football Association)
Former India captain IM Vijayan at the sidelines of the Kerala Premier League match Royal Travels FC vs Kerala Police. (Photo courtesy: Kerala Football Association)

The Kerala Blasters FC Reserves Team kicked off their Ramco Kerala Premier League 2020/21 campaign with a Group B encounter against Kerala United FC today.

The match was played at the Maharajas College Ground in Ernakulam and the Blasters had their difficulties against United.

Kerala United opened the score sheet through a Nidhin Krishna strike in the 43rd minute, while Bujair Valiyat (45′) further increased the lead to give his side a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Nijal Sudeesh pulled one back in the 66th minute to give Kerala Blasters new hope to claim some points. But Bujair Valiyat (88′) restored the margin and secured Kerala United a 3-1 win against their rivals.

Meanwhile, Royal Travels FC and Kerala Police faced each other in a Group A match at the Corporation Stadium in Thrissur. The second match of the day ended in a goalless draw.

The league will continue on Sunday with two fixtures, when Luca Soccer Club face SAT Tirur in Group A and Golden Threads FC take on Mar Athanasius Football Academy in Group B.

The KPL league winners will take home ₹3 lacs as a cash award along with the coveted KPL trophy. The runners-up will be entitled to a cash award of ₹1 lacs.