RagulKrishnan
Faridabad , Jantantra Today / Chennai, March 5, 2026 :—– Chennaiyin FC will look to secure their breakthrough victory of the Indian Super League 2026 season when they face rivals Kerala Blasters FC in a high-stakes Derby at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, on Saturday.
After earning their first point of the campaign in the previous outing, the Marina Machans head into the clash determined to build momentum in what will be their final away fixture of a demanding four-match opening stretch. However, Kerala, still without a point to their name in ISL 2026, will present a stubborn challenge ahead of a five-game run at home, according to head coach Clifford Miranda.
“They were a little unlucky to come away with nothing from those matches. They had possession, territorial dominance, and created chances. In some games, they missed opportunities until the 93rd or 94th minute, and they were also unlucky to concede a deflected goal. So they are playing well—it’s just that luck hasn’t been on their side. But we are under no illusion, it’s going to be a very, very difficult game,” analysed Miranda in the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Matches between Chennaiyin and Kerala carry an added edge, with the Derby producing its fair share of drama and fireworks over the years. The Marina Machans trail by one in the overall head-to-head and will be keen to set the record straight in this crucial early-season encounter. Miranda acknowledged the significance of the fixture while reiterating the importance of maintaining focus on the team’s ongoing process.
“Every game is important, especially at this stage when the season is very short, so every game and every point matters. Of course, the Derby makes it even more interesting, but even if it were any other match, it would still be just as important,” Miranda said.
“In terms of performances, we are in a process. We are getting certain things right, but the final phase is always the most important and also the most difficult. We are trying to get there step by step. As I’ve said before, this is a new way, a different way of playing compared to what the team has been used to over the last two years. It will take time, but the sooner we adapt, the better it will be for us, for the club, and for everyone associated with us—the fans and everyone involved.”
A stable presence between the sticks, Mohammad Nawaz joined Miranda for the presser and emphasised how consistency in team selection has aided him in performing to his best ability in the first few matches. Chennaiyin have started with the same back four in their three ISL 2026 matches so far.
“The four defenders in front of me are all senior players and have more experience than I, so that helps a lot. Even on the bench, we have good players as well. In the end, what we need to do is defend well. Having consistency over the last few matches has also helped me communicate better with them and play together more consistently. There are small things we need to improve, and we are working on that. Hopefully, in the upcoming matches, we can correct those small details and do better,” the custodian reflected.
On the team news front, Miranda revealed that a late call will be taken on Irfan Yadwad’s availability due to an injury. Barring Irfan and Daniel Chima Chukwu, however, the head coach is expected to have a full squad at his disposal for the encounter.
CFC vs KBFC Head-to-Head
Matches (All Competitions): 24 | CFC: 7 | KBFC: 8 | Draws: 9
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