Before their meeting at Balewadi, both Inter Kashi and Odisha FC were pointless after opening-round defeats in the 2026-27 ISL.
Kashi: promise without goals
Inter Kashi lost 0-2 to Kerala Blasters, conceding in the 18th minute (Vibin Mohanan) and again in stoppage time (Andre Green). Rosenberg Gabriel and Manvir Singh were the brightest attackers. Coach Carlos Vaz Pinto said the squad had absorbed his ideas despite little time together: "We are ready to compete and we are targeting three points." Midfielder Hitesh Sharma, a former Odisha player, described learning a new attacking midfield role, the "9.5" position.
Odisha: control without a finish
Odisha lost 2-1 to Punjab FC after conceding inside the first minute. Thoiba Moirangthem equalised with a header from a corner (15'), but Raphaël Messi Bouli scored deep into stoppage time for Punjab. Coach TG Purushothaman wants a higher finish than last season and said his revamped squad may need two or three games to gel.
Summary written for this site from reporting by ISL. Photo: ISL.