Sun Sep 22 17:11:03 UTC 2024: ## East Bengal Faces Tough Test Against Kerala Blasters in ISL Clash

**Kochi, India:** East Bengal FC will face a challenging test on Sunday, September 22nd, when they take on Kerala Blasters FC in their second Indian Super League (ISL) match. The match, which kicks off at 7:30 PM IST at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi, promises to be a tight contest.

Both teams are looking for their first win of the season. Kerala Blasters, despite a strong showing against Punjab FC, suffered a late defeat in their opening game. Meanwhile, East Bengal fell to a 1-0 loss against Bengaluru FC.

East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat acknowledged the difficult challenge ahead. “The last game was a difficult one to start the season, but now we move forward,” he stated. “It will be a tough match tomorrow. The pressure will also be on Kerala Blasters FC (because of their previous result), so they’ll be competitive. Our aim is to play well, be competitive, and fight back tomorrow.”

Cuadrat’s teams have a strong record against Kerala Blasters, scoring in all seven previous ISL encounters. However, Kerala Blasters will be relying on the experience of Pritam Kotal, who boasts a perfect record against East Bengal in the ISL.

Kerala Blasters head coach Mikael Stahre emphasized the need for his team to be more aggressive in the upcoming match. “We have to attack with more players, have more passers, be more precise and technical, and, ultimately, more effective,” he said. “I’m positive, but right now, it’s really painful to handle this defeat. But we will bounce back.”

The match will be a battle of attacking firepower, with Kerala Blasters hoping for a strong performance from debutant Jesus Jimenez, who scored in their opening match. East Bengal will be counting on Dimitrios Diamantakos, the ISL 2023-24 Golden Boot winner, who scored 13 goals last season while playing for Kerala Blasters.

The Kerala Blasters Vs East Bengal FC ISL 2024 Match will be telecast in India on Sports18 and can be watched on Jio Cinema.

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