There was tension in the air long before kick-off in Kochi. By the time the whistle blew at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, relief had replaced uncertainty  but for Kerala Blasters FC, the night would end in frustration.

In their first home outing of the Indian Super League season, the Blasters were edged 1-0 by Mumbai City FC, who made their early-season momentum count with a disciplined display.

Saturday’s headlines, however, belonged not to the players but to the venue itself. The stadium’s owner, the Greater Cochin Development Authority, had sought a higher rental fee, casting doubt over whether the match would proceed. The dispute was resolved only late in the evening, clearing the way for Sunday’s fixture.

If the uncertainty rattled the home side, it was not evident in their approach. Kerala began with purpose, pushing forward and looking to ignite their supporters. Mumbai responded in kind, and the opening half unfolded at a brisk pace, both sides carving out chances in an entertaining contest.

The visitors were handed a prime opportunity midway through the first half. A foul by Danish Farooq resulted in a penalty, offering Jorge Pereyra Díaz the chance to break the deadlock. But the striker was denied by a sharp intervention from Arsh Shaikh, who produced a strong two-handed save to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough arrived soon after the interval. Lallianzuala Chhangte found space and unleashed an effort that took a deflection off Brandon Fernandes before finding the net. It was a moment that tilted the balance decisively in Mumbai’s favour.

Kerala searched for a response but lacked the cutting edge required to breach a well-organised defence. As the clock ticked down, Mumbai maintained control, securing their second consecutive win to start the campaign.

For the Blasters, it was a night of what-ifs  from off-field uncertainty to missed chances on the pitch. For Mumbai City, it was a professional job completed, and three points earned amid the noise.