All posts tagged: Noah Sadaoui

Kerala Blasters pips Odisha FC 3-2 – Talking points

Kerala Blasters pips Odisha FC 3-2 – Talking points

Kerala Blasters FC defeated Odisha FC 3-2 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Monday. The Juggernauts are now winless in their last four games, and the Kochi-based team is now unbeaten (W5 D2) in all seven games that Noah Sadaoui has found the back of the net in ISL 2024-25, as the home team netted thrice in the final half hour of the game tonight. Here are talking points from the match: Mawihmingthanga’s early strike gives OFC the lead The Juggernauts made a positive start in the fourth minute, opting for a relatively direct route to surprise the Kerala Blasters FC defence. Once inside the box, Dori aerially overpowered Pritam Kotal to make a headed pass for Jerry Mawihmingthanga, who was in the middle of the 18-yard area. Jerry covered a few crucial yards with a quick pace, made an impressive adjustment and deposited the ball into the bottom right corner with a slightly high-footed shot to open the scoring. Kwame pulls one back for Blasters …

Nine-man Kerala Blasters returns to winning ways against Punjab FC – Talking points

Nine-man Kerala Blasters returns to winning ways against Punjab FC – Talking points

Kerala Blasters FC defeated Punjab FC by 1-0 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season on Sunday night. With their 0-1 win today, Kerala Blasters FC became just the third side to win an Indian Super League game after receiving two or more red cards after Mumbai City FC (4 vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant on 20 December 2023) and Chennaiyin FC (2 vs Kerala Blasters FC on 16 December 2014 with both these bookings coming in AET). With this win, KBFC is back in the reckoning of the playoffs being only three points behind sixth-placed Odisha FC (20). On the other hand, Punjab FC has succumbed to four consecutive defeats, and it was missing key attackers Luka Majcen and Ezequiel Vidal due to suspensions. Here are key talking points from the match: Cautious start by both teams It was a slow start to the game as both teams opted for a caution-first approach. Kerala Blasters FC did show some urgency in the first quarter through …

Odisha FC rules the Team of the Week for the Match Week 9

Odisha FC rules the Team of the Week for the Match Week 9

Indian Super League made an exciting return this week after a long international break and provided many high-scoring games and a few of the dominating victories in the Match Week 9. Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan SG continued to lead on the top of the league standings with their respective wins this week whereas Mumbai City FC’s inconsistent run continued as they suffered a heavy defeat at home. Here’s The Bridge’s Team of the Week for Matchweek 9: Goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh – Northeast United FC Gurmeet had an outstanding outing this week, making seven crucial saves against the likes of explosive forwards like Luka Majcen and Ezequiel Vidal, who were pressing hard after conceding two early goals. He was the key man for Northeast United’s important win in this away game, which helped them to jump up to the top 3 of the league table. Defenders Sandeep Singh – Kerala Blasters FC The right-back Sandeep Singh played a crucial role in Kerala Blasters FC’s big win at home in the southern derby match against Chennaiyin …

Top 10 Foreign Players of 2024-25 Season

Top 10 Foreign Players of 2024-25 Season

A quarter of the way into the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season, the standings have already delivered some surprises. Four of last year’s playoff teams are currently out of the top six, while clubs like Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC are playing some of their best football in years. With 16 points, Bengaluru FC has matched its best-ever start, reminiscent of its league-topping 2018-19 season. Central to these shifts are the international stars, including both new signings and experienced players who’ve changed clubs. Let’s take a closer look at ten of the top-performing overseas players who are making waves this season. 1. Alaaeddine Ajaraie (NorthEast United FC) Alaaeddine Ajaraie has quickly become a sensation for NorthEast United FC, racking up 10 goal contributions (7 goals, 3 assists) in just 460 minutes – the most by any player this season. His average goal contribution every 46 minutes is the second-best rate in ISL history among players with at least 300 minutes played. Ajaraie is only the second player in ISL history to score in …

From the dugout with Noah Sadaoui: The Kerala Blasters Sensation

From the dugout with Noah Sadaoui: The Kerala Blasters Sensation

Kochi: Meeting Noah Sadaoui is like experiencing a burst of energy—much like the one he exhibits on the field. Just as this writer sat down for the interview, he walked up with a wide smile, instantly filling the room with his infectious charisma. And in an instant, everyone in the room was sporting a smile, much like Sadaoui’s. It’s easy to see why the fans have fallen in love with him. The Golden Boot winner with FC Goa last year has taken the Indian Super League (ISL) by storm this season, undeniably emerging as the best player for Kerala Blasters so far. But why did he make the move in the first place? Finding his place at Kerala Blasters “I wanted to be somewhere where I felt the appreciation, and, you know, I felt that they actually wanted me,” Sadaoui said when asked about his decision to join Kerala Blasters. Noah Sadaoui joined FC Goa in 2022 and signed with Kerala Blasters for the current season. “It was important for me because I know how …

Kerala Blasters File Official Complaint After Fan Unrest in Mohammedan’s Stadium

Kerala Blasters File Official Complaint After Fan Unrest in Mohammedan’s Stadium

Kerala Blasters FC has officially lodged a complaint with the Indian Super League (ISL) authorities following fan unrest during their 2-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting at Kishore Bharati Stadium. The game was paused after Mohammedan supporters threw sticks, bottles, and set off firecrackers in protest of a denied penalty decision, creating safety concerns for both players and fans. Kerala Blasters owner Nikhil Bhardwaj took to Twitter to confirm the club’s formal complaint and reassure the safety of traveling supporters: “Our team is on the ground to ensure the safety of fans. As of now, all of them are out of the stadium. An official complaint has also been lodged with the league. Disgusting to see such unsavoury scenes.” The chaos erupted after Mohammedan Sporting’s appeal for a second penalty was waved off by the referee. The crowd’s agitation escalated into a dangerous situation, forcing the players to leave the pitch temporarily before play could resume. Kerala Blasters eventually sealed the victory with goals from Kwame Peprah and Jesus. Player Reactions Kerala Blasters’ captain Adrian Luna …

Noah Sadaoui wins fans player of the month with 68.5% vote

Noah Sadaoui wins fans player of the month with 68.5% vote

Indian Super League has completed four match weeks in its 11th season. With a month of games going by, The Bridge conducted a poll to find the fan’s player of the month. Noah Sadaoui, Kerala Blasters’ forward, has been named Player of the Month, securing a staggering 68.5% of the votes, clearly cementing his place as a fan favorite. His impressive performance this season, where he has already netted three goals, has made him one of the most crucial players for Kerala Blasters. His speed, precision, and goal-scoring ability have turned several matches in favor of his team, helping them maintain their competitive edge. Trailing behind Noah in the poll was Alaeddine Ajaraie from NorthEast United, who received 26% of the vote. Alaeddine has also been exceptional this season, with four goals and two assists, showcasing his consistency and versatility in the attack. The Indian Super League has wrapped up its first four weeks, and as we head into the international break, who would you say is your Player of the Month? Vote below: #ISL …

Rei Tachikawa’s rocket and other top goals from Matchweek 4

Four matchweeks have come and gone in the 2024-25 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC are sitting at the first and second position in the league, with the former securing 10 points from their first four matches, followed by the resurgent Punjab FC, with three wins out of three, in second. Although the matchweek started rather quietly with two goalless draws, goals soon started flowing in with the last four games witnessing 15 goals. As the teams head into the international break, we at The Bridge have brought you the top goals of matchweek four of the ISL. #5 Borja Herrera, FC Goa Late goals have become a regular occurrence in this year’s ISL, and Borja Herrera of FC Goa added his name to the long list in the thrilling 3-3 draw between FC Goa and NorthEast United FC. Trailing 2-3 in the 94th minute, Herrera received the ball in the crowded penalty area and skillfully took a touch to create space before shooting the ball into the net. …

Noah’s thunderbolt and other top goals from matchweek 3

Matchweek three has come and gone in the 11th edition of the Indian Super League and it has been goals galore once again, with players producing moments of magic from their feet. With 16 goals this week, the league table has finally started to take shape, with Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC leading the pack with three wins out of three. Mohammedan SC secured its first-ever win in the ISL defeating Chennaiyin FC in Chennai. We at The Bridge have collected the top five goals from matchweek three of the ISL. #5: Diego Mauricio, Odisha FC After losing to Chennaiyin FC in their first home game, Odisha bounced back at the Kalinga stadium with an important 2-1 win over Jamshedpur FC. Their opening goal was a thing of beauty. A strong drive from midfield into the attacking third by Vanlalruatfela opens space for Boumous who lays it off to Diego Mauricio to complete what was a wonderfully worked team goal. #4: Filip Mrzljak, Punjab FC Mrzljak was crucial in Punjab 2-0 against Hyderabad FC. In …

Mikael Stahre ahead of the Highlanders test

As the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming showdown between Kerala Blasters FC and Northeast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on September 29 at 7:30 PM IST. With both teams eager to secure crucial points, this match promises to be an exhilarating contest filled with tactical battles and spirited performances. Kerala Blasters’ head coach Mikael Stahre is brimming with confidence as his side aims to build on their recent 2-1 victory over East Bengal FC. “It’s a fine line between winning and losing,” he shared, reflecting on the competitive nature of the ISL. “I’m completely sure that Kerala Blasters will win a title really soon. How soon, we don’t know. I’m here to win as many games as possible.” Stahre acknowledged the challenges posed by Northeast United, who are coming off a tough 3-2 loss to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. “We are facing a good team, well-organized, well-coached, with some absolutely interesting players,” he said, emphasizing the need for his squad to stay …