Kerala Blasters Earn Dramatic Late Draw Against East Bengal in ISL Clash
In a thrilling encounter at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, Kerala Blasters FC snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC in Match 31 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season. The visitors secured their first point of the campaign thanks to a stoppage-time header from Muhammad Ajsal, overturning an early deficit in a match filled with intense moments and strategic shifts.
Early Penalty Sets the Stage for Tense Battle
The home side, East Bengal, took an early lead in the 10th minute through a penalty converted by Youssef Ezzejjari. The goal came against the run of play, as Edmund Lalrindika received the ball inside the box and squared it to Ezzejjari, who was brought down by Kerala Blasters defender Aibanbha Dohling. The referee pointed to the spot, and Ezzejjari calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give East Bengal a 1-0 advantage.
Despite this setback, Kerala Blasters showed resilience, maintaining an attacking approach throughout the first half. They put early pressure on the hosts and kept the Red and Gold defence busy, refusing to be reserved in their tactics even after conceding.
Strategic Changes and Missed Opportunities
Both teams made notable changes to their starting line-ups. East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon brought in skipper Saul Crespo and PV Vishnu, while Kerala Blasters head coach David Catala made four adjustments, introducing Sandeep Singh, Danish Farooq, Fallou Ndiaye, and Ebindas Yesudasan in place of Bikash Yumnam, Nihal Sudeesh, Victor Bertomeu, and Matias Hernandez, respectively.
In the second half, East Bengal showed urgency to extend their lead, but the Blasters' defence managed to keep the dangerous attacking duo of Ezzejjari and Miguel Ferreira largely quiet. The hosts had chances, including a brilliant training-ground corner routine that saw Basim Rashid's first-time shot narrowly miss the target, highlighting their offensive efforts.
Late Drama Seals the Draw
As the match entered its final stages, East Bengal attempted to protect their slender one-goal lead, but this tactic backfired deep into stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, during a corner, the East Bengal defence switched off, allowing Muhammad Ajsal a free header. He slotted the ball past goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill to level the game at 1-1, securing Kerala Blasters' first point of the season in dramatic fashion.
Ajsal was adjudged the Player of the Match for his crucial equaliser, capping off a performance that showcased the Blasters' fighting spirit. This result adds an exciting chapter to the ISL 2025-26 season, with both teams demonstrating skill and determination in a closely contested fixture.
