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Kerala Blasters Snatch Dramatic Stoppage-Time Draw vs East Bengal in ISL

Kerala Blasters FC secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC with a stoppage-time header from Muhammad Ajsal. East Bengal had taken an early lead through a Youssef Ezzejjari penalty in the 10th minute. Despite constant pressure from the visitors, the hosts looked set to hold on for a win until the 92nd-minute corner. Ajsal's free header leveled the match, earning the Blasters their first point of the ISL season.

Key Points: Kerala Blasters 1-1 East Bengal: Ajsal's Late Header Secures Draw

  • Ajsal's stoppage-time equalizer
  • Ezzejjari's early penalty
  • Blasters earn first point
  • East Bengal let lead slip
2 min read

ISL: Kerala Blasters earn dramatic draw against East Bengal

Muhammad Ajsal's 92nd-minute header earns Kerala Blasters a dramatic 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC in the ISL, securing their first point of the season.

"The Blasters striker was adjudged as the Player of the Match. - ISL Release"

Kolkata, March 15

Muhammad Ajsal's dramatic stoppage-time header ensured Kerala Blasters FC snatched a 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC and secure their first point of the season in Match 31 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata on Saturday.

Youssef Ezzejjari put the home side into the lead through a penalty in the 10th minute of the game before Ajsal equalised in stoppage time. The Blasters striker was adjudged as the Player of the Match, according to a release.

East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon made noticeable changes to his starting line-up, bringing in skipper Saul Crespo and PV Vishnu into the starting eleven. Kerala Blasters head coach David Catala made four changes bringing in Sandeep Singh, Danish Farooq, Fallou Ndiaye and Ebindas Yesudasan in place of Bikash Yumnam, Nihal Sudeesh, Victor Bertomeu and Matias Hernandez, respectively.

The visitors started the match brightly, putting early pressure on the hosts. However, their momentum was halted when East Bengal broke the deadlock in the 10th minute against the run of play.

Edmund Lalrindika received the ball inside the box and squared it to Youssef Ezzejjari, who was brought down by Aibanbha Dohling. The referee pointed to the spot, and Ezzejjari stepped up to calmly send the goalkeeper the wrong way, converting the penalty for an early 1-0 lead.

Despite going behind early, Kerala Blasters were not reserved in their approach, constantly attacking and keeping the Red and Gold defence busy for the remainder of the half.

The hosts showed urgency in the second half to find a second goal, but the Blasters' defence managed to keep the dangerous attacking duo of Ezzejjari and Miguel Ferreira largely quiet.

The Red and Gold Brigade had their chances to extend the lead, including a brilliant training-ground corner routine that saw Basim Rashid's first-time shot narrowly miss the target.

The home side attempted to see out the final quarter by protecting their slender one-goal lead, but the tactic backfired deep into stoppage time.

In the 92nd minute, the East Bengal defence switched off during a corner, allowing Ajsal a free header to slot the ball past Prabhsukhan Gill to level the game and secure their first point of the season.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an East Bengal fan, this is so frustrating! To dominate for 90+ minutes and then switch off on a set-piece... it's the same old story. Our defence needs to be alert for the full duration. Credit to Kerala for never giving up, but two points dropped for us. 😔
V
Vikram M
Respectful criticism for Coach Bruzon: Trying to defend a 1-0 lead for the entire final quarter at home is too negative. We invited pressure and got punished. Should have gone for the second goal. On the bright side, Ezzejjari looks a real threat.
S
Sarah B
That was a proper ISL thriller! The atmosphere in Kolkata must have been electric. These last-minute goals are what make the league so exciting to watch. Great for the neutral fan!
R
Rohit P
Finally some luck for KBFC! The team played with much more intent than the first match. Sandeep Singh and Fallou were solid. This draw can be the turning point for their season. Onwards and upwards!
K
Karthik V
Prabhsukhan Gill had a decent game, but for that goal, he was rooted. Ajsal's header was perfectly placed though. Tough result for EB, but the season is long. Both teams showed good moments.

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