A dramatic stoppage-time header from Muhammad Ajsal helped Kerala Blasters FC snatch a 1–1 draw against East Bengal FC in Match 31 of the Indian Super League 2025–26 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.
The late equaliser ensured the Blasters secured their first point of the season after a determined performance away from home. Youssef Ezzejjari had given the hosts the lead with a penalty in the 10th minute, and it appeared that East Bengal would hold on for all three points before Ajsal struck in the 92nd minute to rescue a dramatic draw. The Kerala Blasters forward was later named the Player of the Match for his decisive contribution.
Early Pressure from Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters began the match brightly and took the initiative early on, pressing the East Bengal defence and looking to create openings in the attacking third. Their energetic start put the hosts under pressure in the opening minutes. However, despite the early momentum from the visitors, it was East Bengal who broke the deadlock against the run of play.
In the 10th minute, Edmund Lalrindika received the ball inside the penalty area and quickly squared it to Youssef Ezzejjari. As the striker attempted to control the ball, he was brought down by Aibanbha Dohling, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Ezzejjari stepped up confidently and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, converting the spot kick to give the Red and Gold Brigade a 1–0 lead.
Photo: Santanu Biswas /Focus Sports/ ISL
Despite conceding early, Kerala Blasters maintained their attacking approach and continued to push forward. The visitors attempted to exploit spaces behind the East Bengal defence, frequently testing the backline with quick passes and movement in the final third.
The home side, however, remained organised and managed to absorb the pressure as the first half progressed.
East Bengal coach Óscar Bruzón had made key changes to the lineup, bringing Saúl Crespo and PV Vishnu into the starting eleven, while Kerala Blasters coach David Català introduced four changes, including Sandeep Singh, Danish Farooq, Fallou Ndiaye, and Ebindas Yesudasan. Despite the attacking efforts from Kerala Blasters, the hosts carried their one-goal advantage into halftime.
East Bengal Search for Second Goal
The second half saw East Bengal adopt a more proactive approach as they looked to extend their lead. The attacking combination of Youssef Ezzejjari and Miguel Ferreira posed a constant threat, although the Blasters’ defence did well to limit their impact. Kerala Blasters remained disciplined at the back, preventing East Bengal from creating clear-cut scoring opportunities.
One of the best chances for the hosts came from a well-rehearsed corner routine. Basim Rashid met the delivery with a first-time strike, but his effort narrowly missed the target, much to the relief of the Blasters’ defence.
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As the match moved into the final quarter, East Bengal attempted to protect their slender advantage by focusing on defensive organisation and game management. Kerala Blasters, meanwhile, continued to search for an equaliser and pushed players forward in the closing stages.
The visitors increased their attacking intensity as time began to run out, forcing East Bengal to defend deeper inside their own half.
Just when it seemed that East Bengal would secure all three points, Kerala Blasters produced a dramatic moment in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, the visitors won a corner kick. As the ball was delivered into the penalty area, the East Bengal defence momentarily switched off.
Muhammad Ajsal took full advantage of the lapse, rising unmarked to meet the cross and guide a powerful header past goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill. The late goal sent the Blasters bench into celebration as the equaliser ensured the visitors salvaged a valuable point in dramatic fashion.
First Point of the Season
Ajsal’s stoppage-time strike proved decisive as the match ended 1–1, with Kerala Blasters securing their first point of the ISL season. While East Bengal will be disappointed to have conceded so late after leading for most of the match, Kerala Blasters will take confidence from their persistence and fighting spirit.
The result highlighted the unpredictable nature of the Indian Super League, where matches can turn dramatically in the closing moments. For Kerala Blasters, the draw could prove an important turning point as they look to build momentum in the remainder of the season, while East Bengal will aim to regroup and convert strong performances into victories in their upcoming fixtures.
