oi-Sauradeep Ash

East Bengal FC squandered a late lead and were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters FC in Kolkata, dropping crucial points at home after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.

Kerala Blasters head coach David Català started with Arsh Shaikh in goal, protected by a back four of Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Senegalese debutant Fallou Ndiaye and Naocha Singh. Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq and youngster Ebin Das formed the midfield trio, while Kevin Yoke and Muhammad Ajsal led the line.

Blasters began with intent, pressing high and looking sharp in the attacking third, but it was the hosts who drew first blood. Against the run of early play, East Bengal were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after Ezzejjari was brought down inside the box. The Spaniard calmly stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to hand East Bengal an early advantage in front of their home fans.

Kerala Blasters kept pushing for a response, showing good attacking intent as the half wore on. Sandeep Singh delivered a dangerous cross into the area, and both Yoke and Ajsal were involved in promising moves. Just before the break, Ndiaye nearly punished East Bengal from a set piece, rising highest to meet a corner, but his header towards the far post drifted just wide, allowing the hosts to reach halftime with their lead intact.

In the second half, East Bengal looked to tighten their grip on the contest, creating a few opportunities in the final third as they searched for a second goal. However, the Blasters’ defence stayed organised, with Shaikh alert in goal and the backline dealing steadily with the home side’s pressure. Gradually, Kerala Blasters grew into the half, with Ebin Das impressing in midfield, helping his side retain possession and link play as they chased an equaliser.

As the clock ran down, East Bengal focused on managing their slender 1-0 lead, appearing on course for a home win. But their failure to kill off the game ultimately proved costly. In the 90+2 minute, a Kerala Blasters corner was swung into the box and found Ajsal, who climbed above the East Bengal defence to head past the goalkeeper and make it 1-1, silencing the home crowd and ensuring the visitors left Kolkata with a point.

For East Bengal, the result will feel like two points dropped rather than one gained, especially after leading for over 80 minutes, while Kerala Blasters will take encouragement from their resilience and late reward on the road.

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