Kolkata, March 14 – Muhammad Ajsal's dramatic header in stoppage time ensured that Kerala Blasters FC snatched a 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC, securing their first point of the season in Match 31 of the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.
East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón made noticeable changes to his starting lineup, bringing in captain Saúl Crespo and PV Vishnu into the starting eleven. Kerala Blasters head coach David Català made four changes, bringing in Sandeep Singh, Danish Farooq, Fallou Ndiaye, and Ebindas Yesudasan in place of Bikash Yumnam, Nihal Sudeesh, Víctor Bertomeu, and Matías Hernández, respectively.
Youssef Ezzejjari put the home side ahead with a penalty in the 10th minute of the game, before Ajsal equalized in stoppage time. Ajsal was named the Player of the Match.
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 calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, converting the penalty for an early 1-0 lead.
Despite going behind early, Kerala Blasters were not deterred, constantly attacking and keeping the East Bengal defence busy for the remainder of the half.
The hosts showed urgency in the second half to find a second goal, but the Kerala Blasters' defence managed to keep the dangerous attacking duo of Ezzejjari and Miguel Ferreira largely quiet.
The Red and Gold Brigade had several chances to extend the lead, including a brilliant 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.