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 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Youssef Ezzejjari put the home side into the lead through a penalty in the 10th minute before Ajsal equalised in stoppage time. The Blasters striker was adjudged Player of the Match.
Team Changes
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata |
| Date | Saturday, March 14, 2026 |
| Result | East Bengal 1-1 Kerala Blasters |
| Scorers | Ezzejjari 10′ (p); Ajsal 90’+2′ |
East Bengal’s Óscar Bruzón brought in skipper Saúl Crespo and PV Vishnu. Kerala Blasters’ David Català made four changes: Sandeep Singh, Danish Farooq, Fallou Ndiaye and Ebindas Yesudasan replaced Bikash Yumnam, Nihal Sudeesh, Víctor Bertomeu and Matías Hernández.
Early Penalty Breaks Deadlock
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.
Second Half Pressure
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.
Dramatic Finale
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.
The Red and Gold brigade placed in third place on the table.
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