New Delhi, March 15: A stunning header by Mohammad Ajzal in stoppage time helped Kerala Blasters FC secure a 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC. This match, held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, marked the Blasters’ first point in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
East Bengal’s head coach, Oscar Bruzon, made several key changes to the starting lineup, including captain Saul Crespo and PV Vishnu. Kerala Blasters’ head coach, David Catala, also made four substitutions, bringing in Sandip Singh, Danish Farooq, Falu Nadiye, and Abindas Yesudasan in place of Vikas Yumnaam, Nihal Sudhish, Victor Bertomeu, and Matias Hernandez.
In the 10th minute, Yusuf Ajezari scored a penalty, giving the home team an early lead. However, Ajzal equalized in stoppage time (90+2′), earning the title of ‘Player of the Match.’
The visiting team started strong, applying pressure on the home side from the outset. Their momentum shifted when East Bengal broke the deadlock with Ajezari’s penalty in the 10th minute.
Inside the box, Edmund Lalrindika received the ball and passed it to Ajezari, who was brought down by Aibanhba Dohling. The referee promptly awarded a penalty, which Ajezari converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-0.
Despite falling behind early, Kerala Blasters maintained relentless pressure, keeping the ‘Red and Gold’ defense busy for the remainder of the half.
In the second half, the home team sought a second goal quickly, but the Blasters’ defense managed to contain the dangerous duo of Ajezari and Miguel Ferreira for most of the match. The ‘Red and Gold Brigade’ had multiple opportunities to extend their lead, including a near miss from a well-executed corner routine by Basim Rashid.
As the match progressed, the home team aimed to protect their slim lead, but their strategy backfired in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, East Bengal’s defense faltered during a corner, allowing Ajzal a free header, which he converted past Prabhsukhan Gill, leveling the match and securing Kerala Blasters their first point of the season.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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