Even at home, East Bengal FC could not hold on to their lead. The Red and Gold brigade were forced to share points with Kerala Blasters FC, a side that had not won a single match this season.
It was another frustrating night for head coach Óscar Bruzón.
Before kickoff, players and officials observed a minute’s silence in memory of former Kushal Das, the ex-All India Football Federation General Secretary.
When the match began, East Bengal struggled to find rhythm. In the first half, the players looked out of sync. Passes lacked accuracy. Movements were not coordinated. The team failed to build sustained attacks.
Still, East Bengal managed to take an early lead.
In the 9th minute, Edmund Lalrindika entered the box and squared the ball to Youssef Ezzejjari. The striker was brought down before he could tap the ball in. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot.
A minute later, Ezzejjari stepped up and calmly converted the penalty. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give East Bengal a 1–0 lead.
Kerala Blasters responded soon after. In the 18th minute, Bipin Singh whipped in a low cross towards Ezzejjari. But Hormipam Ruivah did well to put the striker under pressure. The ball fell to Saúl Crespo outside the box, but his effort sailed over the bar.
East Bengal had another chance in the second half. In the 54th minute, Ezzejjari played a clever ball down the line for Miguel Figueira. The Brazilian cut inside the box and attempted a curling shot, but the Kerala defence managed to block it.
The match grew tense in the closing stages. In the 87th minute, Kerala defender Fallou Diagne pushed Miguel during a tussle and was shown a yellow card.
Just when it seemed East Bengal would secure all three points, the game turned dramatically.
In stoppage time (90+2′), Ajsal Ashraf rose inside the box and headed the ball past goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill. The East Bengal defence had switched off, allowing the Kerala player a free header.
The late goal meant East Bengal had to settle for a 1–1 draw.
For Bruzón’s side, it was another missed opportunity. Even at their home ground, they could not secure full points against a team still searching for its first victory of the season.
