Ajsal's Stoppage-Time Header Secures Kerala Blasters 1-1 Draw

In a thrilling climax to an evenly contested Indian Super League match, Muhammad Ajsal's stoppage-time header rescued Kerala Blasters FC from defeat, securing a 1-1 draw against East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. The result marked Kerala Blasters' first point of the 2025-26 season after a winless start, while East Bengal settled for a share of the spoils despite holding the lead for most of the game.

East Bengal took the lead in the 10th minute through a penalty converted by Youssef Ezzejjari. The goal came against the run of play after Edmund Lalrindika received the ball inside the penalty area and squared it to the Spanish-Moroccan forward, who was brought down by Kerala defender Aibanbha Dohling. Referee Tejas Viswanath pointed to the spot, and Ezzejjari calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Albino Gomes, sending him the wrong way to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

Kerala Blasters had begun the match with promise, applying early pressure on East Bengal's defense and creating chances that kept the home side on the back foot. However, the penalty shifted the momentum, and the visitors spent much of the first half chasing the game....