Bambolim (Goa): An injury-time goal by Jeakson Singh helped Kerala Blasters hold SC East Bengal 1-1 in their ISL match at the GMC Stadium here on Sunday.
East Bengal shot into lead in the 13th minute after Blasters defender Bakary Kone deflected one into his own net.
Jeakson salvaged a point for Blasters by heading home the equaliser in injury time.
Blasters have three points from six matches, while East Bengal have two points from six games. Both teams are yet to notch up a win.
Both Blasters and East Bengal, targeting a first win, made four changes apiece to their starting eleven. The contest got off to an electric start with both sides keen to grab the opener from the first whistle.
The first big chance of the game came SCEB's way during the ninth minute as Albino Gomes was called into action early on. Haobam Singh, making his debut, received the ball outside the box and attempted to place his shot towards the far corner. But his shot was saved by Gomes.
Two minutes later, Blasters missed a great opportunity to grab the lead via a set-piece. Facundo Pereyra whipped in a fine cross from a corner and the ball fell towards an onrushing Costa Nhamoinesu, whose header clipped the top of the crossbar.
However, SCEB soon made amends for the early missed opportunity as they broke the deadlock first. Jacques Maghoma threaded in a ball for Mohammad Rafique in the box. The latter attempted to square the ball for Anthony Pilkington at the far post. However, the ball trickled into the back of the net after striking Bakary Kone, who had put in a dive to clear it out.
Blasters made three substitutions at the break with Sahal Abdul Samad among those brought on. The changes proved effective as Blasters started the second half strong.
Kibu Vicuna's men nearly drew parity in the 51st minute when another big chance went begging. Kone leapt high to meet Pereyra's cross but his header only managed to find the side netting.
Blasters thought they had grabbed the lead in the 70th minute but were denied by SCEB keeper Debjit Majumder. Sahal pounced on a loose ball that was cleared away and headed it towards substitute Jordan Murray. The striker displayed great control and struck it on the volley but Majumder pulled off a stellar save to keep his side in the game.
Maghoma had the chance to put the game to bed during the dying minutes but saw his effort saved by Gomes. It would come back to haunt them as Blasters popped up with a late equaliser. Jeakson headed in Sahal’s cross to save his side the blushes.
(With inputs from ISL Media)
