ISL: Nine-man Kerala Blasters go down to East Bengal in final home match

Kochi: Nine-man Kerala Blasters went down to East Bengal 2-4 in their final home match of ISL 2023-24 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

Lithuanian Fedor Cernych gave Blasters the lead in the 23rd minute as he latched on to a through ball by Rahul K P. However, Blasters suffered a big blow as Jeakson Singh was red carded on the stroke of half-time for a second booking.

Worse was to follow for the home side as goalkeeper Karanjit Singh conceded a penalty in injury time. Saul Crespo made no mistake from the spot as the teams went into the half-time break on level terms.

Crespo put East Bengal ahead in the 71st minute. Noacha Singh was sent off three minutes later as Blasters' woes continued.

Naorem Mahesh Singh struck in the 82nd minute as the Kolkatans consolidated their position. Though Hijazi Maher's self goal made it 2-3 in the 84th minute, Naorem made sure of East Bengal's win in the 87th.

Kerala Blasters players celebrate their opening goal. Photo: FSDL

Blasters are assured of a spot in the playoffs. Blasters remain in fifth spot with 30 points from 20 matches, while East Bengal climbed up to seventh place with 21 points from 20 games and kept their play-off hopes alive.

Blasters next meet NorthEast United on Saturday, while East Bengal host Bengaluru FC on Sunday.

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