ISL: East Bengal Ends Four-Match Winless Streak with 2-1 Victory Over Kerala Blasters

Kolkata, Jan 24 (NationPress) PV Vishnu and Hijazi Maher each netted a goal as East Bengal FC marked their return to victory with a 2-1 win against Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Friday night. This represents the Red & Gold Brigade’s first win in five matches, following their last victory of 1-0 over Jamshedpur FC on December 21.

A stunning first-half goal from Vishnu gave the hosts the lead at halftime, and Hijazi Maher increased the advantage in the second half. Danish Farooq managed to pull one back for Kerala Blasters FC with a late goal, but it proved to be merely a consolation. This win also ended their three-game losing streak in the ongoing season.

The visitors initially dominated possession, while the Red & Golds patiently awaited their chances to counter-attack. The Blasters struggled to break through, heavily relying on Noah Sadaoui on the right flank, which the hosts capitalized on.

The first significant chance came to Dimitrios Diamantakos in the 15th minute, as Naorem Mahesh Singh started a counter-attack. Although he found Diamantakos, Sachin Suresh thwarted his shot on goal.

Shortly after, Sachin was hesitant with a clearance from Cleiton Silva’s free kick, allowing Richard Celis to attempt a follow-up, but he lacked the space to find the net. The hosts began to build momentum with these efforts.

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Cleiton delivered a superb long ball to Vishnu on the right. The young player outpaced his defender and deftly lifted the ball over Sachin, with Korou Singh unable to clear the danger.

Following their lead, East Bengal FC looked the better team, creating several scoring opportunities. They nearly doubled their advantage when Diamantakos passed to Cleiton in the box, but Sachin made a critical save. Celis also came close with a long-range effort that hit the post.

This marked the first time in nine matches that East Bengal FC ended the first half with a lead. Their last such instance was against NorthEast United FC in November.

In the second half, Kerala Blasters FC appeared rejuvenated, pushing hard for an equalizer. Noah was central to their attacks, and in the 58th minute, Kwame Peprah was brought in for Milos Drincic to bolster their offense.

Noah nearly equalized but his shot was blocked by Lalchungnunga. Lalthanmawia Renthlei then took to the field, replacing Korou.

The hosts scored their second goal in the 72nd minute when Hijazi rose to meet a corner from Mahesh and headed it in, completely unmarked, marking his second goal of the season.

In response, Kerala Blasters FC surged forward in search of at least a draw. Their efforts bore fruit in the 84th minute when substitute Danish Farooq scored, capitalizing on a cleared ball from Hijazi, placing it in the bottom right corner.

As the match drew to a close, Bruzon substituted Diamantakos for Hector Yuste. Cleiton nearly sealed the win with a fast break, but he missed the target from close range. Kerala Blasters FC continued to press for an equalizer, but their efforts were unproductive as the hosts defended resolutely.

East Bengal FC is set to face Mumbai City FC on January 31, while Kerala Blasters FC will take on Chennaiyin FC on January 30.