Kerala salvages a point against SCEB

Earlier, Bakary Kone’s own-goal (13’) saw SCEB take the lead but substitute Jeakson Singh (90+5’) found the net in injury time to deny SCEB its first win.

Both Kerala and SCEB, 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. Although Kerala shaded possession in the first half, it was SCEB who created better opportunities and deservedly grabbed the lead, heading into the break.

East Bengal’s 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 Kone, who had put in a dive to clear it out.

Kerala made three substitutions at the break with Sahal Abdul Samad among those brought on. The changes proved effective as Kerala started the second half strong. Kerala thought it had grabbed the lead in the 70th minute but was denied by SCEB keeper Debjit Majumder. Towards the end, Kerala popped up with a late equaliser. Jeakson headed in Sahal’s cross to save his side the blushes.