Just when the Salt Lake Stadium was ready to celebrate an East Bengal victory, Muhammad Ajsal delivered a moment of pure drama.

The Kerala Blasters defender rose above a crowded penalty box deep into stoppage time and powered home a sensational header to snatch a 1-1 draw against East Bengal in a gripping Indian Super League clash on Saturday.

For most of the night, it seemed East Bengal had done enough to secure the win. But football can be cruel — and Ajsal’s towering leap in the dying moments turned triumph into heartbreak for the hosts.

East Bengal strike early 

The home side had taken control of the match early. East Bengal earned a penalty inside the opening minutes after Yousseff Ezzejjari was brought down in the box.

The Moroccan striker calmly converted from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and giving East Bengal the lead. With the home crowd roaring behind them, the Kolkata side appeared in command.

Kerala Blasters, however, refused to fade away. They gradually began pushing forward, probing the East Bengal defence and trying to find a breakthrough.

Blasters push but hosts hold firm

Despite Kerala Blasters’ growing pressure, East Bengal looked composed for most of the match. The hosts defended resolutely and occasionally threatened on the counterattack, appearing on course to grind out a narrow victory.

As the match entered its final moments, East Bengal supporters inside the iconic Salt Lake Stadium were already anticipating the final whistle. But the drama was only beginning. Ajsal produces a moment of magic

In stoppage time, Kerala Blasters earned a crucial corner — perhaps their final chance of the night. The ball was whipped into the box and Muhammad Ajsal timed his run perfectly. Rising high above the East Bengal defenders, he thumped a powerful header into the net. The stadium fell silent.

Kerala Blasters players erupted in celebration as Ajsal sprinted away in jubilation, having produced a stunning last-gasp equaliser that rescued his side from defeat.

A point snatched from the jaws of defeat

The dramatic goal ensured Kerala Blasters escaped Kolkata with a valuable point, while East Bengal were left stunned after seeing victory slip away in the dying seconds.

For Ajsal, the moment will be remembered as a night of heroics — a stoppage-time header that turned despair into celebration and etched his name into Kerala Blasters’ dramatic ISL story.