East Bengal FC’s search for a return to winning form continued on Thursday as the Kolkata side was held to a goalless draw by visiting FC Goa in their Indian Super League 2025-26 fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Despite creating more attacking opportunities for much of the match, East Bengal failed to convert its chances, with goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari putting in a solid performance to keep the visitors level.
The home side started with intent and looked more aggressive in the attacking third, particularly during the first half. However, poor finishing from East Bengal’s forwards meant the scoreboard remained unchanged.
One of the most promising moments came in the 27th minute when winger Bipin Singh delivered a well-measured cross from the left flank. The ball found Spanish forward Youssef Ezzejjari inside the penalty area, and he connected with a clean volley. Yet the effort flew over the crossbar, drawing groans from the home supporters who sensed a missed opportunity.
East Bengal continued to push forward and nearly broke the deadlock again just before half-time. In the 42nd minute, midfielder Rashid Basim unleashed a powerful long-range strike that dipped sharply in front of goal. The shot forced Tiwari into an uncomfortable attempt to control the ball, and it almost slipped through his hands into the net. Instead, the ball struck the crossbar and bounced away, denying the hosts a breakthrough.
FC Goa had also come close moments earlier. In the 41st minute, Boris Singh managed to break through the East Bengal defence and fired a shot from close range. His attempt rattled the crossbar, ensuring the sides went into the interval level.
After the break, East Bengal tried to maintain its attacking momentum by stretching the play across the flanks and linking up in midfield. However, the team struggled to produce clear chances in the final third. Brazilian playmaker Miguel Ferreira attempted several long-range efforts, but none seriously troubled the Goa goalkeeper.
Goa’s best opportunity in the second half arrived in the 76th minute through a quick counterattack. Substitute Abdul Rabeeh made a strong run down the right side before squaring the ball for Raynier Fernandes. Fernandes struck the ball cleanly, but his shot drifted narrowly wide of the target.
East Bengal continued to press forward in the closing minutes, but Goa’s disciplined defence stood firm, ensuring the match ended without goals.
The result means East Bengal, which had lost its previous match at the same venue against Jamshedpur FC, now has seven points from four matches. FC Goa moves up to eight points from four games and currently occupies third place in the league standings.
