East Bengal and FC Goa Share Points in Goalless ISL Clash

by Chandler D'silva March 6, 2026

East Bengal FC and FC Goa settled for a point each after playing out a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Match 22 of the Indian Super League 2025-26 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Despite several promising moments from both sides, neither team could find the decisive breakthrough.

East Bengal head coach Óscar Bruzón made two changes to his starting lineup, handing Mohamad Rakip and Naorem Mahesh Singh their first starts of the season, while FC Goa head coach Manolo Márquez stuck with the same team that had featured in the previous match.

The visitors showed early intent when Ishan Pandita chased a lobbed pass from Dejan Dražić, but East Bengal defender Anwar Ali produced a crucial recovery tackle to stop the forward from getting a clear shot on goal. East Bengal soon began to control possession in midfield while Goa looked to create opportunities on the counterattack.

The hosts came closest to opening the scoring midway through the first half. Naorem Mahesh Singh delivered a precise pass to Bipin Singh, who whipped in a cross for Youssef Ezzejjari inside the box. However, the striker failed to keep his attempt down, sending the ball over the bar.

FC Goa responded with a dangerous attacking spell. Brison Fernandes forced an excellent save from Prabhsukhan Singh Gill after a slick passing move involving Ayush Dev Chhetri and Boris Singh. Moments later, Boris Singh came agonisingly close as his powerful effort struck the post.

East Bengal also threatened before the break when Mohamad Rashid unleashed a long-range strike that slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands before crashing onto the crossbar. Despite these chances, the teams went into half-time with the score still level.

The second half turned into a tactical battle with both defences staying organised and limiting space for the attackers. Although both managers introduced fresh legs in search of a winner, clear-cut chances remained rare.

FC Goa nearly broke the deadlock late in the match when Abdul Rabeeh set up Raynier Fernandes at the edge of the area, but the substitute’s attempt sailed over the crossbar.

East Bengal pushed forward during stoppage time hoping to snatch a late winner, but FC Goa held firm defensively. The final whistle confirmed a goalless draw, the first stalemate between the two sides in their ISL meetings.

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