ISL: FC Goa holds wasteful East Bengal to a draw

East Bengal FC was held to a goalless draw by the visiting FC Goa in their Indian Super League fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.

East Bengal was the more attacking side throughout the contest but failed to find the finishing touch to beat Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari.

The host created a few promising chances in the first half but could not convert them.

The best opportunity for East Bengal came in the 27th minute when Bipin Singh sent in a fine cross from the left that found Youssef Ezzejjari inside the box. The Spaniard timed his run well but his close-range volley sailed over the bar.

East Bengal came close again in the 42nd minute when midfielder Basim Rashid unleashed a powerful long-range drive. The dipping shot forced a fumble from Hrithik, but the crossbar came to the goalkeeper’s rescue.

Goa had a golden chance one minute earlier when Boris Singh broke through the East Bengal defence and attempted a shot from close range. However, his effort too struck the crossbar.

Goa maintained a compact defensive structure for most of the match, successfully absorbing East Bengal’s repeated attacking moves as the host continued to press for a breakthrough.

East Bengal now has seven points from four matches, while Goa moved to eight points from four games.