ISL 2025-26: FC Goa holds East Bengal to 0-0 draw

East Bengal FC’s wait for a return to victory continued as they were held to a goalless draw against visiting FC Goa in the 2025-26 Indian Super League at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.

East Bengal looked the more enterprising side for most of the match but paid the price for the attackers’ inability to find the finishing touch against Goa goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. The hosts created a number of promising openings, especially in the first half, but failed to convert them into goals.

The Calcutta giant came dangerously close a few times before the break. Youssef Ezzejjari and Rashid Basim were both in good scoring positions, but were unable to make the chances count.

Meanwhile, Goa maintained a disciplined defensive shape that helped absorb the pressure from the hosts.

East Bengal’s best chance came in the 27th minute when Bipin Singh delivered a precise cross from the left flank and picked out Ezzejjari inside the box. The Spanish forward timed his run well and neatly met the throw, but his close-range volley sailed over the crossbar, leaving the home fans disappointed.

AS IT HAPPENED: EBFC VS FCG HIGHLIGHTS

East Bengal came close again in the 42nd minute when the crossbar came to Goa’s rescue. Midfielder Rashid Basim attempted a powerful long-range strike that dropped sharply in front of the goal. The effort forced Tiwari into a tricky fumble and almost saw him smash the ball into his own net, but the ball hit the crossbar and bounced to safety.

Goa had its own moment of promise a minute earlier. Boris Singh broke through East Bengal’s defense and fired a shot from close range, only to see his effort bounce against the crossbar.

The pattern of missed opportunities continued after the restart. East Bengal looked to extend the play down the flanks and build attacking combinations to disrupt the Goa defence.

However, a lack of coordination in the final third hampered progress. Brazilian playmaker Miguel Ferreira attempted several long-range attempts, but none posed a serious threat to the Goa goal.

FC Goa almost took the lead in the 76th minute with a quick counter-attack. Substitutes Abdul Rabeeh and Raynier Fernandes combined effectively in the action, with Rabeeh making a strong run down the right flank before squaring the ball for Fernandes, whose well-struck shot narrowly missed the target.

Despite making progress in the closing stages, East Bengal failed to break Goa’s determined defense as the match ultimately ended in a barren draw.

East Bengal, who had lost their previous outing at the same venue against Jamshedpur FC, now have seven points from four matches, while Goa moved to eight points from four matches.

Published on March 5, 2026