Super sub Ivan Bukenya's strike a minute before the regulation time saved East Bengal the blushes as they managed to hold minnows Aizawl FC to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the 10th I-league here on Saturday.
Following a sloppy first-half where their defence was wayward and midfield looked disoriented, East Bengal conceded a goal in the 45+1st minute when Gurwinder ended up smashing into his own net trying to clear the ball.
As it turned out the Ugandan defender Bukenya replaced Gurwinder in the 67th minute before lodging the ball in from close range to bring East Bengal on par, in what was a lacklustre start for the red and gold brigade, eyeing to win their first I-league title.
A comedy of errors brought an end to the first half as Gurwinder brought doom when Jayesh Rane found Stephane Bayi and the Ivorian had three men surrounding him but his shot was only cleared by the Punjab born defender straight into his own net.
East Bengal had their best chance in the 50th minute from a freekick. Narayan Das got it down the left and set it up delightfully for Willis Plaza with plenty of room. But the Trinidadian striker missed the target with Aizawl goalkeeper Albino Gomes doing his job.