Bengaluru FC Triumph Over Mohammedan SC to Secure Knockout Spot in Durand Cup

Bengaluru FC defeated ten-man Mohammedan SC in an exhilarating five-goal match, securing their place in the knockout stage of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup. The match took place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, where Bengaluru maintained their perfect record with three wins from three matches, topping Group B.

Bengaluru FC made several changes to their starting eleven, with Coach Gerard Zaragoza bringing in players like Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Mohammed Salah, Vinith Venkatesh, Suresh Singh, and F. Lalremtluanga. 

The team made an immediate impact, taking the lead in the 7th minute. A well-executed corner kick by Mohammed Salah was headed in by an unmarked Aleksandar Jovanovic, giving Bengaluru an early advantage. The team continued to pressure the young Mohammedan defense, with Ryan Williams and Jorge Pereyra Diaz consistently posing threats.

The persistent attacks paid off as Bengaluru scored their second goal through a counterattack. Pereyra Diaz skillfully navigated past the last defender, and his attempt on goal was inadvertently deflected in by Mohammedan’s Dipu Halder, extending Bengaluru’s lead.

Despite the early setbacks, Mohammedan SC, coached by Hakim Ssengendo, fielded a youthful lineup led by Ashley Koli and Robinson Singh. Although they struggled initially, they began to find their rhythm and challenged Bengaluru’s defense with some promising plays. However, Bengaluru’s backline remained resolute, preserving their two-goal lead at halftime.

Bengaluru continued their offensive onslaught in the second half, with key players like Sunil Chhetri and Alberto Noguera adding to their attacking prowess. Vinith Venkatesh scored a spectacular third goal with a left-footed curler, set up by Noguera’s high pressing.

Mohammedan SC reduced the deficit when Israfil Dewan met Ashley Koli’s cross with a well-placed header, making it 3-1. However, their comeback was hampered when goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee received a red card for a rash challenge on Pereyra Diaz, leaving Mohammedan with ten men. 

With no substitutions remaining, Dipu Halder stepped in as the goalkeeper, managing a crucial save from a Sunil Chhetri free kick.

Despite being a man down, Mohammedan SC dominated possession in the closing minutes and created opportunities. Mahitosh Roy scored a sensational long-range goal from 40 yards out, bringing the score to 3-2. However, it was too late for Mohammedan SC to change the outcome, and Bengaluru FC secured all three points.

As Bengaluru FC progresses to the knockout stage, anticipation builds for the upcoming matches in the Durand Cup. Indian Army FT will face Assam Rifles FT in a Group D clash at JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur. Indian Army FT aims to secure a second victory, potentially setting up a decisive match against Jamshedpur FC.

• Meanwhile, in Group A, Emami East Bengal will take on Downtown Heroes FC at Kishore Bharati Krirangan. A victory for East Bengal will see them top the group, surpassing rivals Mohun Bagan, who play next on August 8th. Downtown Heroes FC, buoyed by their historic win over Indian Airforce FT, will seek another upset to shake up the group standings.