In a stellar display of football prowess, former champions Bengaluru FC cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over I-League side Inter Kashi in a Group B encounter of the Durand Cup held at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK). This triumph marked their second consecutive win, maintaining their 100% record in the tournament so far. The goals were courtesy of Spanish recruits Edgar Mendez and Alberto Noguera Ripoll, with the final strike coming from the evergreen Sunil Chhetri.
The Blues had already made a strong statement with their opening four-goal win against the Indian Navy. With this win against Inter Kashi, they cemented their position at the top of the group. Inter Kashi, who had drawn their first game against Mohammedan Sporting, will now need a significant victory in their final group game to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Bengaluru FC’s coach Gerard Zaragoza made strategic changes to his starting lineup. One of these changes, Edgar Mendez, paid off early in the first half. Mendez showed composure and confidence as he converted a penalty, wrong-footing Subham Dhas, the goalkeeper for Inter Kashi. This goal set the tone for the rest of the match. Sunil Chhetri, who started the game on the bench, was brought on in the second half to bolster the attacking lineup.
On the other hand, Inter Kashi’s coach, Izumi Arata, opted for continuity, trusting the same eleven players who earned a point against Mohammedan Sporting. However, this strategy did not yield the desired results. The Pilgrims struggled to gain any offensive momentum in the first half, unable to register a single shot on goal. Bengaluru FC dominated possession and orchestrated most of the attacking plays.
Inter Kashi’s defense initially held firm, repelling several attempts by the Blues to extend their lead. However, a critical error by Panicker, who brought the ball down with his chest inside the box, led to a penalty. Mendez stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home, breaking the deadlock.
As the second half commenced, Zaragoza brought in his heavy hitters, including Jorge Peryra Diaz, Ryan Williams, and the legendary Sunil Chhetri. The introduction of these players immediately intensified Bengaluru FC’s attacking pressure. Chhetri, in particular, had two golden opportunities to score within minutes of entering the pitch.
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The sustained pressure eventually bore fruit in the 77th minute. Alberto Noguera Ripoll, who had been exceptional in midfield throughout the game, initiated a move that he himself finished. Ripoll found Chhetri making a run inside the box on the right. Chhetri’s cross was back-heeled by Peryra Diaz, setting up Ripoll perfectly to slot the ball past Dhas with his right foot.
The third and final goal of the match came soon after. Sunil Chhetri, displaying his trademark poise and precision, leapt to meet a corner kick at the near post and directed his header into the net, leaving Dhas with no chance. This goal was a testament to Chhetri’s enduring class and his knack for scoring crucial goals.
Inter Kashi had a brief moment of respite when Ryan Williams missed a penalty. Anand Usuda’s foul inside the box had given Williams the opportunity to extend Bengaluru FC’s lead further, but he failed to convert. Despite this miss, the outcome of the match was never in doubt.
Bengaluru FC’s comprehensive victory was built on a foundation of tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and relentless attacking pressure. The team’s performance in this match underscored their credentials as serious contenders for the Durand Cup. Edgar Mendez’s cool penalty, Alberto Noguera Ripoll’s all-round midfield display, and Sunil Chhetri’s impactful substitution were the standout aspects of a dominant performance.
For Inter Kashi, the defeat was a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. They will need to regroup and strategize effectively if they hope to progress in the tournament. The tactical nous of Izumi Arata and the resilience of his players will be crucial in their final group game.
In conclusion, Bengaluru FC’s 3-0 win over Inter Kashi was a masterclass in footballing excellence, showcasing the team’s depth, versatility, and ambition. As the Durand Cup progresses, fans can expect more thrilling performances from the Blues as they aim to reclaim their status as champions.
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