Bengaluru FC struck the right balance between youthful energy and seasoned experience as Taorem Kelvin Singh and Sunil Chhetri found the net in a composed 2-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting in their Group C clash at the PJN Stadium in Margao.
The match saw 19-year-old Kelvin and 41-year-old Chhetri play starring roles at opposite ends of their careers, highlighting Bengaluru’s depth and adaptability under coach Gerard Zaragoza. For Mohammedan Sporting, a club battling financial struggles and fielding an all-Indian squad, it was a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
The Kolkata side, led by former India international Mehrajuddin Wadoo, held firm early on, even threatening Bengaluru’s goal through Bamiya Samad and Thokchom Adison Singh. Samad’s curling free-kick in the 25th minute and Adison’s strike in first-half stoppage time forced key saves from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, keeping the scores level.
However, Bengaluru’s superior quality began to show after the half-hour mark. A long ball from Rahul Bheke was deftly nodded down by Braian Sanchez to Kelvin, who showcased remarkable composure. The young forward turned past his marker and curled a precise right-footed shot into the net to hand Bengaluru the lead — a finish that underlined his growing maturity and confidence.
Among the spectators was India’s national team coach Khalid Jamil, who once again opted to observe from the stands rather than the VIP area. His presence added further incentive for emerging talents like Kelvin, who will hope his performance caught the coach’s attention ahead of next month’s Asian Cup qualifiers.
In the second half, Zaragoza introduced Chhetri and switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 formation, pairing the veteran striker with Ryan Williams up front. The tactical tweak paid off, as Bengaluru intensified pressure on Mohammedan’s defense. Despite the Black Panthers’ disciplined low block, resistance broke in the 85th minute when Pukhrambam Meitei fouled Chhetri in the box. The captain stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, marking his first goal of the domestic season and celebrating his recent contract extension in style.
The win lifts Bengaluru to second place in Group C, level on points with leaders Punjab FC, who hold a superior goal difference. Bengaluru will next face Gokulam Kerala in Margao, while Mohammedan Sporting meets Punjab FC in Bambolim, with both matches scheduled for November 2.
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