On January 22, 2024, Bengaluru FC and Inter Kashi drew 1-1 in a hard-fought Group D match of the Kalinga Super Cup. Even though both teams were eliminated from the competition, the game gave them a chance to retain some pride and finish the season with a win. Fans witnessed an exciting spectacle as the encounter featured flashes of brilliance, blown opportunities, and a dramatic turn of events.
First Half Overview:
Both teams traded possession in the midfield as the game got off to a slow start, failing to muster any resolve in the last third of the pitch. The match changed dramatically in the fifteenth minute when Edmund Lalrindika of Kashi, who is on loan from Bengaluru FC, displayed an incredible display of skill. Lalrindika received the ball on the left side of the box, twisted and turned expertly to get past three defenders, and then curled a precise finish to the far post, denying Bengaluru’s goalkeeper Sahil any chance.
Though Javi Hernandez and Halicharan Narzary had a clear chance to equalize, Bengaluru FC failed to maintain composure on the other end. Hernandez looped a header high, and Narzary missed a close range shot. Bengaluru’s goalie, Sahil, preserved his team’s lead in the 22nd minute with a pivotal save from a close range attempt. Bengaluru came dangerously close to replicating Kashi’s goal in the 32nd minute when Ashish Jha created a similar opportunity but missed the mark.
The Turning Point:
Bengaluru stepped up their attempts to tie the score in the second half, and Hernandez, Roshan Singh, and Jha all had good looks at goal. Bengaluru’s breakthrough finally arrived in the 58th minute when they were given a penalty. The score was tied at one when Hernandez calmly stepped up and slotted the ball into the net. The goal gave the game new energy and created the perfect environment for an exciting conclusion.
Late Drama:
In the last quarter of the game, both teams had plenty of opportunities, but neither was able to find the elusive winner. Both teams’ goalkeepers—Kashi’s shot-blocker and Bengaluru’s Sahil—made vital stops to guarantee their teams earned their first points of the competition. After a 1-1 draw, Bengaluru FC and Inter Kashi had to settle for a share of the victory.
Analysis and Takeaways:
Both teams’ tenacity was on display during the match, but Kashi’s Lalrindika stole the show with a brilliant solo effort. In their pursuit of an equalizer, Bengaluru FC showed tenacity, and Hernandez’s well-converted penalty proved to be the winning touch. Due to costly missed opportunities for both teams, the game served as a reminder of how important it is to maintain composure in front of goal.
While the draw may not have affected the tournament standings, it made for an exciting show for spectators and players alike. It also served as a reminder of how erratic football can be, with both spectacular plays and missed opportunities having the power to determine the result of a match.
Conclusion
Bengaluru FC and Inter Kashi’s match in the Kalinga Super Cup lived up to the hype, combining skill, drama, and wasted opportunities. Both teams earned their first points of the tournament as the game ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to Lalrindika’s brilliant moment and Hernandez’s composed penalty. Even though neither team was able to win, the exciting show gave spectators something to remember and cherish even though they were out of the running.
Bengaluru FC Starting XI
Sahil (GK), Jovanovic (C), Williams, Javi H, Shankar, Hali, Bhutia, Ashish, Roshan, Harsh, Shivaldo
Inter Kashi Starting XI
Shubham (GK), Mario Barco, Julen, Mandi, Edmund, K Beyong, Dos Santos, Fran Gomez, Passi (C), D Devrani, Tomba
