Bengaluru FC showcased their dominance with a decisive 3-0 win against I-League team Inter Kashi in Group B of the 133rd IndianOil Durand Cup, held at Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK). The victory was propelled by goals from Spanish players Edgar Mendez and Alberto Noguera Ripoll, with the final goal scored by the team’s star player, Sunil Chhetri. This win, following their earlier four-goal triumph over the Indian Navy, keeps Bengaluru FC’s perfect record intact. Meanwhile, Inter Kashi, who drew their first match against Mohammedan SC, will need a significant win in their final group game to keep their hopes alive.
Gerard Zaragoza made a couple of strategic changes to Bengaluru FC’s starting lineup, including bringing in Mendez, who scored the opening goal with a composed penalty, wrong-footing Kashi’s goalkeeper Subham Dhas. Sunil Chhetri, initially benched, was introduced in the second half. On the other hand, Kashi’s coach Izumi Arata kept faith in the same eleven players who earned a point against Mohammedan SC in their previous match.
Inter Kashi struggled to create scoring opportunities in the first half as Bengaluru dominated possession and offensive plays. Despite Kashi’s solid defense, a handball by Panicker inside the box led to a penalty, which Mendez converted to break the deadlock.
In the second half, Zaragoza brought on key players including Jorge Peryra Diaz, Ryan Williams, and Chhetri, increasing the team’s attacking intensity. Chhetri quickly made an impact, nearly scoring twice shortly after entering the field.
The second goal came in the 77th minute when Ripoll, after initiating a play from midfield, finished off a move involving a cross from Chhetri and a back-heel from Peryra Diaz. Ripoll’s right-footed shot found the net, doubling Bengaluru’s lead.
Chhetri sealed the victory with the third goal, heading in a corner with precision to beat Dhas again. Inter Kashi’s woes could have been worse, but Ryan Williams missed a penalty after being fouled by Anand Usuda in the box.
This commanding win highlights Bengaluru’s strong form in the tournament, setting the stage for their continued success in the Durand Cup.
