Abdul Hannan’s stoppage-time header rescues Bengaluru United as Real Kashmir settle for a 2-2 draw.

Bengaluru United came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Real Kashmir FC in the Indian Football League on Saturday. The visitors had taken a 2-1 lead into half-time, but a late header from Abdul Hannan in the 90+1st minute denied them all three points. Both teams found the net twice in a contest that remained alive until the final whistle.

Real Kashmir make the most of first-half chances

Real Kashmir got off to a good start and took the lead inside 12 minutes. Zahir Khan scored with a header after receiving a cross from Lalawmpuia Sailo. Bengaluru United did not take long to respond, though. Maikoll Herrera brought the home side level in the 22nd minute with a right-footed finish.

The visitors regained their advantage eight minutes later. Shanid Valan found the net in the 30th minute, finishing off a move set up by Rohen Singh. That goal put Real Kashmir back in front at 2-1, a scoreline they managed to hold until the break. Both teams hung on into the same game; opportunities came and went, but the scoreline remained the same.

There were changes from both sides after half-time. Real Kashmir brought on Eric Traoré for Marcus Joseph, while Bengaluru United made two substitutions, introducing Daniel Muthu and Akshunna Tyagi for Brayan Cundumi and Ribhav Sardesai.

Hannan’s late header earns Bengaluru a point

Real Kashmir managed to keep the momentum with them and made further changes in the second half, with Joseph Lalvenhima and Adersh Mattummal entering the field in the 70th minute. Bengaluru United also made a change when Vinil Poojary replaced Marat Tarek in the 82nd minute due to injury.

With time running out, Bengaluru United needed a goal to avoid defeat. It finally arrived in the first minute of stoppage time as Abdul Hannan connected with Lalramdinsanga Ralte’s delivery and headed the ball into the net to make it 2-2.

The equaliser gave Bengaluru United a chance to push for more, but neither team managed to score again. Both teams kept fighting for that one winning shot as the time headed into the last minute; Mohit Mittal and Abdul Hannan received yellow cards in the 90+8 minute. After nine minutes of added time, the referee called time on the contest. Bengaluru United had rescued a point, while Real Kashmir had to settle for a draw despite leading twice. With the draw, Bengaluru managed to hold their place at number five in the points chart, whereas Real Kashmir is still searching for their first win of the season.