Former Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC extended their winning streak in the 133rd Durand Cup, securing a 3-2 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club on Tuesday. The triumph marked the completion of their Group B league assignment with an unblemished record, propelling them into the quarterfinals.
Bengaluru FC, fielding a formidable lineup, dominated the proceedings against a youthful Mohammedan Sporting side that featured an all-Indian roster. The Blues took the lead in the seventh minute when Australian defender Aleksandar Jovanovic headed home a corner kick.
The lead was doubled in the 22nd minute when Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz’s sharp attempt was deflected into the net by Mohammedan Sporting defender Dipu Halder. Vinith Venkatesh extended the advantage to 3-0 on the hour mark, seemingly sealing the match for Bengaluru FC.
However, Mohammedan Sporting rallied in the final quarter of the match, pulling one back through substitute Israfil Dewan’s spectacular header in the 77th minute. The home side’s hopes were further boosted when goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee was sent off with a straight red card in the 81st minute.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mohammedan Sporting continued to press forward and found another goal through substitute Mahitosh Roy’s fine long-ranger in injury time. However, it was too little too late as Bengaluru FC held on for the victory.
In another Group E match, local side Bodoland FC picked up their first win of the tournament with a 2-0 triumph over a youthful Odisha FC side at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, Assam. Dilliram Sanyasi and Arjun Mardi scored the goals for Bodoland FC.
