Bengaluru FC End Two-Year Kochi Curse with 3-1 Win over Kerala Blasters
Bengaluru FC ended their two-year winless streak in Kochi with a thrilling 3-1 victory over Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Friday night. Substitute Edgar Mendez emerged as the hero for the Blues, scoring twice in the second half to secure the win.
The match started with both teams trading blows, but it was Bengaluru who drew first blood. Argentine forward Pereyra Diaz pounced on a loose ball in the box and lobbed it over goalkeeper Som Kumar to give the visitors the lead in the 9th minute.
However, the Blasters responded well and equalized through a penalty in the 45th minute. Kwame Peprah was brought down inside the box by Rahul Bheke, and Jesus Jimenez stepped up to convert the spot-kick.
The second half was a more open affair, with both teams creating chances. Mendez, who had come on for Diaz in the 60th minute, made an immediate impact. In the 73rd minute, he pounced on a loose ball after Som Kumar fumbled Noguera’s free-kick and slotted it home to give Bengaluru a 2-1 lead.
The Blasters pushed for an equalizer in the dying minutes, but Mendez had the final say. In the 90th minute, he raced forward and found Som out of his goal, calmly slotting the ball into an empty net to seal the victory for Bengaluru.
The win was a much-needed boost for Bengaluru, who had struggled for form in recent weeks. It also ended their two-year wait for a win in Kochi, where they had previously lost three consecutive matches.