Bengaluru FC rallied late to defeat Mohammedan SC 2-1 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. The Blues have now beaten all three Kolkata clubs this season. Cesar Manzoki gave the hosts an early lead, but Sunil Chhetri came on as a substitute and scored twice to help the visitors come home with a memorable victory.
He became the first player to score against all 15 ISL teams and now leads the league in scoring the most spot kicks (20) in the competition’s history. The former India captain has retired from international football but continues to play at the top division club level. The striker once again showed his class by coming off from the bench and becoming the difference maker between the two sides.
Mohammedan SC had spring in their step from the opening of the game, pressing Bengaluru FC as a unit. They were even winning the second ball, and Manzoki, together with Mirjalol Kasimov and Carlos Franca, caused numerous issues for the Blues, who began the game with an all-Indian backline. The home team’s excellent start paid off in the eighth minute, as Manzoki rose highest to head home Kasimov’s brilliant corner kick.
Sunil Chhetri doing all the heavy lifting
The second half began with an excellent opportunity for the hosts to double their lead. Manzoki expertly controlled a long ball, setting up play for Franca in the penalty box. However, the Brazilian’s effort was much off goal. Gerard Zaragoza chose to put in Sunil Chhetri in the 53rd minute to give his team more attacking momentum. Despite dominating possession, the Blues failed to create opportunities, especially with Chhetri on the pitch.
In the 82nd minute, Manzoki took down Capo in the penalty area, giving the Blues a wonderful opportunity to equalise. Chhetri stepped up and smashed the ball into the far left corner, bringing Bengaluru FC back into the game. In the end, despite all odds, Bengaluru FC took the lead in the final stages of the game when Chhetri stepped up from Lalremtluanga Fanai’s cross to head the ball past Bhaskar.
