Bengaluru and Blasters end equals in a thrilling contest

Goa, November 28: In a matter of four minutes, Ashique Kuruniyan turned hero to villain as his goals at either end cancelled out for Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw in a 2021-22 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) third-round game at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday.

Ashique Kuruniyan (84′ and 88′ OG) first scored for the Blues and then for the opposition. Bengaluru now have 4 points from 3 games but Blasters still remain winless.Marco Pezzauioli, on the back of the 3-1 defeat at the hands of Odisha, brought in more creativity with Iman Basafa slotting into midfield. Cleiton Silva returned to lead the line. Blasters too had a couple of changes. Puitea featured alongside Jeakson Singh in a double-pivot role as Alvaro Vazquez replaced Jorge Pereyra Diaz.

Bengaluru remained on top with superior ball possession early on but Blasters had Jeakson Singh almost create a favourable chance under two minutes itself. Ashique Kuruniyan’s pace kept former teammate Harmanjot Singh Khabra on check with Iman Basafa looking settled in dictating play from the centre of the pitch.

However, it was a battle of tactics with Indian youngsters making for good viewing. Vincy Barretto and Ashique were involved in an intense tussle on the wings. Bengaluru deployed the idea of stretching the game wide with Sunil Chhetri repeatedly threading the ball onto the flanks for Ashique and Udanta bombing down the channels.

On the other side, Sahal Abdul Samad showcased some slick moves to beat Roshan Singh and cross inside the box. But, Ashique was equally adept at defensive duties, clearing off the danger, in the 23rd minute.

There were some clumsy attempts from both sides but neither was able to trouble the opposition goalkeeper too much in the first half.

It was a frantic ten minutes after the change of ends. Cleiton and Udanta combined well to keep Blasters anxious. First the Brazilian shot wide and then lobbed the ball high over the bar. Albino Gomes in fairness, had it covered.

Roles were reversed as Cleiton then found Udanta who blazed the ball wide. Surprisingly, Sunil Chhetri was substituted off at the hour mark, without having any substantial impact on proceedings.

The last ten minutes defined the script of the game. Ashqiue found the ball on the edge of the box. After toying with Khabra, he shot on the angle and a spill from Albino Gomes saw the ball go into the net.

Moments later, it was anti-climax. A cross from the left saw Leskovic pip goalwards but Ashique, instead of clearing, shot right into his own net.

 

Credits ISL Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Hyderabad outplay Mumbai City for an inspired win

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign

Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…

Share

India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season

The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…

Share

Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season

Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…

Share

VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season

Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…

Share

MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…

Share

Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…

Share

Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season

Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…

Share

Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players

Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.

Share

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share