Gaurs held by Bengaluru as Chhetri equals goal record
Sunil Chhetri’s 11-game barren run of goals in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) came to an end as he salvaged a point for Bengaluru FC in a 1-1 draw with FC Goa at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim.
Scoring his 48th Hero ISL goal, the India captain equalled the League’s all-time record goalscorer, Ferran Corominas’ tally.
Dylan Fox (41’) scored his first goal for FCG with a header until Sunil Chhetri (61’) equalised with his first of the campaign. The result keeps both Bengaluru FC and FC Goa in eighth and ninth place respectively in the points table with 14 points each.
The match began at a frantic pace which led to an early injury for Glan Martins who had to be replaced by Princeton Rebello inside the first 12 minutes. Roshan Naorem and Iman Basafa had their shots go narrowly off-target shortly after in a positive start for the Blues. The Iranian midfielder along with Danish Farooq also received a yellow card each in the first half for poor challenges.
Both teams exchanged blows for the remainder of the first half but did not create any meaningful scoring chances until Dylan Fox broke the deadlock. Jorge Ortiz was allowed space on the left flank to deliver a pinpoint cross. It found the centre-back on the far-post, and all Fox had to do was get his head on the ball to score his first goal of the season. Thanks to the goal, the Gaurs went into the halftime break with a slender advantage.
The second half saw BFC start purposefully but the Gaurs were resolute in defence and kept their attackers silent. Cleiton Silva came close to scoring the equaliser with a volley moments before the hour mark but his attempt went narrowly past the right side of the goal. However, it took a moment of brilliance from Sunil Chhetri who finally found the back of the net this season to bring the game level. He scored with a sublime header from Prince Ibara’s cross.
Two more BFC players in Roshan and Prince received yellows in the second half for mistimed challenges. Brandon Fernandes also made his first appearance of the campaign for FCG from the bench. Chhetri came close to scoring the winner deep into added time after his left-footed curling shot hit the crossbar. There was nothing to separate the sides at the final whistle and the points were shared as a result.
Bengaluru FC is up against Chennaiyin FC in their next at the Athletic Stadium on Wednesday whereas FC Goa will clash with Owen Coyle’s Jamshedpur FC at the same venue on Friday.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: India miss AFC Women’s Asian Cup fixture due to COVID cases in camp
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Second Half goals help IOT register a 2-1 win over Somaiya FC
India On Track picked up their third win in playoff to keep their dominance on the league table, as they defeated Somaiya FC 2-1 with a strong 2nd half comeback….
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC edge Hope United 2-1, moves to top of the Mumbai Premier League
In a highly anticipated match in the MFA’s Elite Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against KSA Hope United in a clash that promised excitement from the outset. From the get-go,…
Mumbai City FC U-19 punches ticket to the Mumbai Premier League
In a fiercely contested match at the Nevilee Dsouza ground, Mumbai City FC U-19 clinched a crucial victory over Maharashtra Oranje FC (U23) in MFA Super League playoffs. The stakes…
India leave for Saudi Arabia to play Afghanistan in World Cup Qualifiers
NEW DELHI: A 25-member Indian Senior Men’s Team left for Abha, Saudi Arabia, on Friday, March 15, 2024, to play the away tie against Afghanistan in the Round 2 of the…
MFA Super League: Mumbai City FC U19 lift title, India on Track FC confirm promotion
A hard fought 0-0 result meant Islanders colts lifting the MFA Super League title while India on track FC had to content with runner-up position, both gaining promotion to Mumbai…
MFA Super League Playoff: MH Oranje FC U23 beat Om Saidham 4-2
In a thrilling six-goal encounter, MH Oranje FC U23 emerged victorious with a 4-2 win over OM SaiDham FC in a MFA Super League Playoff encounter The game held immense…
Feature / MFA / MFA Super League / Recommended
“I am genuinely satisfied with the boys’ performance” – Soccer Saga Head Coach Krupesh Sherwade reflects on club’s debut season
Having just completed their inaugural season in the MFA Super League, Soccer Saga’s head coach, Krupesh Sherwade convey satisfaction with his boys performance, sharing insights into the club’s journey this…
Mumbai City FC Announce Squad for Reliance Foundation Development League
The Reliance Foundation Development League’s (RFDL) 2023/24 is upon us, and, Mumbai City FC, who are raring to go, have announced their squad for the tournament. The RFDL’s Mumbai region…
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…
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…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…