I-League 2024-25: SC Bengaluru and Rajasthan United Share Spoils in 2-2 Draw
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Synopsis
In a gripping encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium, SC Bengaluru managed to draw 2-2 with Rajasthan United. Despite trailing at halftime, Bengaluru's second-half efforts ensured they walked away with a point, while Rajasthan missed a chance to close the gap on the top four.
Key Takeaways
- SC Bengaluru fought back from a halftime deficit.
- Rajasthan United opened the scoring early.
- Henry Kisekka and Chongtham Kishan Singh contributed to Bengaluru's goals.
- Debutant Maicol Cabrera scored for Rajasthan.
- Both teams missed late opportunities for a win.
Bengaluru, Feb 13 (NationPress) The home team, Sporting Club Bengaluru, secured a crucial point by battling to a 2-2 draw against Rajasthan United in a thrilling I-League 2024-25 match held at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Thursday. The visitors took a 1-0 lead into halftime, but a determined second-half effort from Bengaluru ensured that both teams walked away with a point.
Currently sitting fifth in the standings with 20 points, Rajasthan aimed to narrow the gap on the top four. However, they faced a resolute Bengaluru squad, which is now in 10th place with 13 points from 14 fixtures.
Rajasthan United opened the scoring early in the 12th minute when their captain, Alain Oyarzun, delivered an accurate corner to the far post. Defender Ronaldo Johnson rose above the Bengaluru defense and skillfully directed his header into the near post, catching goalkeeper Yuya Kuriyama off guard as the ball found the back of the net.
Trailing at halftime, SC Bengaluru made their mark in the 61st minute. A well-coordinated move down the right flank led to a precise cross delivered to the near post. Henry Kisekka, positioned perfectly, leaped above the Rajasthan defense and struck a header toward the far post, leaving goalkeeper Bhabindra Malla Thakuri unable to respond.
Just three minutes later, Bengaluru turned the tide in their favor. Skipper Jibin Devassy made a simple yet effective pass to Chongtham Kishan Singh, who was lurking just outside the box.
Without a moment's hesitation, Kishan unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that soared into the right corner of the net. Thakuri made a desperate dive, but the speed of the shot left him with no chance, putting Bengaluru ahead 2-1.
However, Rajasthan United equalized in the 69th minute, thanks to debutant Maicol Cabrera Galain. Introduced as a substitute in the 66th minute, the Uruguayan made an immediate impact with his first touch in the I-League.
Receiving the ball on the left edge of the box, he displayed his talent with a curling right-footed shot that sailed past the outstretched Yuya Kuriyama and nestled into the bottom right corner, leveling the score at 2-2.
Rajasthan United nearly regained the lead in the 76th minute when Aniket Panchal sliced through Bengaluru’s defense with a brilliantly lofted through ball. The pass found Samuel James Lyngdoh Kynshi in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Yet, Yuya Kuriyama came up big, rushing off his line at the perfect moment to smother the ball just as Kynshi prepared to shoot, denying Rajasthan a potential match-winner.
Despite late attempts from both teams, neither could clinch the decisive goal, leading to a hard-fought draw. This result sees Rajasthan United lose ground in their quest for a top-four finish, while SC Bengaluru will draw confidence from their resilient performance as they strive to improve their league position.
