Kalinga Super Cup: Inter Kashi Stuns Bengaluru FC in Penalty Shootout

Synopsis

In a thrilling Kalinga Super Cup Round of 16 match, Inter Kashi stunned Bengaluru FC, overcoming a 1-1 draw in regulation to win 3-5 on penalties. Matija Babovic's late equaliser set the stage for a dramatic shootout, showcasing both teams' determination and skill.

Key Takeaways

Matija Babovic equalised late in the match.
Bengaluru FC took the lead through Ryan Williams.
Inter Kashi triumphed in the penalty shootout.
Strong performances from both defense units.
Match held at Kalinga Stadium.

Bhubaneswar, April 23 (NationPress) Matija Babovic’s late equaliser enabled Inter Kashi to achieve an incredible victory by defeating Bengaluru FC, the runner-ups of the Indian Super League (ISL), 3-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time during their Kalinga Super Cup Round of 16 match at the Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday.

Ryan Williams had initially given the Blues the lead with a goal early in the second half, but Babovic’s late strike sent the match into a penalty shootout.

Aleksandar Jovanovic captained the Blues, taking the place of Rahul Bheke in defense. Lalremtluanga Fanai replaced Suresh Wangjam, and Vinith Venkatesh started for Gerard Zaragoza’s squad.

Inter Kashi began strongly, with Haorem Tomba Singh and skipper Nikola Stojanovic making crucial interceptions in midfield. Former Bengaluru FC player Edmund Lalrindika made significant advances into the final third, with Inter Kashi nearly scoring through Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, who struck the post after receiving a pass from Edmund.

Tomba tested Gurpreet with a long-range shot, while Inter Kashi defended resolutely as Bijoy V. and David Munoz blocked attempts from Williams and Noguera. Bhutia missed a shot as the teams went into halftime without any goals.

Williams forced a save from Shubham Dhas right at the start of the second half, and shortly after, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a fantastic save to stop a deflected shot from Prasanth and a free-kick from Stojanovic as both teams sought the opening goal.

Zaragoza substituted Jorge Pereyra Diaz for Fanai, and the pressure culminated in a goal in the 62nd minute when Williams delivered a superb left-footed finish after Inter Kashi failed to clear Noguera’s clipped pass.

Sunil Chhetri and Suresh Wangjam were brought in for Vinith and Mendez, providing a much-needed boost in attack as Namgyal Bhutia and Naorem Roshan Singh nearly linked up for the Blues’ second goal.

Despite numerous attempts from Zaragoza’s side in the second half, they could not extend their lead, which proved costly as substitutes Aritra Das and Matija Babovic combined to level the score for Inter Kashi in the 87th minute, sending the match to penalties. Shubham saved Noguera’s penalty, while Inter Kashi converted all five of their penalties, securing their place in the quarterfinals.