Bengaluru, Jan 11 (NationPress) Mohammedan SC edged past Bengaluru FC with a narrow 1-0 victory to claim their second win of the ongoing season in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday evening. A late free-kick taken by Mirjalol Kasimov clinched the match for the visitors, as the Blues recorded their fourth loss of the season.
The Bengaluru FC side initiated the first attempts to penetrate the opponent's box. Their opening offensive move occurred in the third minute when Alberto Noguera unleashed a right-footed shot from the center of the box following a headed pass from Rahul Bheke. Although the shot was blocked, the Blues laid the groundwork for their attacking strategy.
Just ten minutes later, Jorge Pereyra Diaz received a cross from Noguera, but he headed it over the goal. Shortly thereafter, Diaz led another attack, passing to Ryan Williams, whose attempt was saved right at the center of the goal.
The Bengaluru FC squad continued to pressure the Mohammedan SC defense from wide positions, delivering lateral crosses, yet they failed to convert these opportunities. Seven minutes before half-time, a corner from Noguera found Chinglensana Singh, whose header went high and wide.
Another cross from Williams reached Rahul Bheke four minutes later, but his header was saved by the Mohammedan SC goalkeeper Padam Chhetri.
As the second half commenced, Alexis Gomez took charge for Mohammedan SC. His powerful shot from outside the box struck the left post in the 49th minute, marking the visitors’ best chance thus far.
Zodingliana Ralte located Franca in open space outside the box in the 56th minute. Franca took the chance and fired a strong shot, but it was saved at the top center of the goal by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Just before the 70th minute, Diaz and Noguera attempted to breach the Mohammedan SC defense. Noguera delivered a simple pass, but the striker couldn’t find the net, as the vigilant backline of Mohammedan SC blocked the shot.
The moment of glory for Mohammedan SC arrived in the 88th minute, thanks to a stunning individual effort by Mirjalol Kasimov. Franca earned a free-kick in the attacking half, and Kasimov stepped up, delivering a magnificent right-footed shot that rattled the top left corner, breaking the deadlock and securing Mohammedan SC’s second victory of the season.
