Kolkata, Sep 15: Former ISL champions Bengaluru FC (BFC) on Wednesday registered a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters to make a brilliant start to their campaign at the Durand Cup football tournament here.
Namgyal Bhutia (45th) and Leon Augustine (71st) turned out to be the heroes for the Naushad Moosa-coached side even as Kerala Blasters were eight men down by the end of the dramatic clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK).
Kerala Blasters started the game well and dominated the initial part of the first half. They created quite a few opportunities but failed to convert. In the 33rd minute, they had the first real chance at goal when a great shot by Sreekuttan was well saved by Lara.
Again in the 38th minute, Luna had a shot at goal, courtesy a free kick and he almost scored, but the BFC keeper Lara again came to the rescue.
In the 45th minute, the deadlock was broken as BFC’s Namgyal Bhutia took a brilliant free kick which hit the back of the net as the Blasters’ keeper Albino Gomes had no chance.
It all went downhill from there on for the Kerala Blasters as madness prevailed on the ground, causing as many as three red cards for them in the match — all in the second half.
RV Hormipam was the first to go in the 64th minute followed by Sandeep Singh and then it was Yendrembam Denechandram Meitei’s turn to receive the marching orders.
In the 71st minute, Leon Augustine scored BFC’s second goal. A brilliant cross by Harmanpreet was anticipated by Leon and went in after Albino fumbled with the initial gathering. Lara, for his outstanding effort under the BFC bar, was adjudged the man-of-the-match.
On Thursday, Gokulam Kerala FC will take on Hyderabad FC in a Group D match at 3 pm IST. (PTI)
