KOCHI, Sep 21: The ISL 2023-24 season opener between Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC saw the hosts edge out Bengaluru 2-1 at the Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
The last season ISL clash between the two sides was the most controversial one in the league’s history, where Kerala Blasters abandoned a match in a knockout clash.
Bengaluru FC without talisman striker Sunil Chhetri began on the backfoot with the hosts asking most of the questions.
In the 52nd minute, prior to the goal, Peprah struck a venomous shot on the turn from the edge of the box. Gurpeet made a brilliant save and tipped it over the bar.
From the resulting corner, Luna swung in a cross inside the box and no one from Bengaluru FC took initiative to clear the ball. Veendorp, whose body shape was all wrong, tried to get the ball away but the ball hit him and ended up inside the net for anown goal.
Things got worse in the 69th minute when India international goalkeeper had a moment to forget. Damjanovic passed the ball back to Gupreet. The BFC keeper had a heavy touch and before he knew it, the ball was away from his control.
Luna was there to capitalise on the mistake and knocked the ball inside the empty net to make it 2-0 for the hosts.
Moments later, there was a penalty shout from Bengaluru FC as Drincic seemed to have handled the ball inside the box. But the referee paid no attention and asked play to go on.
Towards the end of normal time, Monirul crossed in from the left, which took a huge deflection.
The ball ended up straight to Curtis Main who found the net from close distance. Sachin had no chance to get a hand to it.
A goal from Adrian Luna and an own goal from Keziah Veendorp edges KBFC to a 2-1 win against BFC. Curtis Main pulled one back for BFC in the 90th minute but the Blasters held on to win the opening match of the season. (Agencies)
