BENGALURU: Bengaluru FC started their Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 campaign with a 1-0 win over East Bengal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Vinith Venkatesh’s solitary goal was the difference between the two teams.

The Blues went ahead courtesy of an excellent move from Mendez, who picked Vinith Venkatesh in space on the right. The youngster created space with an exceptional touch before firing the ball into the bottom corner in the 26th minute.

The second half saw more of the same aggressive football between the two teams with many challenges flying in, especially in the middle of the park. Nandha had the golden opportunity to bring East Bengal back into the game when Hijazi Maher played him into space. However, his thunderous effort from just outside the box was kept out by Gurpreet.

East Bengal’s hopes of salvaging something from the match took a severe hit when Lalchungnunga was given marching orders in the 87th minute following a second yellow card for a poor challenge on Williams. Eventually, East Bengal FC fell short despite creating several openings throughout the match.

Farukh Choudhary brace inspires Chennaiyin FC

BHUBANESWAR: Chennaiyin FC registered a brilliant second-half comeback to beat Odisha FC by 3-2 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

In the eighth minute, Mitra brought down Hugo Boumous inside the box, rewarding Odisha FC with a penalty. Mauricio was calm enough to convert from the spot and give the Juggernauts the desired lead.

The second half kicked off seamlessly as the first six minutes remained witness to a Farukh Choudhary brace. In the 48th minute, Connor Shields dribbled past a few defenders to cross it towards Choudhary. With just Amrinder Singh in front, a tap-in was enough for the Indian winger to restore parity for his side.

Three minutes later, while initiating a build-up, Amrinder Singh miskicked a ball straight into Choudhary’s feet inside the 18-yard box. The winger blasted a shot, which got some lucky deflection from Ahmed Jahouh and placed itself into the back of the net.

Chennaiyin FC didn’t stop after taking the lead and pounced upon the Odisha FC backline to salvage another goal to gain some breathing space. In the 69th minute, they achieved the same, when Laldinliana Renthlei’s cross found Daniel Chima Chukwu just behind the penalty spot.

The Nigerian forward didn’t take a second touch and went direct. His shot gave Amrinder Singh no chance and helped the Marina Machans add to their lead. Roy Krishna brought one back for Odisha FC in the 95th minute after he snatched at Boumous’ cross and placed it calmly into the net.

(Courtesy: ISL Media Team)