Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan SC, ISL 2024-25: Underdog Black Panthers Conquer Shield Contenders with 0-1 Win

Add as a preferred source on Google

Bengaluru FC vs Mohammedan SC: Mohammedan SC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday in the Indian Super League (ISL). Mirjalol Kasimov's late free-kick sealed the visitors' second win of the season.

Whereas the Blues suffered their fourth defeat. Despite holding just 34.2% possession and delivering only 10 crosses compared to Bengaluru's 26, Mohammedan made their chances count to clinch their second away victory.

Bengaluru FC started aggressively, with Alberto Noguera taking a shot from the center of the box in the third minute after a headed pass from Rahul Bheke. Although the effort was blocked, it set the tone for the hosts' offensive intent.

Ten minutes later, Noguera delivered a cross to Jorge Pereyra Diaz, who headed it too high. Soon after, Diaz set up Ryan Williams for another attempt, but Mohammedan goalkeeper Padam Chhetri made a comfortable save. Bengaluru FC relied heavily on wide play.

This stretchwd Mohammedan's defense with crosses but failing to capitalize on their opportunities. As the first half neared its end, Noguera's corner found Chinglensana Singh, but his header went wide. Another cross from Williams reached Bheke.

Bheke's header was saved by Chhetri, keeping the scoreline goalless at halftime. The second half saw Mohammedan SC step up their efforts. Alexis Gomez nearly broke the deadlock in the 49th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box, which smashed against the left post.

Minutes later, Zodingliana Ralte set up Franca, who forced a top-center save from Bengaluru's Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Bengaluru continued to probe, with Diaz and Noguera combining in the 70th minute, but Mohammedan's defense stood firm.

The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when Franca earned a free-kick for Mohammedan in a dangerous position. Kasimov stepped up and unleashed a stunning right-footed effort that curled into the top-left corner, securing all three points for the visitors.

Mirjalol Kasimov played a pivotal role, completing 20 of his 26 passes, making three tackles and interceptions each, and scoring the game-winning goal. Mohammedan SC will face Chennaiyin FC on January 15, while Bengaluru FC will aim to bounce back against Hyderabad FC on January 18.