Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC, Durand Cup 2024: Sunil Chhetri and Co. narrowly win 2-3 against impressive Black Panthers

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Bengaluru FC defeated ten-man Mohammedan SC in a thrilling 3-2 match in Group B to become the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the Durand Cup 2024 at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

Bengaluru topped the group with three wins from three matches. Aleksandar Jovanovic, Vinith Venkatesh, and an own goal by Dipu Halder contributed to Bengaluru's goals, while Israfil Dewan and Mahitosh Roy scored for Mohammedan SC.

Bengaluru FC's Head Coach Gerard Zaragoza made five changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Mohammed Salah, Vinith Venkatesh, Suresh Singh, and F. Lalremtluanga. Mohammedan SC's Head Coach Hakim Ssengendo fielded a young team with Ashley Koli and Robinson Singh leading the attack.

Bengaluru took an early lead in the 7th minute when Aleksandar Jovanovic headed in a deflected corner from Mohammed Salah. Bengaluru's Ryan Williams and Jorge Pereyra Diaz kept pressuring Mohammedan's defense, and their efforts led to a second goal when Pereyra Diaz's attempt was deflected in by Mohammedan defender Dipu Halder.

Despite Mohammedan's improved defense, Bengaluru maintained their two-goal lead. In the second half, Bengaluru continued their dominance, with Sunil Chhetri and Alberto Noguera coming on and Vinith Venkatesh scoring a third goal with a left-footed curler.

Mohammedan pulled one back when Israfil Dewan headed in a cross from Ashley Koli. However, they were reduced to ten men in the last ten minutes after goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee was sent off for a tackle on Pereyra Diaz. With all substitutions used, defender Dipu Halder took over in goal and made a diving save from a Sunil Chhetri free kick.

Despite being a man down, Mohammedan dominated possession in the final minutes, and Mahitosh Roy scored a stunning long-range goal, but it wasn't enough as Bengaluru secured the victory and a place in the knockouts.