Chhetri off mark in BFC’s emphatic win

NT Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC registered their second win in Matchweek 2 of the Indian Super League against Hyderabad FC after goals from new signing Rahul Bheke and a brace from Sunil Chhetri secured an emphatic 3-0 victory on Thursday. The Blues got off to a flying start, taking the lead just five minutes into kick-off. A perfectly delivered inswinging corner from local lad V Venkatesh found Rahul Bheke at the far post, making it 1-0. Though it seemed like the start of a long night for Hyderabad, the visitors, fielding an all-Indian lineup, kept their heads up and threatened the Bengaluru defence at times.

The half ended 1-0, but the hosts appeared to drop back slightly in their approach. The second half began with both teams pushing for the goal that would settle the game. Midfielder Suresh Wangjam was the standout performer in the middle of the park, excelling in both ball retention and his forward passes to the frontline. New signing Diaz struggled to make an impact and was replaced by Sunil Chhetri.

Despite dominating the game, BFC found it difficult to secure the result until a crucial penalty. With seven minutes to go, fullback Roshan bamboozled L D’Cunha and was clipped, winning a much-needed spot-kick. Chhetri, cool as ever, calmly slotted the ball into the bottom right corner for Bengaluru FC’s second and his first goal of the season. He added his second to seal the victory, heading in a cross from Edgar Mendez to become the joint top scorer in ISL history, with 63 goals. The Blues remain top of the table with six points. Their next challenge is against Mohun Bagan SG.