Chhetri saves BFC from 3rd straight loss

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: It took a bullet header from Sunil Chhetri in the 78th minute to rescue Bengaluru FC from its third consecutive defeat, after a 1-1 draw against Hyderabad draw in an Indian Super League tie on Saturday. The Blues missed its opportunity to reduce the gap to six points off league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giants. Murgaonkar scored the opening goal of the tie in the 21st minute for the hosts, a lead that they held on until late in the second half when Chhetri nodded home substitute Williams’ cross to level things up.

Blues’ Head Coach Gerard Zaragoza recalled Australian centre-back Aleksandar Jovanovic to the starting eleven, as his compatriot Williams dropped to the bench. Shivaldo Singh made his first start of the season, while Harsh Patre replaced Lalremtluanga Fanai in midfield. William's snub may have raised eyebrows, as the blues ended the first half without a shot on target, a first in its history. Hyderabad took the lead against the run of play when a quickly taken free-kick found Ramhlunchhunga free down the left wing.

The 23-year-old played in an accurate cross for an unmarked Murgaonkar to head home at the back post. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was busy, making good saves off Murgaonkar’s curling effort after Joseph Sunny played the goalscorer in as Hyderabad FC enjoyed a good spell in the latter stages.