ISL 2024-25: Chhetri’s late goal rescues Bengaluru FC in 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC

ISL 2024-25: Chhetri’s late goal rescues Bengaluru FC in 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC

Former champion Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC were locked in a 1-1 draw in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 match at the GMC Balayogi Stadium here on Saturday.

Devendra Murgaonkar’s first-half goal in the 21st minute gave the home team an early lead. However, 40-year-old Sunil Chhetri scored the equaliser in the 78th minute, reaching the 10-goal mark for the second time in his ISL career.

Bengaluru FC controlled the proceedings with 62.4 per cent possession but managed only one shot on target, which Chhetri converted to secure a point for his team.

Ramhlunchhunga delivered a pinpoint cross to Murgaonkar, who was positioned in the centre of the 18-yard box. Murgaonkar headed the ball into the bottom-right corner to give Hyderabad the lead in the 21st minute.

Murgaonkar was sharp in the offensive, consistently troubling Bengaluru FC’s defence. Twelve minutes after his goal, Joseph Sunny found him on the right side of the penalty area. Murgaonkar struck a powerful shot from a tight angle, but Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a brilliant save in the top-right corner.

The Bengaluru FC camp made four substitutions after half-time in an attempt to stage a comeback. Ryan Williams, Chinglensana Singh, Edgar Mendez, and Lalremtluanga Fanai replaced Aleksandar Jovanovic, Harsh Patre, Pedro Capo, and Shivaldo Singh, respectively.

Mendez settled seamlessly into the game, connecting with a cross from Naorem Mahesh Singh in the 51st minute. However, despite the close distance to the goal, his header went just over the bar.

Just before the hour mark, Ramhlunchhunga showcased his exceptional shooting skills with a long-range effort from over 40 yards after receiving a pass from Andrei Alba. The shot was on target, but Gurpreet saved it in the bottom-left corner.

Bengaluru FC found the equaliser with a move that has been highly effective for the team this season. Williams, introduced in the second half, delivered a precisely timed cross to Chhetri in the 78th minute.

Chhetri met it in the middle of the box and nodded it home, into the bottom-right corner, bringing the visitors level. This was the fourth instance this season of Williams assisting a Chhetri goal, highlighting their excellent link-up play.

Following the equaliser, Bengaluru FC increased its attacking intensity, pressing the Hyderabad defence in search of a winner.

A few minutes before the 90th minute, Alberto Noguera tried his luck from distance after receiving a pass from Jorge Pereyra Diaz. However, his shot was off target, and the teams eventually settled for a point each.