ISL

Guwahati, Aug 23 (Football News) Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC continued their winning run at the Durand Cup as they defeated a resilient Kerala Blasters 2-0 in a group D match at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Tuesday.

Isaac Vanmalsawma and Saul Pedro scored as Odisha FC picked up their second consecutive win in the tournament. Odisha came into this match after thrashing NorthEast United FC 6-0 in their tournament opener, while Kerala played out a 1-1 draw against Sudeva Delhi in their first game.

The first half of the game saw a rather slow start from both the teams with Kerala defending well and holding their fort, despite Odisha dominating possession.

Odisha could have drawn the first blood in the first half itself as the best chance came to Vanmalsawma, but he shot straight to Blasters keeper Sachin Suresh, who did well to save it.

While Kerala begun the second half on a lively note, Odisha soon took control of the proceedings and created better chances, with their forward line linking up well inside the Blasters' box.

Odisha shot into lead through Vanmalsawma in the 51st minute. The 25-year-old met the ball right about the centre of the box following a pass from second half substitute Diego Mauricio and did the job smoothly.

The first goal led to a flurry of attacks from Odisha and that led to a second goal in the 73rd minute through Pedro, who tapped in from a rebound off his teammate Osama Malik following a corner by Jerry Mawihmingthanga.

The second goal was a nail in the coffin for Kerala as they could not stitch any meaningful attacks, enough to trouble the Odisha defence.

With this win, Odisha moved to the top of their group standing with six points from two games, while Kerala have one point from two matches. 

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Mumbai, Jul 24 (Football News) Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC will travel to Dubai for a pre-season training camp to get into shape and peak condition for the upcoming season.

The team will set up their base in the port town of Jebel Ali, Dubai for a 19-day training camp starting from 25 July until 12 August.

In the 2021-22 season, the franchise created history by becoming the first Indian club to win a game at the AFC Champions League.

Mumbai City FC will also take part in 131st edition of the prestigious Durand Cup, which is set to begin from August 16.

Placed in Group B, Mumbai City FC will square off against ATK Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Indian Navy and, Rajasthan United in their maiden appearance in Asia's oldest football competition.

Des Buckingham, Head Coach, Mumbai City FC said, “I am extremely proud and happy with how we started and finished last season, especially in the AFC Champions League." "To finish second in the group stage and showcase our attacking style of play was enjoyable to all associated with the club and showed that Indian football can compete and win at the highest level of club football in Asia.

“As we enter the new season we will look to continue the momentum from this historic campaign as we start our pre-season in Dubai," Buckingham added. 

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Mumbai, Jul 19 (Football News) Former Indian Super League (ISL) champions Mumbai City FC on Tuesday signed Greg Stewart of Scotland as their new attacking midfielder ahead of the Indian Super League, signing him on a two-year deal.

The 32-year-old was the cynosure of Jamshedpur FC’s ISL League Winners’ Shield triumph last season in his first foray outside Britain.

Stewart was directly involved in 20 out of the 43 goals registered by Jamshedpur (10 goals and 10 assists) and was the leading assist maker last season.

The versatile footballer was also voted as the "Hero of the League' in his debut ISL campaign.

"The club outlined their plans and their ambitions right from the outset and I believe joining Mumbai City is the right step forward to continue my journey in India," he said in a statement.

Greg started his youth career first at the Rangers’ Academy followed by the Heart of Midlothian youth set up before he went on to make his senior debut for Cowdenbeath, spending four seasons at the club.

He then joined Dundee FC in 2014 in a pivotal career move, making the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year award twice in row in 2015 and 2016.

In 2016, he moved to English Championship club Birmingham City, where he also enjoyed loan spells at Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.

After spending three seasons in Birmingham, Greg eventually secured a move to Rangers in 2019, where he was a key member of Steven Gerrard’s squad. His contributions helped Ranger’s secure a historic Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season. 

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HyderabaD, Jul 15 (Football News) Indian Super League champions Hyderabad FC has signed defender Alex Saji on a long-term contract, the club announced on Friday.

"Hyderabad FC is a team that gives a lot of opportunities to the young players in the country and I am very much excited to be a part of this club. It is a great platform for a player like me," Saji said after putting pen to paper on a deal that will keep him with the club till the 2024-25 season.

"I am looking forward to playing under coach Manolo and learning more to improve my game. It will be an exciting season, my first in the ISL, and I can’t wait to get started," he added.

Born and brought up in Wayanad, Kerala, Saji started his career with the Red Star Football Academy. He has since represented Gokulam Kerala in the I-League, garnering valuable experience.

Saji also lifted the I-League title twice with the Malabarians in back-to-back seasons.

A central defender, who can be effective at right-back as well, the 22-year-old has 26 I-League appearances to his name and also started in all three games for Gokulam Kerala in the AFC Cup group stages recently.

After an impressive couple of seasons in the Indian domestic circuit, Saji was also called up for the U-23 national team for the previous AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualification campaign.

Saji is now ready for his first season in the ISL, and will be a part of the first team that will train under Manolo Marquez for the upcoming 2022-23 campaign. 

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Kolkata, Apr 15 (Football News) Slovenian forward Luka Majcen toyed with Suveda Delhi FC defence, scoring a hattrick as Gokulam Kerala ascended back to the top of the I-League table with a thumping 4-0 win at the Kalyani Stadium here on Friday.

The win took the Malabarians two points clear of Mohammedan Sporting (25) in the 13-team standings.

Majcen opened his account in the 17th minute with Jithin MS setting it up with a penetrating cross to give Gokulam Kerala the lead.

Thahir Zaman then doubled Gokulam Kerala's lead in the 27th minute when he picked up a sublime pass from the left and got his left foot on the ball to send it to the back of the net.

Delhi FC goalkeeper Sachin Jha bore the brunt of a series of attacking moves especially from Jithin who looked threatening up front.

Majcen's speedy runs through the center troubled Sudeva's defence in the second-half as he found the target once again in the 60th minute from an Ahmed Razeek cross.

Jha was out of place and seeing the opportunity, Majcen made the most of it to complete his hat trick in the 86th minute.

At Naihati, Brijesh Giri's 88th minute strike earned Indian Arrows their second win of the season as they downed Kenkre FC 1-0 -- the ninth loss for the Mumbai outfit, who are yet to open their account.

Indian Arrows now have nine points from 11 matches.

RoundGlass Punjab FC picked up their fourth win in a row in the I-League. They defeated Manipuri outfit TRAU FC by a 1-0 margin. Striker Kurtis Guthrie scored the decisive goal of the game in the 35th minute. 

Also read : First time winners guaranteed as Kerala take on first timers Hyderabad
 

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Manama, Mar 22 (Football News) Seven of India's national football team players, who were supposed to play in an international friendly against higher-ranked Bahrain on Wednesday,in all likelihood will miss the match as they could not travel along with the team from Mumbai due to visa-related issues.

Eighteen players out of the 25-member squad as well as head coach Igor Stimac and the support staff reached Manama on Monday, where the national team will lock horns in international friendlies against hosts Bahrain on Wednesday and against Belarus on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, defender Chinglensana Singh and Akash Mishra and midfielders Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Aniket Yadav and Bipin Singh could not board the flight along with their team-mates on Monday as their visa approval did not come on time.

"We faced difficulties in our travel. Seven players (out of 25) are left out in Mumbai, still waiting for their visa approval which we had applied two months ago," Stimac said in a virtual press conference.

"Hopefully, they will by today get the permission (visa approval) and fly out from there (Mumbai) and join the squad by tonight. Otherwise, we can't be optimistic that they will be involved in the match tomorrow." An All India Football Federation (AIFF) source said the visas of the seven players came on Tuesday and they will be leaving for Bahrain on Wednesday.

"The visas of all the players came today and they are flying out tomorrow," the source told PTI.

Earlier, he said all the seven players could fly out of Mumbai by Tuesday itself.

Stimac is unsure about the strategy he will employ on Wednesday against a strong side like Bahrain if the seven players are not available for the match.

"I don't know what I will do in such a circumstance. I have to see how many players are available at the end of the day here at Manama. (If the seven are not available, I will try to put the best available XI and try few things," he said.

India has never beaten Bahrain in its football history, the drawn match (0-0) in 1982 being its best result so far.

In the last meeting between the two sides in the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE, Bahrain had emerged victorious through a stoppage-time goal from a spot kick. Till then, India under Stephen Constantine was on the verge of booking a historic knock-out berth in the Asian Cup. 

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Fatorda, Mar 19 (Football News) The Indian Super League will have a new winner after Kerala Blasters go up against a resurgent Hyderabad FC in the final here on Sunday.

While it would be Hyderabad’s maiden final appearance, Kerala Blasters will be competing in the final for the third time. In 2014 and 2016, Kerala Blasters had made it to the finals, but on both occasions, they had lost to erstwhile ATK, and thus their dream of winning the coveted ISL Trophy remained unfulfilled.

Hyderabad FC qualified after a 3-2 win on aggregate over ATK Mohun Bagan despite losing the second leg of the semi-final 0-1. Hyderabad had won the first leg 3-1 through goals from Bartholomew Ogbeche, Yasir Mohammad, and Javier Siverio.

On the other hand, Kerala Blasters FC entered the ISL final for the first time since 2016 after playing out a 1-1 draw with Jamshedpur FC and pipped the League Shield winners 2-1 on aggregate over double leg semi-finals. In the first leg, Sahal Abdul Samad scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Kerala.

For Hyderabad, a lot would depend on how their star striker Bartholomew Ogbeche fares against the Kerala defence.

The 37-year-old Nigerian forward, who is the season's leading goal-scorer with 18 goals to his name from 19 matches, and is the highest goal-scorer in ISL history with 53 goals.

However, Ogbeche would need support from other strikers Javier Siverio, who has netted seven times this season and Joel Chianese (4 goals).

Also the role of midfielder Joao Victor, the captain, who has five goals to his name would also be crucial.

Victor could serve as a key link between strikers and defence and with his prowess can turn the game on its head.

Hyderabad also possess an array of good mid-fielders including Aniket Jadhav, experienced Halicharan Narzary, Souvik Chakrabarti and they will have to play to perfection.

Hyderabad custodian Laxmikant Kattimani would be aiming to keep a clean-sheet.

Hyderabad also have 46 goals this season, the highest for any team, 10 more than their opponents Kerala Blasters and thus going into the final, they could have a slight upper hand.

Meanwhile, for Kerala their top goalscorer this season has been their star striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz (8 goals). And for them, the 31-year-old Argentine will have to be at his best and need to fire on all cylinders.

Also, Diaz coupled with Alvaro Vazquez form a lethal pair and the Hyderabad defence would indeed be vary of them.

In what comes as a major blow, Kerala are certain to miss the services of mid-fielder Sahal Abdul Samad through a thigh injury.

A lot will depend on mid-field duo Lalthathanga Khawlhring and Ayush Adhikari, ably supported by Marko Leskovic and defensive partner Hormipam Ruivah, fresh off a national team call-up.

Also, this would be the first occasion since the outbreak of COVID-19, the fans would be in the stands cheering for favorite teams and a 100 per cent crowd has been allowed, so a ‘sea of yellow’ is expected to turn up at the venue.

Also, Indian football legend IM Vijayan, chief national coach Igor Stimac would be in attendance for the summit clash.

Match starts at 7.30 PM IST. 

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Vasco, Mar 15 (Football News) Kerala Blasters FC entered the ISL final for the first time since 2016 after playing out a 1-1 draw with Jamshedpur FC on Tuesday and pipping the League Shield winners 2-1 on aggregate over double leg semi-finals.

Adrian Luna (18th) opened the scoring for Kerala with a stunning goal before Pronay Halder (50th) pulled one back for the Red Miners, who needed one more goal to take the game to extra time but another solid performance by the Kerala backline ensured they held firm to confirm a place in the summit clash.

In the first leg, Sahal Abdul Samad scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for Kerala who made it to their third ISL final. They were the finalists in the inaugural 2014 edition as well.

The yellow shirts started the second leg without the injured Sahal but showed no signs of slowing down, almost taking the lead inside the first two minutes had Alvaro Vazquez not tried to be cheeky when one on one with the keeper, dinking the ball over T.P. Rehenesh in Jamshedpur goal and wide of the far post.

Four minutes later, Vazquez got possession deep inside his own half to then set up Ayush Adhikari but Rehenesh was alert to the danger, coming out of his line in time. Kerala found a lot of joy as Jamshedpur full-backs pushed forward leaving a lot of spaces for their rivals to exploit.

Adhikari got another chance from a Jorge Diaz cross but Jamshedpur skipper Peter Hartley put his body on the line to snuff out the danger.

Vazquez atoned for his miss earlier in the half soon after, flicking on a delightful pass from the left flank for Luna who darted in, dropped a shoulder and curled a side-footed effort past Rehenesh and into the right corner.

At the break, Kerala led 2-0 on aggregate. Five minutes into the re-start, Halder nicked one in to get Jamshedpur back in the game, poking in a Stewart corner which was initially met by Chima whose header lacked power and fell to Halder who netted from two yards out. But that wasn't going to be enough for Jamshedpur. 

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Bambolim, Mar 12 (Football News Hyderabad FC put one foot in what would be their maiden final appearance after scripting a come-from-behind 3-1 win over ATK Mohun Bagan in the first-leg of the Indian Super League second semifinal here on Saturday.

Roy Krishna helped ATKMB take the lead but the Kolkata side's joy was short-lived as Bartholomew Ogbeche (45th) equalised at the stroke of half time before Yasir Mohammad (58th) and Javier Siviero (64th) sealed Hyderabad's victory.

The two teams will go up against each other again on Wednesday for the second leg with ATKMB needing to find the back of the net at least twice to stand a chance of advancing to their second successive summit clash.

ATKMB seemed to be the better side in the opening exchanges. Hyderabad did miss Asish Rai and his absence was felt most when they fell behind early on in the game.

Liston Colaco was once again to the fore, causing more than a few problems for Nim Dorjee Tamang who was eventually sold to the guile of the former Hyderabad winger as he made him turn inside out to cross for Krishna who got in front of his marker and stabbed home.

Akash Mishra was at fault for not marking Krishna properly but Nim Dorjee never quite had the measure of Colaco at the first place, with the fleet-footed winger bursting forward after receiving the ball and outwitting Nim Dorjee to whip in a delightful cross.

Hyderabad saw more of the ball but it was not bearing fruit as ATKMB dropped deep when needed to starve the likes of Javier Siviero and Ogbeche service from the middle of the park or the full backs.

It was after the cooling break that Ogbeche, not getting enough balls, took it upon himself and dribbled past a few green and maroons shirts displaying amazing skills but in the end failed to make the most out of it.

Ogbeche's industriousness, though, did not go in vain as he found the back of the net just before the half time whistle. It was a record-shattering goal, the Nigerian equalling the record for the most goals in a single season after Juanan dinked the ball for him to nod home from close.

Yasir Mohammad's corner was not cleared by ATKMB defenders and the ball fell to Juanan who saw Ogbeche at the right place at the right time. Sandesh Jhingan shook his head, knowing he could have done better when Ogbeche beat him for the goal as both teams headed back into the tunnel locked at 1-1.

The second half belonged to Hyderabad as they pumped in two goals in the space of six minutes to script a comeback after an underwhelming first 45 minutes.

It was a double blow for ATKMB as not only Yasir Mohammad scored a goal after Jhingan and Tiri collided in an attempt to clear the ball near the box. Yasir smashed home from outside the box, but Tiri had to be stretchered off. Minutes later, Siviero headed in from a corner to make it 3-1.

Ogbeche was everywhere in the second period for Manolo Marquez's side, his spadework helping Yasir Mohammad get the goal. At the other end, Joni Kauko fired a volley wide from a Hugo Boumous cut-in from the byline.

In the dying minutes, ATKMB desperately looked for a goal to trim the margin with substitute Kiyan Nassiri coming closest as he found the post from close range. 

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New Delhi, Mar 6 (Football News) The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) disciplinary committee has handed a two-match suspension to Jamshedpur FC's Mohammad Mobashir Rahman and fined him Rs. 1.5 lakh after being found guilty of "violent conduct" during his side's ISL match against Hyderabad FC.

Mobashir will be ineligible for selection in the League Shield deciding match between Jamshedpur FC and ATK Mohun Bagan on Monday.

The player has already served an automatic one-match ban in Jamshedpur FC's previous match against Odisha FC. 

Also Read : SC East Bengal end season rock-bottom as Bengaluru signs off with a win

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Vasco, Mar 5 (Football News) SC East Bengal ended their disastrous Indian Super League (ISL) campaign at the rock bottom of the table after losing 0-1 to Bengaluru FC in their last match of the season here on Saturday.

Sunil Chhetri's solitary strike (24th) proved to be the difference, bagging three points for Marco Pezzaiuoli's men in their final fixture of their 2021-22 campaign.

The result meant that the Kolkata-based club finished the season in the bottom-place on the points table, with only one win in 20 matches. On the other hand, Bengaluru FC finished in sixth place as they secured 29 points overall.

Antonio Perosevic tested Lara Sharma in the goal from a free-kick early in the match but the custodian made a fine save.

The game was evenly balanced until a moment of individual brilliance from Chhetri who broke the deadlock. The skipper controlled a long ball on his chest and slotted the shot into the bottom left corner to give the lead to the Blues in the 24th minute.

Udanta Singh then came close to scoring but saw his long-range shot hit the crossbar at the stroke of half-hour.

The first half did not have any more goals apart from a lot of goalmouth action from both teams.

The Red & Gold brigade suffered a setback by losing Perosevic to an ankle injury, who was replaced by Marcelo Ribeiro.

The second half saw a harder push for the second goal from Bengaluru FC. However, they handed a gift to Thongkhosiem Haokip at the hour mark only for him to lift his chip sail way over the bar.

A whole host of changes were made by both coaches to give time to youngsters and inject more energy in the match after the hour mark.

Bengaluru came close to extending their lead, courtesy Chhetri, whose powerful drive was parried away by Suvam Sen in SCEB's goal.

Ananta Tamang and Sen them combined a few minutes later to deny a second goal to Chhetri. 

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Bambolim, Mar 3 (Football News) Jamshedpur FC will look to consolidate their lead at the top of the standings when they take on Odisha FC in an Indian Super League match here on Friday.

Jamshedpur continued their red-hot form with a clinical 3-0 victory over depleted Hyderabad FC to rise to the top of the heap. Owen Coyle's side made it five wins on the bounce, amassing 37 points from 18 matches to qualify for the semifinals for the first time in the club's history.

Jamshedpur are in a spectacular run of form at the moment, winning eight of their last nine games. Their only loss in this period came against Bengaluru FC.

With Kerala Blasters winning against Mumbai City FC, Jamshedpur are guaranteed a top-three finish, but Coyle would eye a top spot given their dominance throughout the league stages.

In the last game, Jamshedpur once again proved they are one of the best teams in set-pieces this season, as they scored two goals from corners in their 3-0 win.

Skipper Peter Hartley scored his third goal of the season, all coming from corners which augurs well for the Red Miners in addition to the firepower they have upfront.

Greg Stewart missed the last game due to suspension and the Scotsman's return will only add to the team's strength.

Meanwhile, Odisha could not make it to the semi-finals but there have been improvements from their disastrous season last time.

Odisha started strongly, winning three of their first four games, but inconsistency wrecked their season apart, through the club's unpredictable performances on both ends of the pitch.

The Kino Garcia-coached side, languishing at seventh place with 23 points from 19 matches, will look to end the season on a high. 

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Vasco, Mar 2 (Football News) Kerala Blasters FC brightened their semifinal prospects with a 3-1 win over Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League here on Wednesday.

Alvaro Vazquez (45th P, 60th) scored a brace either side of halftime after Sahal Abdul Samad (19th) opened the floodgates for Kerala, who are now in fourth spot having 33 points from 19 games.

They take on FC Goa in their final fixture while Mumbai -- in fifth spot with 31 points from 19 matches -- play Hyderabad FC in their last league game, hoping Kerala lose to Goa and they win against Hyderabad.

For Mumbai, Diego Mauricio scored a consolation goal from the spot in the 71st minute.

Both teams started cautiously in the opening exchanges before Sahal showed individual brilliance to help Kerala nose ahead.

A botched clearance from Cassio Gabriel saw Sahal rob the ball off him to then twist and turn past the Brazilian and a couple of more Mumbai shirts before drilling a low shot past Mohamad Nawaz who was perhaps blinded by the defenders in front of him as the ball nestled into the net.

It was Sahal's fifth goal of the campaign, underlining his upturn in form.

Mumbai tried to forge an immediate comeback but it was not to be as Kerala doubled their lead, albeit a penalty after Mourtada Fall brought him down inside the area.

The Spaniard was ice-cool from the spot, pausing in his run-up to send Nawaz the wrong way with aplomb.

At halftime, Kerala were cruising with a 2-0 verdict. Kerala also scored another at the start of the second period but Luna's exceptional effort from outside the box was well saved by Nawaz.

The yellow shirts did not have to wait long for the third goal, Nawaz making a meal of an easy clearance this time after Fall back passed to him. Vazquez needed no second invitation as he slotted home into an open goal.

Mumbai pulled one back after Mauricio went down inside the box from what looked like a Ruivah Hormipam push but as Kerala players appealed the decision the referee pointed to the spot.

Mauricio stepped up and slammed home from the spot to make it 3-1. Luna could have had a goal moments later as his free-kick was pushed as far as the post by Nawaz as Kerala held on to win 3-1 and sharpen their semi final chances. 

Also Read : ISL: Harmanjot Khabra banned for Kerala Blasters FC's last 2 league matches

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New Delhi, Mar 2 (Football news) The All India Football Federation's (AIFF) disciplinary committee on Wednesday slapped a two-match suspension and a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh on Kerala Blasters FC mid-fielder Harmanjot Singh Khabra.

Khabra was found guilty of "hitting an opponent when not challenging for the ball" after being charged with "violent conduct' in an Indian Super League match against Hyderabad FC last month.

Upon investigating video footage of the incident, the AIFF body show caused the player.

In his written response, Khabra regretted "making an error in sporting judgment and acting in a manner which is not in line with the laws of the game and it was never his intention to hurt Sahil Tavora." The committee called upon for an additional hearing and passed their verdict on Tuesday. Khabra will remain suspended for Kerala Blasters FC's last two ISL league-stage matches this season against Mumbai City FC (March 2) and FC Goa (March 6).

The 33-year-old will be eligible for selection next if Kerala Blasters FC reach the semi-finals. 

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Margao, Feb 27 (Football News) ATK Mohun Bagan took a big step towards booking a semi-final spot with a 2-0 win over Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) here on Sunday.

The defeat ended all hopes for the Blues of making it into the top-four. As for the Mariners, they remained third, level on points with second-placed Jamshedpur FC.

Liston Colaco (45+1) scored his eighth goal of the season from a sensational free-kick to give his team the lead. Manvir Singh (85th) added a second goal late in the game to put the result beyond doubt.

An early chance saw Colaco testing Lara Sharma from a direct free-kick, but the goalkeeper was steadfast in collecting the ball.

On the other end, Cleiton Silva threatened to score but managed to send his volley above the crossbar. At the half-hour mark, Sunil Chhetri was left unmarked in the box but his header went off-target, much to his disappointment.

The Mariners suffered a setback in the first half as Hugo Boumous was substituted in the 40th minute, possibly due to an injury.

Just when it looked like both teams will go into the half-time break without scoring a goal, the deadlock was broken with a moment of individual brilliance. Colaco’s powerful direct free-kick beat Sharma in the goal to give the lead to ATKMB.

Nine minutes after the restart, Manvir Singh found acres of space behind BFC’s backline, but poor decision-making on his part saw his shot getting blocked.

Moments later, Colaco was serviced by Kauko but saw his shot hit the left post.

The Blues dominated possession in the final stage of the match but struggled to create clear scoring chances.

Manvir then scored against the run of play in the 85th minute with a precise finish.

ATK Mohun Bagan will lock horns with Chennaiyin FC in their next outing here on Thursday while Bengaluru FC will play SC East Bengal in their last league game of the season at Vasco on Saturday. 

Also Read : Kerala thrash Chennaiyin to keep semis hope alive

News Source : PTI