ISL 2022-23: Sunil Chhetri, who got here in its place within the second half, scored the profitable purpose for Bengaluru FC towards Mumbai City FC within the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday, March 7.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 7, 2023 23:44 IST
Sunil Chhetri made the distinction for Bengaluru FC within the semi-final first leg (Photo Courtesy: ISL Media)
By India Today Sports Desk: Bengaluru FC nabbed a slim 1-0 win and secured an important benefit within the first leg of the Indian Super League (ISL) semi-final towards Mumbai City FC on the Mumbai Football Arena on Tuesday, March 7. Sunil Chhetri got here on in its place and located the again of the online within the 78th minute to offer the Blues a significant benefit forward of the second leg in Bengaluru on Sunday.
As they’ve all season, the Islanders had been as soon as once more the staff that dominated possession and created extra scoring possibilities than their opponents. In the second minute, Greg Stewart set the tempo down the precise with a low cross again into the field for Bipin Singh, whose shot was blocked by Prabir Das. The defender was referred to as into motion once more simply ten minutes later to disclaim Lalengmawia Ralte and Jorge Diaz after a one-two.
At the opposite finish of the pitch, Roshan Naorem’s via ball went previous Mourtada Fall, however Phurba Lachenpa went down and reached the ball earlier than Roy Krishna might trigger harm, and this was largely the extent of the Blues’ penetration within the first half.
Just over 5 minutes away from the break, Stewart despatched Diaz via on purpose with a defense-splitting go from the sting of the field. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was fast to get off the road to thwart the Argentine striker because the impasse remained intact on the break.
CHHETRI MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Before the hour-mark, Bengaluru FC introduced on Chhetri to interchange Sivasakthi Narayanan, and the veteran made the distinction for his aspect for the second recreation in a row. In the ultimate quarter of the sport, moments after Das’ long-range effort was palmed over the bar for a nook, the impasse was damaged by the guests. Chhetri escaped his marker and made his approach in direction of the close to publish, the place he headed Roshan’s nook in from shut vary to nab an important purpose for his aspect.
Bengaluru FC had been then the staff that created the stronger possibilities because the hosts had been resigned to enjoying exterior the field by a disciplined defence. Chhetri was on the forefront once more, forcing two saves from Lachenpa.
One of them was within the closing minute of stoppage time, as Bengaluru FC broke approach to create a 3-v-2 scenario within the closing third because the ball got here to an unmarked Chhetri. He went for purpose on the close to publish however Lachenpa was alert to maintain Bengaluru FC’s benefit to a much less intimidating degree forward of the second leg.
The Blues held on to the slender benefit finally, extending their profitable streak to 10 video games within the Hero ISL. They will return to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday, March 12, for the second leg with a significant benefit.
Published On:
Mar 7, 2023
