Image Source : @INDSUPERLEAGUE The sport appeared to be heading for a draw earlier than Rahul produced a superb particular person effort in damage time.
An injury-time purpose from Rahul KP handed Kerala Blasters a dramatic comeback 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC in an Indian Super League match right here on Wednesday.
An acrobatic first-half effort from Cleiton Silva (twenty fourth) handed Bengaluru the lead earlier than substitute Lalthathanga Khawlhring netted an equaliser (73rd) for Kerala Blasters.
The sport appeared to be heading for a draw earlier than Rahul produced a superb particular person effort in damage time.
Despite beginning the sport higher, Kibu Vicuna’s males lacked the ultimate ball and was promptly punished by Bengaluru, who scored in opposition to the run of play.
Kerala had their first clear-cut likelihood within the 18th minute when Jordan Murray’s shot from contained in the field went over the bar. Minutes later, Sahal Abdul Samad’s threatening run into the field got here to nothing.
Bengaluru promptly punished them for not profiting from their alternatives. Rahul Bheke’s lengthy throw from the fitting was not correctly handled by the Kerala defence and it fell to Cleiton, whose acrobatic volley gave Kerala keeper Albino Gomes no likelihood.Bengaluru had an opportunity to double the lead on the stroke of half time when Costa Nhamoinesu fouled Sunil Chhetri simply exterior the field. The ensuing free-kick was taken by Chhetri and appeared to be stepping into, however Albino pulled off a terrific save.
In the second half, Kerala acquired an opportunity when Juanan introduced down Lalthathanga simply exterior the field. Lalthathanga took the free-kick himself however solely succeeded in smashing it straight into the wall.
However, he made amends for it, albeit in contentious circumstances. Bengaluru keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu went down after utilizing his physique to dam a robust Gary Hooper shot from shut vary.
With Gurpreet nonetheless on the bottom, Sandeep Singh fired the ball again into the field. After a melee, the ball lastly broke free for Lalthathanga, who netted the equaliser.
Thereafter each groups pressed laborious for the winner, getting free-kicks from threatening positions however ultimately got here to nothing.
Bengaluru got here near scoring, with substitute Leon Augustin discovering himself clear by way of on purpose in damage time. However, he didn’t get the ball previous the onrushing Albino.
There was nonetheless time for a late winner, although. After Bengaluru struck the publish, a fast counter-attack from Kerala noticed Rahul dash into the Bengaluru half. Instead of looking for a teammate, he took the shot himself and succeeded in beating Gurpreet for a dramatic winner.