Football
ISL 2023/24: Kerala Blasters beat Bengaluru FC in season opener- Highlights
Danish Farooq and Adrian Luna scored for Kerala Blasters. Curtis Mainn scored the consolation goal for BFC.
Kerala Blasters vs Bengaluru FC
Kerala Blasters welcomed their local rivals, Bengaluru FC, to their fortress in a high-voltage clash that marked the kickoff of the 10th season of the Indian Super League.
The question on everyone's mind was whether Kerala Blasters could exact revenge for the events that unfolded in their last playoff encounter at the Sree Kanteerava stadium.
The first half was a closely contested battle, and despite clear appeals for a penalty in favor of the hosts, the standard of refereeing continued to be a topic of discussion.
In the 51st minute, the Blasters broke the deadlock, thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Kesia Veendorp. The home crowd erupted in joy. The second goal arrived following a howler from Gurpreet, with Luna capitalizing on the opportunity in the 69th minute.
As the clock ticked down, Bengaluru FC showed their resilience, and Curtis Main managed to pull one back in the 89th minute.
The fortress had lived up to its name, and the Blasters started their season on a winning note.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 21 Sep 2023 3:50 PM GMT
58' Straight to the Keeper!
Bengaluru FC is on the attack, pushing hard for an equalizer! Sivasakthi attempts a powerful long-range shot, but Sachin, the goalkeeper for Kerala Blasters, makes a crucial save to keep his team in the lead.
- 21 Sep 2023 3:44 PM GMT
51' GOOOOALLLLLL!!!!
Danish Farooq, ex Bengaluru FC takes the lead for Kerala Blasters. A corner taken by Luna and Danish heads it in, there is a slight possibility of an own goal from Kesia.
Kerala Blasters 1 - 0 Bengaluru FC
- 21 Sep 2023 3:24 PM GMT
HALF TIME: Kerala Blasters 0-0 Bengaluru FC
A mixed half for both teams as Kerala Blasters started on the front foot but Bengaluru started gaining some dominance in the midfield later on.
Few shouts of penalty here and there but both goalkeepers go out unscathed in the first half.
Interesting second half coming tomorrow.
- 21 Sep 2023 3:10 PM GMT
34' The home fans are making their presence felt!
Kerala Blasters fans are keeping the atmosphere lively as their team has been brilliant attacking-wise. Meanwhile, Sachin Suresh parries a shot from Roshan.
KBFC 0-0 BFC
- 21 Sep 2023 3:01 PM GMT
24' Kerala Blasters have been menacing and they are asking for a penalty kick here.
Carnero fouls Daisuke of KBFC but the Kerala team is asking for a penalty kick, however, the replay shows that free-kick is the right decision.
KBFC 0-0 BFC
- 21 Sep 2023 2:51 PM GMT
16' Both goalkeepers are untested till now.
The goalkeepers- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sachin Suresh are untroubled till now. Gurpreet is consistently involved with his defense in the build-up play.
KBFC 0-0 BFC
- 21 Sep 2023 2:47 PM GMT
11' Rain is pouring but temperature is going up!
It's high voltage indeed! Despite the pouring rain in Kochi, the atmosphere is sizzling with excitement. Kerala Blasters seem to be dominating the early moments, while Bengaluru FC is still searching for a clear chance at the goal.
- 21 Sep 2023 2:39 PM GMT
4' Blasters on the front foot!
Kerala Blasters have certainly started the game with a bang! They've launched a couple of attacking moves right from the first minute. Luna wins a corner for the Blasters, but unfortunately, the opposing defense clears the danger.
