Football
Stafford Cup 2023: FC Bengaluru United become champions- Highlights
FC Bengaluru United defeated Chennaiyin FC to lift the trophy.
FC Bengaluru United after scoring the winner against Chennaiyin FC in the Stafford Challenge Cup 2023.
FC Bengaluru United defeated Chennaiyin FC in the Stafford Challenge Cup 2023 final to lift the trophy. It was a brilliant direct freekick from FCBU's Vinil Poojary in the 31st minute which broke the deadlock.
The Marina Machans started the game well but slowly veered off as their opponents took control of the game. Early in the second half, Bengaluru had a golden chance to double their lead after winning a penalty, but forward Irfan Yadwad's attempt was well saved by CFC's goalie Mohan.
After trying to find that defence-splitting pass to their forward, Chennaiyin FC's Sajal Bag did find it through his pass to Senthamil, who kept his composure inside the box and slotted it past the FCBU goalie to equalise.
After the equlaiser, both teams seemed to play it safe. If neither hadn't scored then the match would have gone to penalties. But, FC Bengaluru United's Irfan didn't want to wait that long.
After a brilliant cross from the left flank was put in by Selwyn Miranda, a lurking Irfan headed the ball in to give his team the lead and the trophy.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 6 March 2023 10:20 AM GMT
HALF TIME
It's Poojary's brilliant curler which is the difference between Chennaiyin FC and FC Bengaluru United.
HT: CFC 0-1 FCBU
- 6 March 2023 10:12 AM GMT
40'- All FCBU now
After getting the goal, Bengaluru United have been mostly playing inside CFC's box.
- 6 March 2023 10:01 AM GMT
31'- GOALLL
It's Vinil Poojary who curls it directly from the freekick!
CFC 0-1 FCBU
- 6 March 2023 10:00 AM GMT
30'- First yellow card of the game
Brilliant skill from Nikhil Mani to get away from Rajat, but the latter pulled the former's shirt back. The referee shows Rajat a card.
- 6 March 2023 9:53 AM GMT
20'- Shouts for handball!
The FCBU players appeal for a handball after their freekick seemed to have touched a Chennaiyin FC player inside the box, but the referee didn't think so.
- 6 March 2023 9:47 AM GMT
15'- FCBU yet to threaten Chennaiyin FC's box
The Bengaluru side has been stringing passes together well but have not been able to create that defence-splitting pass to allow their forwards to try their chance.
- 6 March 2023 9:41 AM GMT
10'- CFC with more of the chances
First shot on target came after Chennaiyin FC's midfielder tried his luck from distance and even tested the FCBU goalie Kabir, who was forced to tip the ball over the crossbar.
- 6 March 2023 9:37 AM GMT
Chennaiyin FC's starting XI!
Mohan (GK), Hanan, Bikash, Niketh, Rajat, Solaimalai, Sajal, Joseph, Givson, Tondon, Senthamil.
