Bengaluru keeps pace with table-topper Goa

Nishu Kumar’s seventh-minute strike turned out to be enough for the host to claim full points as Hyderabad failed to convert multiple chances, including a penalty strike. BFC is now second in the standings with 28 points from 15 games, while HFC remains bottom of the table with 6 points from 15 matches.

Nishu provided Bengaluru a stunning opening goal. Dimas Delgado’s corner delivery towards the edge of the box was met with a ferocious volley that sent the ball into the back of the net. Away side Hyderabad was alert to the situation and looked to get back into the game immediately.

Nikhil Poojary cut in from the right flank and with the BFC defence opting not to press, the winger produced a curling effort that missed the frame of the goal by inches. The visitor was allowed its major opening in the 23rd minute when Suresh Singh fouled Brazilian Marcelinho inside the box.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu became Bengaluru’s hero in goal as he kept out Marko Stankovic’s penalty attempt towards the bottom left corner and then saved the rebound by Bobo. BFC missed a chance to double its lead soon after the restart. With both teams looking to make inroads into their respective final third, a simple pass from Juanan was flicked into the path of Udanta Singh by Harmanjot Khabra.

The Hyderabad defence failed to properly clear the ball and it fell for Deshorn Brown, who couldn’t get a shot away in time before Hyderabad goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani made the save. Brown had another opportunity to score in the 55th minute when he cut in from the left but in a one-on-one scenario, Kattimani rushed off his line and made himself big to deny the goal.

The home team took control of the game in midfield and denied the visitor space to operate as the second half wore on. New Bengaluru signing Nili Perdomo could have scored on his debut after coming on as a substitute only to see the goal post deny him twice in quick succession.

BFC was almost left to rue those misses when Hyderabad substitute Liston Colaco entered the box after a lovely one-two with Adil Khan, but his shot from point-blank range was tipped away spectacularly by Gurpreet.