SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: In a matter of four minutes, Ashique Kuruniyan turned hero to villain as his goals at either end cancelled out for Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters FC to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw in a Indian Super League (ISL) third-round game at the Athletic Stadium in Bambolim on Sunday.
Ashique Kuruniyan (84' and 88' OG) first scored for the Blues and then for the opposition. Bengaluru now have 4 points from 3 games but Blasters still remain winless.
Marco Pezzauioli, on the back of the 3-1 defeat at the hands of Odisha, brought in more creativity with Iman Basafa slotting into midfield. Cleiton Silva returned to lead the line. Blasters too had a couple of changes. Puitea featured alongside Jeakson Singh in a double-pivot role as Alvaro Vazquez replaced Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Bengaluru remained on top with superior ball possession early on but Blasters had Jeakson Singh almost create a favourable chance under two minutes itself. Ashique Kuruniyan's pace kept former teammate Harmanjot Singh Khabra on check with Iman Basafa looking settled in dictating play from the centre of the pitch.
It was a frantic ten minutes after the change of ends. Cleiton and Udanta combined well to keep Blasters anxious. First the Brazilian shot wide and then lobbed the ball high over the bar. Albino Gomes in fairness, had it covered.
The last ten minutes defined the script of the game. Ashqiue found the ball on the edge of the box. After toying with Khabra, he shot on the angle and a spill from Albino Gomes saw the ball go into the net.
Moments later, it was anti-climax. A cross from the left saw Leskovic pip goalwards but Ashique, instead of clearing, shot right into his own net.
