Saturday, Apr 27, 2024 | Last Update : 07:28 AM IST
ISL 4: Sunil Chhetri sends BFC into final
Pune’s substitute Jonatan Lucca gave the visitors hope of reaching their first-ever final with a free-kick in the 82nd minute.
Bengaluru: Fans poured into the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here to witness Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC’s smooth passage into the Indian Super League-4 final, winning their semi-final tie 3-1 against FC Pune City on aggregate, in the second leg here on Sunday. The first leg had ended goalless.
The skipper bagged a splendid hat-trick in a vintage display of skill and ingenuity, further etching his name in BFC folklore as the competition debutants eased into their first final of the season.
The hosts took the early initiative. Udanta Singh was sent through by Miku’s flick-on and sent it to an onrushing Chhetri at the far post, but he couldn’t direct his sliding effort on target.
Pune nearly had a goal when Diego Carlos swept in from the left flank to force a reflex save out of Bengaluru custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The early exchanges demanded a goal, but Bengaluru weren’t the ones to sully their excellent defensive record at home — only six goals conceded.
Instead, they went ahead in the 15th minute after Chhetri started and finished a wonderful move. Dribbling out deep from his own half, the 33-year-old drifted past the white Pune shirts at will and found Udanta on the right. Benched for the first leg, the speedster crossed deep into the far post for Chhetri to bobble a head in. Opposition goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made a glaring error, rushing out of his line but grasping at thin air as the ball looped over him.
The second half saw Bengaluru attempt to preserve their lead. The result of this was a penalty for Chhetri after substitute Sarthak Golui committed a silly foul. With absolute nonchalance befitting a man of his experience, the captain completed an audacious Panenka kick past a hapless Kaith in the 65th minute.
Pune’s substitute Jonatan Lucca gave the visitors hope of reaching their first-ever final with a free-kick in the 82nd minute.
As Pune committed men forward to find the golden goal, Chhetri broke through the lines and dashed the Stallion’s hopes with a fine side-foot finish in the 89th minute.
