ISL 2021-22: Late drama sees Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters share spoils in a 1-1 draw

Albino Gomes' error saw Bengaluru FC take the lead in the 84th minute only to concede the equaliser four minutes later after goalscorer Ashique put the ball into his own net.

Published : Nov 28, 2021 22:02 IST , BAMBOLIM, GOA

BFC keeper Gurpreet consoles Ashique after the latter scored an own goal.
BFC keeper Gurpreet consoles Ashique after the latter scored an own goal.
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BFC keeper Gurpreet consoles Ashique after the latter scored an own goal.

Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC played out a largely dull and dispiriting 1-1 draw at the Bambolim Stadium on Sunday. It was only fitting that the goals scored during the morose evening were both scraps.

In the 84th minute, Ashique Kuruniyan’s right-footed drive from distance appeared to be going out, only for Blasters goalie Albino Gomes to pull the ball back into his own net.

Four minutes later, Kuruniyan was on the scoresheet again, but this time scoring an own goal, blasting the ball into the roof of the net while trying to clear.

But even those ten minutes of drama cannot mask what transpired before. The first half was largely forgettable, with both sides struggling to string together a single move worth remembering.

AS IT HAPPENED: ISL 2021-2022 Bengaluru FC vs Kerala Blasters FC Highlights: Late drama sees match finish in 1-1 draw

A clash of heads resulting in some blood on the floor, Kuruniyan and Vincy Barretto indulging in a bit of a cat and mouse and Harmanjot Khabra denying Sunil Chhetri twice were the only notable moments of action.

The level slightly lifted in the second period, with both teams trying to attack the opposition box. After a few harmless long-range punts from far, BFC forward Cleiton Silva, near the hour mark, swung in a fine ball from the left flank to find Udanta Singh in space, only for the latter to fluff his goal attempt.

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Pezzaiuoli rang in the changes, taking out Chhetri and midfielder Iman Basafa. So did Blasters’ Ivan Vukomanovic, withdrawing Barretto and Sahal Abdul Samad. Prince Ibara, who replaced Chhetri, made a few darting runs down the right flank but nothing came off them.

In the 83rd minute though, Silva missed a golden chance, drilling a volley from five yards out straight at Gomes. The action thereafter livened up proceedings, but it was a match the club faithful will be happy to think no more of.

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