Bengaluru FC Dominates Inter Kashi with Convincing 3-0 Win

Bengaluru FC secured a solid 3-0 victory over Inter Kashi in Group B of the Durand Cup. Goals from Edgar Mendez, Alberto Noguera Ripoll, and Sunil Chhetri ensured their 100% record in the tournament.

Former champions Bengaluru FC cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory against I-League outfit Inter Kashi in a Group B match of the Durand Cup at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) on Saturday. The goals came courtesy of Spanish recruits Edgar Mendez and Alberto Noguera Ripoll, with captain Sunil Chhetri sealing the win. The Blues continued their unbeaten run, having previously thrashed the Indian Navy in their opener, while Inter Kashi, held by Mohammedan Sporting in their first game, now face an uphill task to advance.

Manager Gerard Zaragoza made a couple of changes, bringing in Mendez, who scored from the penalty spot after Panicker handled the ball in the box. Chhetri started on the bench but was introduced in the second half. Inter Kashi's manager Izumi Arata fielded the same 11 from their draw with Mohammedan Sporting, but found little success, as they failed to register a shot on target in the first half. The Blues dominated possession and attack, but Inter Kashi's defense held firm until the penalty.

Post-interval, Zaragoza deployed key players like Jorge Peryra Diaz, Ryan Williams, and Chhetri, increasing their offensive intensity. Ripoll doubled the lead after a combined play involving Chhetri and Diaz. The captain himself added a third with a header from a corner, while Williams missed a late penalty, preventing further humiliation for Inter Kashi.

(With inputs from agencies.)