Goa won 5-0 against a hapless Jamshedpur FC whereas Bengaluru FC were held on to a 2-2 draw against Delhi FC in Durand Cup. As a result, the Gaurs finish their group stage as Group B winners.
On the other hand, Bengaluru have awarded a chance for Kerala Blasters or Indian Navy for a place in the knockouts. Devendra Murgaokar, Princeton Rebello and Muhammed Nemil were the goalscorers for Juan Ferrando led Goa.
In the other match, Delhi FC’s Williz Plaza scored a brace but wasn’t enough as Bengaluru hit back twice with goals from Siva Sakthi and Bidyashagar Singh.
Goa win Group B with a five star performance and Bengaluru held to open up Group C in the Durand Cup
FC Goa were just the second ISL team to announce their full strength squad alongside Kerala Blasters. However, youngsters have performed well and it has been good preparation for the upcoming 2021-22 Indian Super League season.
Brandon was included in the starting 11 and youngsters Mohammed Nemil and Devendra Murgaonkar were keen on yet another win. On the other hand, Jamshedpur needed a win for their bid to qualify for the quarterfinals.
However, the Miners were punished by Ferrando’s men. It didn’t take long for Goa to score their first goal as Murgaonkar found the back of the net in the 20th minute. Six minutes later, Princeton made it 2-0. Goals came pouring in as Murgaonkar scored his second goal to extend the lead at halftime.
Goa were too hot to handle. Additionally, the previous match’s star performer Nemil once again was able to score. He scored two goals in the second half to extend the lead to five goals to nil. It was a great attacking performance from the group champions who are naturally looking like the favourites to win it.
Bengaluru FC frustrated with a 2-2 draw against Delhi FC
After an astonishing victory against Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru were hoping for maintaining a 100% record. However, the match was overshadowed by poor pitch conditions that eventually led to a draw.
Bengaluru were high on confidence and deservedly took in the lead in the 27th minute. Siva Sakthi was the goalscorer this time. It was an excellent performance from Lara, who was the Man of the Match last time around against Blasters.
The Blues held on to the lead in the first half and were offensively and defensively sound despite the difficult playing conditions. Williz Plaza was causing problems but Lara was up to the rescue. But Bengaluru were dominant and were creating most chances.
However, the I-League 2nd division club gave a good fight in the second half. Williz Plaza equalized from a delicious cross in the 58th minute. Four minutes later, Delhi completed the comeback as Plaza scored his second goal for the day.
Suddenly, the Delhi side became the dominant side but their joy didn’t last long. In the 75th minute, Bidyashagar Singh scored the equalizer to break Delhi FC’s hearts. Despite the draw, Plaza was named Man of the match for his superb display in front of goal.
Bengaluru reserves next face Indian Navy in their final group stage match. The race for the top two teams in Group C is heating up as Blasters face Delhi FC on 21st September.
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