Sunil Chhetri Scores On 40th Birthday to Help Bengaluru FC Beat Inter Kashi in Durand Cup

On his 40th birthday, Sunil Chhetri led Bengaluru FC to a 3-0 victory over I-League side Inter Kashi in their Group B match of the Durand Cup at Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK). This win keeps Bengaluru’s perfect record in the tournament intact following their earlier triumph against the Indian Navy.

Match Highlights

• Bengaluru FC Goals:
• Edgar Mendez (Penalty)
• Alberto Noguera Ripoll
• Sunil Chhetri

First Half

Bengaluru FC dominated possession and attacking play in the first half, preventing Inter Kashi from registering a single shot on goal. The breakthrough came after a handball by Inter Kashi’s Panicker inside the box led to a penalty, which Spanish recruit Edgar Mendez converted confidently.

Second Half

Post-break, Bengaluru coach Gerard Zaragoza introduced key players, including Jorge Peryra Diaz, Ryan Williams, and Sunil Chhetri. Their impact was immediate, with Chhetri getting two chances soon after coming on.

The second goal was a team effort initiated by Ripoll, who found Chhetri on the right. Chhetri’s cross to Peryra Diaz, who back-heeled the ball to Ripoll, resulted in a well-placed right-footed finish.

Chhetri then scored the final goal, heading in from a corner in the 77th minute. Despite a missed penalty by Ryan Williams, Bengaluru secured a convincing win.

Match Summary

• Bengaluru FC 3 (Edgar Mendez, Alberto Noguera Ripoll, Sunil Chhetri) – 0 Inter Kashi

Inter Kashi, who drew their first game against Mohammedan Sporting, now face a must-win situation in their final group match to keep their qualification hopes alive.