ISL 2026: Bengaluru FC Edge Fighting Mohammedan Sporting 2-1 in Kolkata

Image: AIFF

Bengaluru FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Indian Super League 2025–26 at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Saturday, courtesy of first-half goals from Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan. Mohammedan fought back strongly in the second half through Mahitosh Roy but ultimately fell short as the visitors held on for all three points.

The win lifted Bengaluru FC to fifth place on the table with seven points, while Mohammedan Sporting continued their difficult start to the campaign, suffering a fourth consecutive defeat.

Bengaluru Strike Early

Both teams came into the match after defeats in their previous outings, prompting changes from their respective head coaches. Bengaluru FC boss Renedy Singh made three alterations to his starting line-up, bringing in Rahul Bheke in defence, handing Uzbek midfielder Siroj Kuziev his debut, and pairing Sunil Chhetri with Ryan Williams in attack.

Mohammedan Sporting head coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo also reshuffled his side. Lalmuanawma started at right back in place of Hira Mondal, Tangva Ragui returned to midfield, and Israfil Dewan partnered Adison in attack.

Bengaluru FC started brightly and quickly took control of proceedings. The early pressure almost paid off when Chhetri had three opportunities inside the first ten minutes but failed to hit the target.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 22nd minute. From a corner delivered by Kuziev, Chhetri directed a header towards goal that took a deflection off Nikhil Poojary and fell kindly for Ryan Williams, who reacted quickly to tap the ball home from close range.

Kuruniyan Doubles the Lead

The visitors continued to push forward and found their second goal just before half-time. Poojary created the opportunity down the right flank, sending in a dangerous ball that Mohammedan goalkeeper Padam Chettri managed to parry away.

However, the clearance fell straight to Ashique Kuruniyan at the edge of the box. The winger unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that slipped past the goalkeeper despite getting a touch, giving Bengaluru FC a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the break.

Mohammedan Fight Back

Mohammedan Sporting returned from the interval with renewed intensity. Wadoo introduced Hira Mondal and Lalngaihsaka early in the second half in an attempt to inject energy into the side.

The change paid immediate dividends. In the 51st minute, Adison delivered a cross from the right which was initially cleared by Bheke. The ball dropped to Mahitosh Roy on the edge of the area and the midfielder calmly guided a right-footed effort past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to reduce the deficit.

The goal sparked belief in the home side, who began to press higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser.

Gurpreet Stands Tall

Mohammedan came close to levelling the score on two occasions through Thankima. In the 65th minute, the forward struck a powerful effort that beat Gurpreet Singh Sandhu but crashed against the crossbar.

Twenty minutes later, Thankima again tested the Bengaluru goalkeeper with a well-directed shot, but Gurpreet produced a brilliant save to keep his side in front.

The hosts thought they had snatched a dramatic equaliser in the final moments of stoppage time when Fardeen bundled the ball into the net from close range. However, the referee had already blown for an infringement inside the box, ruling out the goal.

Bengaluru Hold On

Despite a spirited late push from Mohammedan Sporting, Bengaluru FC held firm to secure an important away victory. The Blues walked away with three crucial points, while the Kolkata side were left to reflect on another narrow defeat despite a much-improved second-half performance.

For Bengaluru FC, the result strengthens their push up the table. For Mohammedan Sporting, the search for their first points of the season continues.