FC Bengaluru United put in a strong showing to beat Bangalore Independents 4-1 in the ongoing BDFA Super Division League at the Bangalore Football Stadium. Mohamed Kdouh (6, 16) starred with a brace for the defending champions; the other goalscorers were Irfan Yadwad (68) and Shajan Franklin (81).
FC Bengaluru got into their stride straight away and soon enough were on the scoreboard with Mohamed Kdouh scoring off an excellent cross from Chesterpaul Lyngdoh in the 6th minute. A free-kick opportunity followed soon after, but Lalramzua Khiangte failed to convert it. FC Bengaluru United continued to create chances and put the Bangalore Independents FC defence under pressure. In the 16th minute, it was Kdouh again in the thick of things, this time scoring off a corner to get FCBU up 2-0. FCBU kept up the pressure right through the first half but were unable to convert any further opportunities.
FCBU started the second half strongly; in the 56th minute, Kdouh pounced on a loose ball that came through a cross. He almost had his hattrick only to have the goal ruled offside. Irfan Yadwad, who came in as a substitute in the 67th minute had an immediate impact, scoring a goal in the very next minute, almost off his first touch in the game. After a strong counter-attacking run from his own half, he cut across the opposition defence to score a thrilling goal to get FCBU up 3-0. In the 72nd minute, against the run of play, Bangalore Independents made the most of a goalkeeping lapse to get on the scoreboard. But FCBU didn’t let that blip deter them – in the 81st minute a smart cross from Manvir Singh to Irfan was spectacularly shot towards the goal, only to see it saved – the ball landed at the feet of Aenam K Jyrwa who put in a smart cross and Shajan Franklin made no mistake putting it away; FCBU ending up worthy winners with a 4-1 scoreline.
