Football – Bengaluru FC Rally Past Inter Kashi with Sanchez Double
Football – Bengaluru FC produced a strong second-half display to defeat Inter Kashi 3-1 in their Indian Super League 2025-26 encounter at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Sunday. The win helped the visiting side climb to fourth place in the standings with 11 points from six matches, while Inter Kashi remained near the bottom in eleventh with five points.
Early Momentum Sets the Tone
Bengaluru FC began the match with confidence, controlling possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their intent was evident in the opening minutes as Ashique Kuruniyan tested goalkeeper Lluis Tarres with an early effort. Midfielders Sirojiddin Kuziev and Braian Sanchez also tried their luck from distance, signaling the visitors’ attacking approach.
The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute through a moment of sharp individual play. Kuruniyan dispossessed Inter Kashi captain Sumeet Passi and surged forward before striking a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, giving Bengaluru a deserved lead.
Inter Kashi Respond Before Half-Time
Despite Bengaluru’s dominance, Inter Kashi managed to find their way back into the game. Goalkeeper Tarres kept his side in contention with a crucial save to prevent a second goal, while Bengaluru also saw an opportunity ruled out for offside.
The equaliser came in the 38th minute when Alfred Planas finished calmly from inside the penalty area, bringing the score to 1-1. Both teams pushed for another goal before the interval, but neither could break the deadlock, leaving the match evenly balanced at half-time.
Second Half Turns in Bengaluru’s Favour
After the restart, Bengaluru looked determined to regain control, while Inter Kashi relied on counter-attacks to create chances. Planas nearly added his second early in the half, and Sunil Chhetri tested Tarres with a series of attempts as the visitors increased the pressure.
Inter Kashi had a promising opportunity in the 65th minute when Prasanth Mohan’s header narrowly missed the target. However, Bengaluru capitalised soon after. In the 69th minute, a free-kick delivery from Kuziev caused confusion in the box, and Tarres failed to clear effectively. Sanchez reacted quickest, heading the ball into an empty net to restore Bengaluru’s lead at 2-1.
Late Drama and Decisive Finish
As the match entered its final stages, Bengaluru continued to push forward in search of a third goal. Vinith Venkatesh and Kuziev both attempted long-range shots but could not find the target. On the other end, Inter Kashi pressed for an equaliser, with Rohit Danu coming close late in the game.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time. A costly error from Tarres gifted possession to Sanchez, who took advantage with a composed long-range finish to score his second goal of the match. That strike sealed a 3-1 victory and ensured all three points for Bengaluru FC.
Key Takeaways from the Match
Bengaluru FC’s performance highlighted their attacking depth and ability to capitalise on crucial moments. Braian Sanchez’s brace proved decisive, earning him the Player of the Match award. The team’s disciplined approach and consistent pressure were key factors in securing the win.
For Inter Kashi, defensive lapses and missed opportunities ultimately cost them the game. While they showed resilience by equalising in the first half, they struggled to maintain consistency against a determined Bengaluru side.
With this result, Bengaluru FC continue their positive run in the league, while Inter Kashi will need to regroup quickly to improve their standing in the competition.