ISL: Sanchez Brace Powers Bengaluru Past Inter Kashi in Kolkata Clash
In a thrilling Indian Super League encounter at Kolkata's Kishore Bharati Krirangan, Bengaluru FC secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Inter Kashi, propelled by a second-half brace from midfielder Braian Sanchez. The match, played on Sunday, saw Bengaluru climb to fourth in the ISL 2025-26 standings with 11 points from six matches, while Inter Kashi remained eleventh with five points.
First Half: Early Lead and Swift Equalizer
Bengaluru FC, under coach Renedy Singh, started strongly, dominating possession from the outset. Left winger Ashique Kuruniyan tested Inter Kashi goalkeeper Lluis Tarres early in the 10th minute, setting the tone for an aggressive opening. Midfielders Sirojiddin Kuziev and Braian Sanchez both came close with long-range efforts, keeping the pressure on the hosts.
The visitors' persistence paid off in the 20th minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Ashique Kuruniyan dispossessed Inter Kashi captain Sumeet Passi, drove forward with intent, and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike into the top-left corner, giving Bengaluru a 1-0 lead.
Bengaluru continued to press, with Tarres producing a fine save to deny them a second goal before Namgyal Bhutia was flagged offside. However, Inter Kashi fought back, finding an equalizer in the 38th minute when Alfred Planas finished clinically from inside the box, leveling the score at 1-1. Both sides pushed forward before the break, but the first half ended evenly poised.
Second Half: Sanchez Seals the Win
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Bengaluru looking to regain control while Inter Kashi threatened on the counter. Planas had an early chance after the restart, while Bengaluru's Sunil Chhetri tested Tarres and later headed narrowly wide as the visitors increased the pressure.
Inter Kashi came close in the 65th minute through Prasanth Mohan, but his header drifted wide. Moments later, Bengaluru regained the lead in the 69th minute. From a free-kick delivery by Sirojiddin Kuziev, Tarres failed to punch the ball, allowing Braian Sanchez to head into an unguarded net, making it 2-1.
Bengaluru looked to extend their advantage in the closing stages, with Vinith Venkatesh and Kuziev both missing the target from distance. Inter Kashi continued to search for an equalizer, with Rohit Danu coming close late on, but the hosts were unable to find the finishing touch.
Deep into stoppage time, Bengaluru sealed the result. Tarres gifted the ball to Sanchez, who capitalized from long range to score his second of the night, making it 3-1 in the dying minutes. The final whistle confirmed a convincing victory for Bengaluru FC, as they secured three points on the road and continued their strong run in the competition.
Braian Sanchez was adjudged the 'Player of the Match' for his match-winning performance, highlighting his crucial role in Bengaluru's ascent in the league standings. This win underscores Bengaluru's resilience and tactical prowess under Renedy Singh, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures in the Indian Super League.
