Delhi FC held Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC to a 2-2 draw in an action packed Group C match of the 2021 Durand Cup at the Mohun Bagan ground on Saturday. Willis Deon Plaza scored a brace for Delhi FC while Siva Sakthi N and Khangembam Bidyashagar Singh scored the goals for Bengaluru.
With the result, Group C is wide open now with three teams having a realistic chance to advance to the next stage. Bengaluru, with four points, are top of the standings with one round of match left, ahead of Indian Navy (3) and Kerala Blasters (3). Bengaluru play Navy in their final group game on Tuesday, while Blasters take on Delhi.
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The first half was a dodgy affair with both teams creating opportunities but failing to convert. The slippery conditions at Mohun Bagan did not help either. However, in the 27th minute, Siva Shakti took a brilliant shot at goal to put Bengaluru ahead.
Delhi FC, the underdogs, were not willing to go down tamely. They played a catch-up game and some great moments were created by Plaza and Himanshu Jangra. But Bengaluru ’keeper Lara Sharma did well to keep the side ahead by the solitary goal going into the break.
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The second half was an absolute turnaround with both teams looking charged up. Delhi FC was the more dominant team and in the 58th minute, their star player Plaza scored the equalizer, courtesy a brilliant header. The Trinidad and Tobago player scored his second of the game four minutes later.
The team from Delhi seemed like going away with the game but Bengaluru’s Bidyashagar Singh had other plans. He collected a well-directed cross from Harmanpreet Singh, made no mistake, and scored the equalizer in the final quarter of the match.
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