Seven-Goal Thriller: FC Bengaluru United Edge Mohammedan SC in Dramatic IFL Clash
FC Bengaluru United secured their first IFL win with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Mohammedan SC, sealed by a 91st-minute header.
In a pulsating encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium, FC Bengaluru United secured their first-ever victory in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 season, defeating Mohammedan SC 4-3. The match, which lived up to every bit of its hype, was decided in the dying moments of stoppage time by a clinical header from substitute Akshunna Tyagi in the 91st minute.
Early Dominance by the Home Side
Playing in familiar conditions, FC Bengaluru United started the match with high intensity, putting the Kolkata-based outfit under immediate pressure. The deadlock was broken when Jojo Zaihmingthanga delivered a precise corner, allowing Marat Tareck to use his physical superiority to power home a thumping header. This goal marked a historic moment as the first-ever IFL goal for the club.
The momentum remained with the hosts, who doubled their lead before the 20-minute mark. A curling corner from Dhruv Sharma found Gautam A. Virwani, who sent a superb header into the top corner, leaving the Mohammedan SC goalkeeper with no chance.
Mohammedan SC Fight Back
Despite the early deficit, Mohammedan SC refused to fold. Their resurgence began in the 26th minute following a defensive lapse by Bengaluru captain Abdul Hannan. The error allowed Lalremsanga Fanai to cut the ball back to Yash Chickro; while the initial shot was blocked, Maharabam Maxion pounced on the rebound to slot the ball under goalkeeper Manjunath Hirekurbar, making it 2-1.
The first half was characterized by a stellar performance from Mohammedan keeper Nikhil Deka, who produced a series of acrobatic saves to deny Maikol Herrera and Lalramdinsanga Ralte, ensuring the deficit remained at one goal going into the break.
A See-Saw Second Half
The drama intensified after the restart. Chunsaba Bariam nearly extended Bengaluru's lead with a powerful strike that hit the underside of the post and ricocheted off the goalkeeper, but the ball miraculously stayed out.
However, FC Bengaluru United soon restored their two-goal cushion in the 53rd minute. Dhruv Sharma, who was a constant threat from the left wing, provided a looping cross to the far post, where Ngangbam Naocha Singh outmaneuvered his marker to guide the ball home.
The Kolkata Comeback and the Final Twist
Mohammedan SC once again displayed immense resilience. Just five minutes after conceding, Lalthankima drove forward to set up the attack, leading to a goal that reduced the gap to 3-2. The visitors continued to push, and their persistence paid off in the 78th minute when Lalremsanga Fanai found the equalizer, leaving the game poised for a draw.
Just as it seemed the points would be shared, the game witnessed a cinematic finale. In the 91st minute, substitute Akshunna Tyagi rose to the occasion, scoring a stoppage-time header to seal a 4-3 victory and gift FC Bengaluru United their maiden win in the league.