Super Cup 2025-26: Kelvin impresses as Bengaluru FC starts campaign with win over Mohammedan SC

Youth – Taorem Kelvin Singh (19) and experience – Sunil Chhetri (41) – both played their part for Bengaluru FC as they defeated Mohammedan Sporting 2-0 in their Group C match at the PJN Stadium in Margao.

Mohammedan Sporting, who entered the match on the brink of financial collapse and with an all-Indian squad, put in a valiant effort throughout most parts of the match, including one crucial save from Chhetri.

However, the difference in quality eventually became apparent, with Ryan Williams and Braian Sanchez continually exposing the flanks.

After half an hour the deadlock was broken: Rahul Bheke’s long ball was headed to Kelvin by Sánchez, and the Indian youngster turned, held off a defender and smashed into the net, curling the ball with his right foot.

It was another match in which Indian men’s team coach Khalid Jamil opted to sit in the stands instead of the VIP area, taking notes from promising players ahead of India’s remaining Asian Cup qualifiers next month.

And Kelvin will hope he attracted attention with his exhibition.

ALSO READ: Kerala Blasters get past Rajasthan United in hard-fought campaign opener

For the Black Panthers, Bamiya Samad and Thokchom Adison Singh tried to score a goal, with the former’s free-kick in the 25th minute and the latter’s shot in first-half stoppage time forcing saves from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Gerard Zaragoza brought on Chhetri in the second half and changed the formation from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2, with Williams partnering Bengaluru’s record goalscorer.

However, Mohammedan Sporting, led by former India international Mehrajuddin Wadoo, clung to a heavy low block to contain attacks – a strategy that led to Pukhrambam pushing Meitei Chhetri down in the penalty area in the 85th minute.

Chhetri converted it with a calm finish, starting his home season with a goal and marking his contract extension with a comfortable win.

The win moves Bengaluru into second place in Group C, with Punjab FC level but at the top due to a higher goal difference.

Bengaluru will next play Gokulam Kerala in Margao, while Mohammedan Sporting will take on Punjab FC in Bambolim, with both matches scheduled for November 2.

Published on October 30, 2025