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Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters produced one of the most entertaining games in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday.
Bengaluru FC scripted a stunning comeback after being two goals down to steal a point off Kerala Blasters in the 2-2 draw.
Blasters took the lead in the early stages of the game after a handball by Kean Lewis gifted them a penalty. Slavisa Stojanovic converted from the spot in the 16th minute to give them a dream start. Five minutes before half time, Courage Pekuson's stunner gave Kerala Blasters a 2-0 lead.
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With their backs against the wall, BFC rung in some changes in the second half and gave it all they got. Udanta Singh reduced the margin after rushing in to tap Sunil Chhetri's layup and then the two combined in the 85th minute to secure the equaliser.
Chhetri broke his barren run of not scoring in seven matches to get his sixth goal of the season.
Kerala Blasters were disappointed that they let a two-goal lead slip but captain Sandesh Jhingan and Dheeraj Singh looked at the positives.
"It was a game of two halves. We did well in the first half. In the second half, we knew they were going to throw a lot of men up front. We had to score and we didn't score.
"It was even in the end but we could have kept it.
"We knew that's how they were going to score. we should have defended better but that's football.
ALSO SEE: ISL Points Table | ISL Schedule | ISL Results
Jhingan added that Blasters will try to snap their winless run in the next game against Chennaiyin FC on Feb 15.
"I like how the boys performed away from home. we'll go well and try to win the next one," he added.
As a goalie, won't mind conceding goals like those: Gurpreet
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the Bengaluru FC goalkeeper, lauded Courage Pekuson's spectacular curler into the top-right corner in the 40th minute.
"You couldn't do anything about the penalty, you just go by your instincts.
"As for the second goal, I have to appreciate Courage Pekuson's effort because it was a world-class goal.
"No, I didn't expect a shot. It was a good layoff and a great shot. By the time I saw it, it was already in. what can I do is just appreciate.
"Sometimes as a goalkeeper, you don't mind conceding a goal like that.
"At the end of the day, getting one point is good."
NEXT SLIDE: Sandesh Jhingan's special tribute to Manjappada
Kerala Blasters' Dheeraj Singh hoping for India U-23 call-up
Dheeraj Singh, the Blasters' goalkeeper, has developed quite well and is touted to be a future goalkeeper of the senior Indian national team. At 18, Dheeraj has already clocked 900 minutes (making 10 appearances) in the ISL, ensuring two clean sheets.
The AFC Under-23 Championship Qualifiers will be held in March and Dheeraj hopes to be called up to the India U-23 side.
Dheeraj said: "It was a really high and intense game. We started very well in the first half and it was one of the best matches for Kerala Blasters.
"For me, it's very important to get more playing time and I am lucky enough to get this opportunity of starting matches for Blasters. To develop as a player, I need game time and that's important. I am just keeping things simple in matches and training.
"I am looking forward to representing India in the AFC Under-23 Championship Qualifiers in March."
Jhingan explains that energetic jump
Meanwhile, Jhingan paid a tribute to the Kerala Blasters' fans at the end of the game. While all the players went near the away stand and acknowledged the crowd, captain Jhingan was pumped up.
"I am really happy the Manjappada travelled all the way and supported us," he explained later. "I was not sure whether they would come. We haven't done well this season but I am happy to get those cheers from the crowd.
"Of course, we would be happy to get 3 points and give them joy but that's football. Good spirit by the Bengaluru FC fans as well and I thank them for ensuring an electric atmosphere."
