Bengaluru FC began their AIFF Super Cup 2025 campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
Goals from teenager Taorem Kelvin Singh and captain Sunil Chhetri sealed three points for the Blues in their Group C opener, as the former champions looked sharp and purposeful under the Goan floodlights. The result was an encouraging start for Gerard Zaragoza’s side, who are chasing their first Super Cup title since the inaugural edition in 2018. Mohammedan Sporting, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses that allowed Bengaluru to dictate the game for long stretches.
The match began with high intensity as both sides came out pressing aggressively. Bengaluru’s frontline led by Sunil Chhetri wasted no time in asserting control, stretching Mohammedan’s defense with overlapping runs from the fullbacks. The Black Panthers, coached by Andrei Chernyshov, relied on compact defending and occasional counters through Thokchom Adison Singh and Lalthankima, but their attacks lacked precision.
After early half-chances and a yellow card around the 25th minute for a late challenge, Bengaluru began to settle into rhythm. Their dominance paid off in the 34th minute, when 19-year-old Taorem Kelvin Singh opened the scoring with a composed finish that electrified the Fatorda crowd. Set up beautifully by Javi Sánchez, Kelvin timed his run perfectly between the defenders, controlled with his first touch, and slotted home off the inside of the post. The goal marked a special moment for the youngster his first senior goal for Bengaluru FC and a significant reminder of the club’s growing investment in youth talent.
Bengaluru entered halftime 1–0 ahead, having dominated possession and tempo. Mohammedan, though visibly frustrated, still posed a threat through set pieces, with Joseph Lalmuawma’s aerial presence causing occasional concern.
Mohammedan fight back but Chhetri seals the deal
The second half began with renewed purpose from Mohammedan, who looked sharper and pushed higher up the field. Their midfield trio of Yash Chickro, Tangva Ragui, and Bamiya Samad started pressing aggressively, forcing Bengaluru to slow down their transitions.
However, while the Black Panthers managed to disrupt Bengaluru’s rhythm briefly, their attacks failed to produce the cutting edge required to test Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal. The Blues, led by the calm presence of Bruno Ramires and Javi Sánchez, began to reassert control around the hour mark. Bengaluru almost doubled their lead in the 70th minute when Roshan Naorem’s low cross narrowly missed Chhetri’s outstretched boot. But the captain didn’t have to wait long for his moment.
In the 86th minute, Chhetri ever the opportunist was brought down inside the box after a clever one-two with Sánchez. The referee pointed to the spot, and the Indian legend made no mistake, sending goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee the wrong way with his trademark calm to make it 2–0. The Fatorda stands erupted as Chhetri celebrated with his teammates, extending Bengaluru’s lead and sealing all three points. It was a fitting end to a dominant display that mixed youthful energy with veteran composure.
Beyond the scoreline, what stood out was Bengaluru’s balance. The central defensive pairing of Aleksandar Jovanovic and Robin Gurung was composed, rarely letting Mohammedan break through centrally. The fullbacks Roshan Naorem and Parag Shrivas provided width without compromising structure. In midfield, Javi Sánchez was the standout performer, orchestrating play with intelligence and precision. His assist for Kelvin’s opener was a product of awareness and timing, and he continued to dictate tempo deep into the second half.
Mohammedan’s best phase came midway through the second half when Adison Singh found himself in space inside the box, but his low shot was comfortably gathered by Gurpreet. Apart from that, Bengaluru’s defense remained largely untroubled. For Mohammedan, it was another night of lessons. Having entered the Super Cup as I-League champions, expectations were high. But despite flashes of intent, their transitions lacked cohesion, and the absence of a clinical finisher cost them dearly.
Chhetri’s leadership and Zaragoza’s tactical clarity
Sunil Chhetri’s late penalty may have been the headline moment, but his overall influence was immense. At 41, the veteran continues to defy expectations with his sharp movement, spatial awareness, and unwavering composure. Before kickoff, Zaragoza had backed Chhetri publicly, suggesting that national team coaches had been using him “out of position” in recent months. On Thursday night, the veteran justified that faith, operating effectively as a penalty-box striker timing his runs, drawing fouls, and finishing clinically.
Zaragoza’s tactical setup a 4-2-3-1 anchored by Sánchez and Ramires worked seamlessly. The system allowed flexibility in attack while maintaining defensive solidity, something Bengaluru had struggled with in previous seasons. With this win, Bengaluru FC go top of Group C, ahead of East Bengal and NorthEast United, who play later this week. The victory not only gives them momentum but also underlines the successful integration of young talents like Kelvin alongside stalwarts like Chhetri and Gurpreet.
Mohammedan Sporting, though defeated, will take heart from their spirited first-half showing and look to regroup before their next fixture. They remain a technically gifted side but will need to be more incisive in the final third if they hope to stay alive in the group. As the Super Cup unfolds, Bengaluru’s intent is clear: to reclaim their old identity as one of Indian football’s most feared sides. On Thursday night in Fatorda, they took the first confident step toward that goal.
Final Score: Bengaluru FC 2–0 Mohammedan Sporting Club
Scorers: Taorem Kelvin Singh (34’), Sunil Chhetri (86’ pen)
Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Goa
