ISL 2021-22: Udanta Singh brace powers Bengaluru to big win vs Chennaiyin

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:00 am

Udanta Singh celebrates after scoring vs Chennaiyin FC.
Udanta Singh celebrates after scoring vs Chennaiyin FC.
Vipin Pawar/Focus Sports/ ISL

Udanta Singh scored a goal each on either side of half time to help Bengaluru FC register a convincing 3-0 win and crush Chennaiyin FC's hopes of going atop the table in the Indian Super League here on Wednesday.

Iman Basafa opened the scoring for Bengaluru who were missing first-choice goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu with Lara Sharma filling in.

Basafa converted from the spot in the 12th minute before Udanta made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute. The pacy winger struck in the 52nd minute too to take the game away from Chennaiyin and ensure his side moved to sixth in the table with 17 points from 13 games. Chennaiyin remained fifth with 18 points from 13 matches.

The start was frantic at Bambolim, both teams taking it in turns to attack. Chennaiyin had a big chance to take the lead after a botched clearance in the BFC six-yard box, but Lukasz Gikiewicz's shot from close range was saved sensationally by Lara as he tipped it onto the crossbar and out.

Two minutes later, Bengaluru were awarded a penalty after Sunil Chhetri was adjudged to have been fouled inside the area. It appeared a harsh decision.

Chhetri, who had missed two penalties earlier this season, stepped aside for Basafa, who made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way and smashing it into the top left corner.

Chennaiyin tried hard to draw level with Germanpreet Singh and Vladimir Koman trying their luck but to no avail as both the efforts went wide.

Just before half time, Bengaluru doubled their advantage. Chhetri was at the heart of the move and the captin showed composure and unselfishness of the highest order as he dummied his hit, cut into his left and put the ball on a plate for Udanta to score.

After the break, Bengaluru started bossing the game and got their reward very soon when Udanta doubled his tally with a cool finish rounding Debjit Majumder in Chennaiyin goal after snatching the ball from Mohammed Sajid Dhot with Slavko Damjanovic failing to avert the danger too.

It was all BFC from there on as Prince Ibara and Rohit Kumar seeing their efforts bear no fruit.

Chennaiyin lacked attacking instinct upfront until Lallianzuala Chhangte forced Lara into another superb save