FC Bengaluru United secured their first Indian Football League 2026-27 victory after defeating Mohammedan SC 4-3 in a thrilling seven-goal encounter at Bangalore Football Stadium. Substitute Akshunna Tyagi scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner to seal three crucial points.
FC Bengaluru United registered their first-ever victory in the Indian Football League (IFL) after defeating Mohammedan SC 4-3 in a thrilling seven-goal encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Friday. Substitute Akshunna Tyagi emerged as the match-winner, scoring a dramatic goal in the 91st minute to secure all three points for the home side in the 2026-27 season.
The first-time IFL participants produced an impressive attacking performance, taking an early two-goal advantage through Marat Tareck and Gautam A. Virwani. However, Mohammedan SC fought back through goals from Maharabam Maxion, Lalthankima and Lalremsanga Fanai before Tyagi’s late header settled the contest.
FC Bengaluru United started aggressively and looked comfortable playing in familiar conditions. They created early opportunities, with midfielder Dhruv Sharma testing Mohammedan goalkeeper Nikhil Deka through a powerful left-footed free-kick. Deka produced an excellent save to prevent the opening goal.
Jojo Zaihmingthanga also came close to scoring after connecting with Dhruv Sharma’s cross, but his header went straight towards the goalkeeper. The midfielder quickly made up for the missed opportunity by providing the assist for Bengaluru United’s opening goal.
The home side took the lead when Marat Tareck rose above his marker to meet Jojo’s corner and powered a header into the net. The goal was particularly significant as it marked FC Bengaluru United’s first-ever goal in the Indian Football League.
Bengaluru United doubled their advantage just before the 20th minute through another set-piece opportunity. Dhruv Sharma delivered a curling corner from the left, and Gautam A. Virwani connected with a superb header, directing the ball into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Mohammedan SC gradually improved their attacking efforts and reduced the deficit in the 26th minute. Lalremsanga Fanai created an opportunity after capitalising on an error by Bengaluru United captain Abdul Hannan. His cutback found Yash Chickro, whose initial shot was blocked. Maharabam Maxion collected the rebound and fired the ball towards goal. Despite goalkeeper Manjunath Hirekurbar getting a hand to it, the effort crossed the line.
Mohammedan goalkeeper Nikhil Deka played a crucial role in preventing further damage before half-time. He made several impressive saves against attempts from Maikol Herrera and Lalramdinsanga Ralte, helping his team remain within reach of the home side. Bengaluru United went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
The second half began with another dangerous attack from Bengaluru United. Chunsaba Bariam unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, which struck the underside of the crossbar before bouncing away from goal.
The home side eventually restored their two-goal advantage in the 53rd minute. Dhruv Sharma delivered an excellent looping cross towards the far post, where right-back Ngangbam Naocha Singh moved ahead of his marker and directed a header past Deka to make it 3-1.
Mohammedan SC responded strongly and reduced the deficit again just five minutes later. Lalthankima initiated the attacking move by advancing forward and finding Lalremsanga Fanai inside the penalty area. Fanai’s first attempt was stopped by Manjunath Hirekurbar, but the striker reacted quickly to reach the rebound. His header fell to Lalthankima, who finished confidently from the penalty spot area.
With the score at 3-2, Mohammedan increased their attacking pressure while Bengaluru United continued searching for another goal. Marat Tareck had an opportunity to extend the home side’s lead, but his effort went wide.
Mohammedan SC eventually found the equaliser in the 78th minute. Hira Mondal released substitute Jeremy Laldinpuia down the right flank, and the midfielder delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Lalremsanga Fanai timed his movement perfectly, getting ahead of Gautam Virwani before directing a powerful header into the top corner to make it 3-3.
Just when the Kolkata-based side appeared set to secure a valuable point, FC Bengaluru United produced a decisive attacking move in stoppage time.
In the first minute of added time, Lalramdinsanga Ralte took a short corner before delivering a dangerous cross towards the near post. Substitute Akshunna Tyagi anticipated the delivery and redirected a header towards the far post, beating Nikhil Deka to score the winning goal.
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The late strike sparked celebrations among the Bengaluru United players and supporters as the team secured a memorable 4-3 victory.
The result marked an important milestone for FC Bengaluru United in their debut Indian Football League campaign. Their attacking efficiency, contribution from substitutes and ability to deliver under pressure helped them overcome a determined Mohammedan SC side in one of the season’s most entertaining encounters.
