ISL | Bheke’s goal seals Bengaluru’s playoff berth and Chennaiyin’s elimination

Rahul Bheke’s 37th-minute strike helped Bengaluru FC notch up a narrow 1-0 win over Chennaiyin FC and seal an Indian Super League playoffs berth at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Tuesday.

After winger Ryan Williams was needlessly fouled by D. Vignesh, Alberto Noguera sent a superb delivery from the resulting set-piece. Defender Bheke, unmarked and free, made a well-disguised run at the far post to bury the ball in with flourish.

The result sent BFC third in the table (22 matches, 37 points) — a position it will want to retain, for finishing third or fourth will ensure that the single-legged playoffs match will be at home. On the other hand, Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin stands eliminated from the race.

Interestingly, despite not being the better team, Chennaiyin could have walked away with full points, but for forwards Wilmar Jordan Gil’s and Daniel Chima Chukwu’s profligacy. The former missed a free-header from point-blank range on the stroke of half-time while the latter sent the ball wide from six yards out on 83 minutes.

But for those nervy moments, BFC boss Gerard Zaragoza should be happy. There were flowing moves and slick passing manoeuvres among the front three of Noguera, Williams and Edgar Mendez. The defence was resolute too, with Chinglensana Singh and Namgyal Bhutia making a couple of last-ditch clearances. 

A minor irritant on an otherwise happy evening will be about how the host invited pressure until the very end and did not see the game out with confidence. But with a top-six berth confirmed, it’s a worry for another day.

The result: Bengaluru FC 1 (Bheke 37) bt Chennaiyin FC 0.

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