Rahul scores in injury time as Kerala beat Bengaluru 2-1 in ISL

Bambolim (Goa), Jan 20 : A late injury-time goal from Rahul KP handed Kerala Blasters a dramatic comeback 2-1 win over heated rivals Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the GMC Stadium on Wednesday.
An acrobatic first-half effort from Cleiton Silva in the 24th minute handed Bengaluru the lead before substitute Lalthathanga Khawlhring netted the equaliser in the 73rd minute. The game looked to be heading for a draw before Rahul scored a brilliant individual effort in injury time.
Despite starting the game better, Kibu Vicuna’s men lacked the final ball and was promptly punished by a Bengaluru goal that came arguably against the run of play.
After threatening in the opening exchanges, Kerala had their first clear-cut chance in the 18th minute when Jordan Murray’s shot from inside the box went over the bar. Minutes later, Sahal Abdul Samad’s threatening run into the box came to nothing.
Bengaluru promptly punished them for not making the most of their opportunities. Rahul Bheke’s long throw from the right was not properly dealt with by the Kerala defence and it fell to Cleiton, whose acrobatic volley gave Kerala goalkeeper Albino Gomes no chance.
Bengaluru had a chance to double the lead at the stroke of halftime when Costa Nhamoinesu fouled Sunil Chhetri just outside the box. The resulting free-kick was taken by Chhetri and looked to be going in, but Albino pulled off a terrific save.