The Indian Super League (ISL) thrives on narratives of redemption, rivalry, and raw emotion, and the Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups for their January 11, 2025, clash at Bengaluru’s Sree Kanteerava Stadium delivered all three in spades. In a match that ended 0-1 to the visitors, Mohammedan Sporting Club pulled off a stunning upset against the table-topping Blues, courtesy of a late Mirjalol Kasimov strike in the 88th minute. This result not only halted Bengaluru’s five-match unbeaten streak but also breathed fresh life into Mohammedan’s faltering campaign, propelling them to 10 points and inching them away from the relegation zone.
For analysts and fans dissecting the Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups, this encounter was a tactical masterclass in defensive resilience meeting attacking frustration—a game where substitutions, set-pieces, and sheer willpower defined the outcome. Mohammedan SC, the Kolkata giants with a legacy dating back to 1889, entered this fixture amid a season of survival scraps. Their ISL debut had been rocky: just two wins, four draws, and nine losses after 15 games, leaving them second from bottom with a paltry goal difference of -12.
Coach Andrey Chernyshov, the Russian tactician, had instilled a siege-mentality ethos, relying on Uzbek playmaker Mirjalol Kasimov’s vision and Argentine forward Cesar Manzoki’s hold-up play to spark counters. The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups promised a David-vs-Goliath vibe, with the Black Panthers opting for a pragmatic 4-3-3 to absorb pressure and exploit transitions. Their recent 0-0 derby draw against East Bengal had steadied nerves, but away form remained dire—winless in six road games.
Bengaluru FC, the 2018-19 champions, were flying high in second place with 27 points from 15 matches (8 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses), boasting the league’s stingiest defense (conceding just 11 goals). Gerard Zaragoza’s Blues blended Spanish flair with Indian heart, anchored by skipper Sunil Chhetri’s predatory instincts and Alberto Noguera’s midfield mastery. The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups highlighted Bengaluru’s depth: a fluid 4-2-3-1 designed to dominate possession and dismantle low blocks. Coming off a 1-2 loss to Jamshedpur FC, this home fixture was non-negotiable for three points, with odds at 1.40 favoring the hosts. Yet, history whispered caution—Mohammedan had stunned Bengaluru 1-2 in November 2024 at Kolkata, a scar Zaragoza was eager to erase.
Pre-Match Buildup: Injuries, Form, and Tactical Teasers
The days leading to the Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups were a cauldron of speculation. For Mohammedan, injuries plagued the squad: midfielder Abdul Kadiri was out for the season with a ligament tear, while winger Alexis Gómez nursed a hamstring strain, forcing reliance on rookies like Mohammed Irshad. Chernyshov’s pressers emphasized “organized chaos”—a high press in spurts to disrupt Bengaluru’s rhythm, with Kasimov as the fulcrum. Their travel from Kolkata, delayed by fog, tested resolve, but a closed-door session at the stadium honed set-piece routines, Kasimov’s corners a potential weapon.
Bengaluru, meanwhile, welcomed back Rahul Bheke from suspension, bolstering the backline, but Naorem Roshan Singh’s ankle knock sidelined him, promoting Chinglensana Singh. Zaragoza confirmed Chhetri’s start, the 40-year-old icon chasing his 70th ISL goal. The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups previews trended on X, with #BFCvsMSC amassing 50,000 interactions—fans debating whether Ryan Williams’ pace could breach Florent Ogier’s steel. Weather in Bengaluru was crisp (22°C), the Kanteerava pitch lightning-fast after rains, favoring the hosts’ passers (86% accuracy league-wide). Analysts predicted a 2-0 Bengaluru win, citing their 65% average possession, but Mohammedan’s counter-threat (Manzoki’s 4 goals) hinted at peril.
Toss intrigue added spice: Zaragoza called heads, won, and elected to attack the Padukone end first, aiming to leverage the vocal 25,000-strong crowd. Social media lit up with lineup leaks—Mohammedan’s inclusion of Lalrinfela Khiangte for width, Bengaluru’s benching of Edgar Méndez for Sivasakthi Narayanan. The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups, announced 45 minutes pre-kickoff, set the tactical tone: a battle of endurance where Mohammedan’s grit would test Bengaluru’s polish.
Lineups Unveiled: Strategic Choices and Formations Decoded
The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups crystallized as the Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups emerged under the stadium’s floodlights. Chernyshov’s 4-3-3 was compact: goalkeeper Padam Chettri behind a back four of Zodingliana Ralte, Ogier, Gaurav Bora, and Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak, shielding a midfield trio of Irshad, Kasimov, and Amarjit Singh. Up top, Lalrinfela Khiangte and Bikash Sagolsem flanked Manzoki, primed for outlets. Three changes from the East Bengal draw: Irshad’s debut for energy, Manzoki’s return for bite, and Bora’s inclusion for aerial duels.
Bengaluru’s 4-2-3-1 exuded control: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in goal, defended by Nikhil Poojary, Bheke, Chinglensana, and Mohamed Salah. Noguera and Suresh Singh Wangjam pivoted midfield, feeding attacking midfielder Jayesh Rane, with Williams and Pereyra Díaz wide, Chhetri as the spearhead. Subs like Sivasakthi and Lalremtluanga Fanai offered late dynamism. The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups’ asymmetry was stark: Bengaluru’s 60% possession projection versus Mohammedan’s 40%—a recipe for a chess match where one lapse could unravel defenses.
Early vibes from the lines: Poojary’s overlaps targeted Ralte, while Kasimov eyed gaps behind Suresh. As national anthems faded, the Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups promised not just a game, but a statement in Indian football’s competitive mosaic.
Matchday Drama: A Tale of Frustration, Resilience, and Late Magic
The opening whistle unleashed Bengaluru’s intent, their press forcing turnovers in the first five minutes. The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups’ midfield skirmish ignited immediately: Noguera’s 7th-minute through-ball found Williams, whose cross was headed over by Chhetri. Mohammedan, true to plan, ceded space, absorbing 68% possession while Irshad nicked balls (three tackles by 20′). Kasimov’s 15th-minute lob nearly unlocked, but Bheke’s clearance denied Manzoki.
Half-time loomed scoreless, Bengaluru with 8 shots (3 on target) to Mohammedan’s 4 (1 on target). Zaragoza’s halftime roar for “quicker final balls” echoed, while Chernyshov urged “patience in the storm.” The second half crackled: Chhetri’s 52nd-minute volley—tipped over by Chettri—rattled the bar, followed by Pereyra Díaz’s 60th-minute curler wide. Mohammedan countered sporadically; Sagolsem’s 65th-minute run earned a corner, Kasimov’s delivery glanced on by Ogier.
Substitutions spiced it: Bengaluru introduced Sivasakthi for Rane (68′), adding zip, while Mohammedan swapped Khiangte for Franca (72′) to chase. Tension peaked in the 80th: Williams’ free-kick skimmed the wall, Gurpreet denying Manzoki’s rebound. Then, the 88th-minute thunderbolt—Kasimov, 30 yards out, received from Irshad, feinted past Suresh, and unleashed a dipping rocket into the top corner, 0-1. The Kanteerava fell silent; Bengaluru’s frantic finale yielded a 90+3′ Chhetri header cleared off the line, but Chettri’s saves held firm. Full-time: 0-1, a triumph of discipline over dominance.
The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups evolved through the chaos: Bengaluru’s bench depth couldn’t pierce, while Mohammedan’s unit cohesion shone.
Full Scorecard Breakdown: Lineups, Goals, and Stats in Granular Detail
At the core of reliving the Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups lies the scorecard—a forensic ledger of tactics and tenacity. Below, exhaustive tables detail starting XIs, subs, goals, cards, and metrics, providing a “full scored” panorama with accurate, sourced data for complete immersion.
Starting Lineups (Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups):
| Team | Formation | Goalkeeper | Defenders (Positions) | Midfielders (Positions) | Forwards (Positions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammedan SC | 4-3-3 | Padam Chettri (30) | Zodingliana Ralte (14 – LB), Florent Ogier (69 – CB), Gaurav Bora (5 – CB), Vanlalzuidika Chhakchhuak (34 – RB) | Mohammed Irshad (23 – DM), Mirjalol Kasimov (10 – CM), Amarjit Singh (6 – CM) | Lalrinfela Khiangte (17 – RW), Cesar Manzoki (9 – ST), Bikash Sagolsem (11 – LW) |
| Bengaluru FC | 4-2-3-1 | Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (1) | Nikhil Poojary (27 – RB), Rahul Bheke (2 – CB), Chinglensana Singh (4 – CB), Mohamed Salah (15 – LB) | Alberto Noguera (8 – DM), Suresh Singh Wangjam (22 – DM) | Jayesh Rane (10 – AM), Ryan Williams (20 – RW), Jorge Pereyra Díaz (9 – LW) |
Substitutes and Changes
| Team | Player In (No.) | Player Out (No.) | Minute | Impact/Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammedan SC | Carlos Franca (19) | Lalrinfela Khiangte (17) | 72 | Added counter pace; created one chance in final push. |
| Mohammedan SC | Deepak Devrani (13) | Amarjit Singh (6) | 85 | Defensive reinforcement; helped repel late pressure. |
| Bengaluru FC | Sivasakthi Narayanan (37) | Jayesh Rane (10) | 68 | Boosted creativity; two key passes but no goal. |
| Bengaluru FC | Lalremtluanga Fanai (37) | Jorge Pereyra Díaz (9) | 80 | Fresh wide threat; attempted crosses in dying minutes. |
Goals and Assists
| Minute | Team | Scorer (No.) | Assist (No.) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88′ | Mohammedan SC | Mirjalol Kasimov (10) | Mohammed Irshad (23) | Stunning 30-yard rocket after receiving layoff; dipped over Gurpreet into top corner—winner and season highlight. |
Cards and Disciplinary Actions
| Minute | Team | Player (No.) | Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36′ | Bengaluru FC | Suresh Singh Wangjam (22) | Yellow | Reckless tackle on Kasimov. |
| 46′ | Mohammedan SC | Amarjit Singh (6) | Yellow | Dissent after foul. |
| 63′ | Bengaluru FC | Alberto Noguera (8) | Yellow | Late challenge on Irshad. |
| 66′ | Mohammedan SC | Gaurav Bora (5) | Yellow | Holding Williams. |
| 74′ | Bengaluru FC | Rahul Bheke (2) | Yellow | Foul on Manzoki. |
| 80′ | Mohammedan SC | Zodingliana Ralte (14) | Yellow | Tripping Sivasakthi. |
| 81′ | Bengaluru FC | Ryan Williams (20) | Yellow | Simulation in box. |
| 88′ | Mohammedan SC | Mirjalol Kasimov (10) | Yellow | Delaying restart post-goal. |
| 90′ | Bengaluru FC | Nikhil Poojary (27) | Yellow | Persistent infringement. |
| 90+3′ | Mohammedan SC | Florent Ogier (69) | Yellow | Time-wasting. |
| 90+8′ | Bengaluru FC | Sunil Chhetri (11) | Yellow | Dissent on non-penalty call. |
| Total: Mohammedan SC – 5 yellows; Bengaluru FC – 6 yellows. No reds. |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Mohammedan SC | Bengaluru FC |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 42% | 58% |
| Shots (On Target) | 9 (3) | 17 (6) |
| Corners | 4 | 8 |
| Fouls | 12 | 15 |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
| Saves | 5 | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 76% | 84% |
| Tackles Won | 19 | 14 |
| Interceptions | 11 | 7 |
| xG (Expected Goals) | 0.8 | 1.9 |
Player Spotlights: Heroes Emerge from the Shadows
Mirjalol Kasimov was the undisputed star, his 88th-minute screamer earning a 9.5/10 rating and goal-of-the-month contender status. The Uzbek’s 78 touches, 85% pass accuracy, and two chances created orchestrated the win; at 31, he’s Mohammedan’s talisman. Padam Chettri (8.8/10) was a wall, his five saves—including Chhetri’s header—vintage heroics. Irshad’s debut (7.9/10) shone with the assist and four tackles, a nod to youth infusion.
For Bengaluru, Chhetri toiled (7.2/10) with 52 touches but zero shots on target, his frustration evident in the late yellow. Noguera (7.5/10) dictated with 92% passes (58/63), but Williams (6.8/10) squandered three big chances. Bheke’s organization (7.0/10) limited Manzoki, yet the backline’s 15 fouls betrayed panic. The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups’ sub impact: Sivasakthi’s energy (two dribbles) couldn’t unlock, while Franca’s fresh legs nearly doubled the lead.
Aftershocks: Standings Shake-Up and Seasonal Ramifications
Mohammedan’s victory catapults them to 10th (10 points), three clear of the drop zone, boosting morale for Kerala Blasters next. Chernyshov’s “we’re fighters” post-match vow resonates, Kasimov’s form (5 goals, 4 assists) eyeing playoffs. For Bengaluru, the slip to third (27 points) stings, ending a 7-game home unbeaten run; Zaragoza laments “wasted chances,” with Chhetri’s drought (goalless in 4) under scrutiny.
The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups fuel ISL discourse: debutants’ resilience versus giants’ pressure. Attendance (24,567) swelled coffers, VAR’s non-call on 90+3′ sparks officiating debates. In fantasy, Kasimov’s 22 points trumped Chhetri’s 6, rewarding contrarians.
As February 2025 looms, Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups this upset echoes Mohammedan’s November heist, cementing rivalry. BCCI’s ISL expansions amplify such tales, bridging legacy and ambition.
Conclusion:
The Mohammedan SC vs Bengaluru FC lineups delivered a Super Cup classic—youthful flair in Kelvin’s curler, veteran mastery in Chhetri’s penalty, and Mohammedan’s grit despite defeat. Bengaluru launch their campaign with authority; the Black Panthers return with lessons and pride. In Indian football’s evolving story, such clashes prove: lineups spark, but spirit endures.
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