Bengaluru United have won the 2023 Stafford Challenge Cup by defeating Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in the deciding fixture. The last time the trophy was contested was back in 1993 and was won by ITI Ltd, a departmental team based in Bengaluru.
Thirty years later, Cup has returned to the same city as United picked up a hard-fought win over an ISL team to earn the title.
Bengaluru United win the 2023 Stafford Challenge Cup
Vinil Poojary converted a free kick in the 31st minute to open the scoring for the Karnataka-based side. In the second half, they also had the chance to double their lead from the penalty spot. But, Irfan Yadwad was denied by Chennaiyin’s goalkeeper to keep it 1-0.
Senthamil was eventually able to equalise for Chennaiyin, but there was more to follow in the game. Both teams tried to be careful at this stage, and a draw would have led to the game being decided on a penalty shootout.
Irfan eventually got on the end of a cross from Selwyn Miranda to make it 2-1 and win the game for his side. The Stafford Challenge Cup was started all the way back in 1938 and has now returned to add new pages to its history, where Bengaluru United has taken the crown.
