Inter Kashi stunned heavyweights Bengaluru FC in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Kalinga Super Cup. The gripping clash, played on April 23, 2025, ended 1-1 in regulation time before the underdogs clinched a 5-4 shootout win, advancing in spectacular fashion at the expense of the Indian Super League runners-up.

The match, filled with high-octane moments and tactical battles, saw Inter Kashi rise to the occasion despite the odds. Their late equaliser forced a nerve-wracking shootout where goalkeeper Shubham Dhas emerged as the hero, denying Alberto Noguera’s effort and sealing a historic victory for the I-League outfit.

Lightning Start from the Unfancied Side

Despite being the less-favoured team on paper, Inter Kashi began on the front foot, dominating the early exchanges and surprising their more decorated opponents with pace and purpose. Edmund Lalrindika led from the front, creating the first major opportunity in the 15th minute. Drawing multiple defenders, he slipped the ball to Prasanth K, who ghosted past his marker only to rattle the post in a one-on-one situation against Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.

Moments later, Edmund nearly scored himself, controlling an aerial delivery in the area and curling an effort inches wide. The early pressure from Kashi set the tone for a match that never lost its competitive edge.

Bengaluru Respond with Relentless Pressure

The Blue Colts, shaken by the early storm, began asserting themselves midway through the first half. Ryan Williams became a focal point of their attacks, almost engineering a goal in the 22nd minute. After capitalising on a misjudged advance by Dhas, Williams squared the ball to Edgar Mendez, whose attempt was miraculously blocked by a Kashi defender. Noguera’s follow-up was thwarted too, showcasing the I-League side’s unrelenting defensive commitment.

Namgyal Bhutia added to Bengaluru’s threats from the right, but his curling effort missed narrowly. At the other end, Inter Kashi remained dangerous, with Mario Barco fluffing a golden chance off a clever ball from Edmund just before halftime.

Setback and Resurgence

After the break, Kashi resumed control and tested Sandhu with multiple efforts. Nikola Stojanovic’s exquisite free-kick in the 52nd minute forced the Bengaluru custodian into an acrobatic save, underlining the ISL veteran’s importance.

However, it was Bengaluru who finally found the net. In the 62nd minute, a lofted pass from Noguera bypassed the Kashi backline. Dhas, again caught off his line, failed to intervene as Williams coolly slotted the ball home from a tough angle, putting Bengaluru in front.

Yet, Inter Kashi weren’t finished. The final stretch of the match belonged to them, as they mounted sustained attacks in search of parity. Aritra Das, persistent on the left flank, delivered a teasing low ball that was cleared just in time. But redemption came in the 87th minute when his cross found Matija Babovic, who cheekily flicked it past a stunned Sandhu to bring the match level.

Shootout Drama: Heroics Between the Posts

With the game tied, penalties were required to settle the affair. Inter Kashi showed composure under pressure as David Humanes Munoz, Bijoy V, Stojanovic, Aritra Das, and Babovic all converted their kicks.

Bengaluru’s veterans Ryan Williams, Sunil Chhetri, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz found the target, but it was Noguera’s miss that tilted the tie. Shubham Dhas, under the spotlight, guessed correctly and parried away the decisive kick — a moment that etched his name in Inter Kashi’s folklore.

Nikola Stojanovic was deservedly awarded the Kalinga Player of the Match, recognising his pivotal influence throughout the encounter.

Upcoming Fixtures: April 24, 2025

• Northeast United FC vs Mohammedan SC – 4:30 PM IST
• Jamshedpur FC vs Hyderabad FC – 8:00 PM IST

All matches will be streamed live on JioHotstar.

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