The Indian international, who came into the starting eleven in place of suspended Roy Krishna, headed home from Javi Hernandez' corner kick in the 57th minute.
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38-year-old Sunil Chhetri showed he has got enough fuel in his tank as he scored in Bengaluru FC’s 2-1 win over Indian Super League Shield winners Mumbai City FC on Wednesday night. The Indian international, who came into the starting eleven in place of suspended Roy Krishna, produced a determined and inspiring performance alongside Sivasakthi Narayanan up front to help his side secure their sixth consecutive win of the season. Javi Hernandez also got on the scoresheet for the Blues, before Mumbai City FC reduced the deficit through Mourtada Fall’s late goal. The result helped Simon Grayson’s side to move to fourth spot in the ISL standings, having collected 31 points from 19 games, level on points with third-placed Kerala Blasters, who have a game in hand.
.@chetrisunil11 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲! 🔥👏#BFCMCFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball #BengaluruFC #SunilChhetri pic.twitter.com/95ACn5JIe4
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 15, 2023
The veteran India captain, who has played just 37 minutes of football in 2023, looked poised to prove a point at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. It took just eight minutes for Chhetri to have a go at Mumbai City’ goal, as he timed his run to perfection to get on the end of Hernandez’s through bal, and chipped the ball over an advancing MFC goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa, but Mehtab Singh made a crucial last-ditch clearance. Six minutes later, the all-time Indian top scorer tested Lechanpa from outside the box.
Can we all just take a minute to appreciate, what Sunil Chhetri is doing at the age of 38 🫡
Chhetri proves that age is no barrier to success in football, simply impressive 👏#SunilChhetri #HeroISL #IndianFootball #BFCMCFC pic.twitter.com/N27Bco4DrN
— Aritra Parab (@AritraParab) February 16, 2023
He was pressing high up the pitch, running hard to get on the end of attacking passes and deservedly found the back of the net in the 57th minute. Hernandez curled a corner towards the far post and the 5 foot seven inches tall Chhetri headed the ball into the bottom corner. It was his second goal of the season, and 92nd one for the Blues across all competitions. BFC went on to double their lead through Hernandez in the 70th-minute, before Mourtada reduced the deficit, thirteen minutes from time.
Whipped into the box. On a plate? Maybe not. Doesn’t matter. Got it covered. Goal. Theatrics? Nah. Can’t be bothered. Kiss into the crowd at best. Game’s not done until it’s done. Easy does it. He’ll see you next week. Vintage. Treat yourself.
Sunil Chhetri. #NothingLikeIt pic.twitter.com/3ke9GeTyS7
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) February 15, 2023
Chhetri worked his socks off for 83 minutes before being substituted. At 38-years-age he still looks as fit as a 25-year-old. He finished the game with very impressive numbers, registering five attempts on goal, with four of them on target. Apart from his attacking prowess, the captain was also willing to track back for his team when required.
Job done, go home ft. Sunil Chhetri. 🔥#WeAreBFC #BFCMCFC #NothingLikeIt pic.twitter.com/9JGOAon9Ji
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) February 15, 2023
