Margao: It’s Bengaluru FC. You can never really count them out.For the second successive game, Bengaluru FC struck in the third minute of stoppage time, this time stunning FC Goa 2-1 at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Friday.Borja Martinez (’12) and Franchu (’17) scored in the opening half to ensure the teams went into the break level at 1-1. In the second half, neither side could find a breakthrough, and with four minutes of stoppage time added, a draw appeared the likeliest outcome. That was until Soham Varshneya struck with a powerful left-footer from close range to snatch all three points for the visitors.Goa were livid.Captain Sandesh Jhingan pleaded with folded hands, while goalkeeper Bob Jackson Raj, Chiki, Alex Vallejo and almost the entire squad protested what they believed was an unfair goal. The players argued that the move leading to the winner should never have been allowed. It was a Goa throw-in, but Bengaluru took it instead and went on to score the decisive goal.To rewind, the controversy began in the second minute of stoppage time when KC Malsawmasanga went down inside the box following contact with Rickey Meitei. Referee Pratik Mondal waved away the penalty appeals, but it was Bengaluru defender Chinglensana Singh who kicked the ball out of play for a throw-in.That was never in doubt.What followed was confusion. Despite Goa’s protests, Bengaluru took the throw-in and launched the attack that produced the winner. Ryan Williams found substitute Ashique Kuruniyan on the left flank, and the winger delivered the ball into the box, where Varshneya, another late introduction, did the rest.Whatever the controversy surrounding the goal, Varshneya showed remarkable composure in front of goal, capping the move with an excellent finish.Goa will feel hard done by and believe they deserved at least a point.For much of the game, they did enough to keep Bengaluru at bay. However, the visitors created more clear-cut chances and hit the goalpost twice.The first came early in the game through Williams, who could only watch in disbelief as his effort rebounded off the crossbar from close range. Sandro Embalo also came close with an attempt from a corner-kick, but his effort met a similar fate.Bengaluru’s opener came after Goa’s defence was caught out of position. Martinez was afforded acres of space and had time to take four touches before unleashing a shot that evaded three players, Jhingan, Alex Vallejo and Udanta Singh, and found the back of the net.Goa’s response, however, was swift and decisive. They were back on level terms five minutes later.Chinglensana’s clearance was intercepted by Muhammed Nemil, who found Franchu at the edge of the box. The Argentinian forward took a moment to assess his options, spotted goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu slightly off his line and curled a delightful effort into the top corner.Goa were forced into changes in the second half, bringing on development team players Sitroy Carvalho, KC Malsawmasanga and Prachit Gaonkar. Bengaluru, meanwhile, introduced Ashique and Varshneya, who combined in the third minute of stoppage time to deliver the decisive blow.Goa’s players continued to plead with the referee to at least consult his assistant, but their appeals went unanswered. When the match officials eventually made their way off the field, they were greeted by loud boos from the home crowd.Bengaluru, meanwhile, celebrated in front of their travelling supporters, knowing the victory had taken them to within two points of ISL leaders Mohun Bagan, with a game in hand.
