Abdul Hannan’s 90th-minute header rescues point for FC Bengaluru United against Real Kashmir

Bengaluru United produced a dramatic late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Real Kashmir FC in their Star Cement Indian Football League (IFL) 2026-27 encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday. 

Under-22 defender Abdul Hannan rose above the Real Kashmir defence to score a 90th-minute equaliser, denying the visitors all three points after an entertaining contest.

Real Kashmir had twice taken the lead through Khullakpam Zahir Khan and Shanid Valan, with Colombian midfielder Maikol Andres Herrera responding for the hosts in the first half. Valan, whose audacious finish was one of the standout moments of the match, was named Man of the Match. However, Hannan’s late intervention ensured FC Bengaluru United walked away with a valuable point.

The result takes FC Bengaluru United to four points from three matches, while Real Kashmir register their second consecutive draw to move to two points from three outings.

Real Kashmir strike first, Herrera responds with brilliance

Both sides took time to settle, but Real Kashmir, coached by Ishfaq Ahmed, found the breakthrough in the 11th minute. The visitors used numerical overloads on the flanks to stretch the Bengaluru defensive line before delivering a cross into the penalty area. Youngster Khullakpam Zahir Khan timed his movement well and directed a clinical header past goalkeeper Manjunath Hirekurbar to give the Snow Leopards an early advantage.

FC Bengaluru United, led by head coach Mohanraj Nallappan, gradually found their shape after conceding. Their response arrived ten minutes later through a moment of individual quality from Herrera.

The Colombian playmaker unleashed a right-footed curling effort from distance in the 21st minute. The strike sailed over Real Kashmir goalkeeper Susnata Malik and found the back of the net, bringing the hosts level at 1-1.

The equaliser opened up the contest, with both teams becoming more adventurous in possession and looking to exploit spaces in the opposition defence. The tempo remained high, and Real Kashmir regained the lead in the 29th minute through a remarkable piece of finishing.

Defender Shanid Valan met a cross inside the box and produced an audacious left-footed back-heel volley, leaving Hirekurbar with little chance. The goal restored Real Kashmir’s advantage at 2-1 and ultimately earned Valan the Man of the Match recognition.

Bengaluru continued to search for another equaliser, with Russian captain Marat Tareck leading the attack and Ribhav Sardesai, Ngangbam Naocha Singh, Gautam A Virwani, Chunsaba Bariam and Lalramdinsanga ‘Ramdina’ Ralte contributing in midfield.

The hosts came agonisingly close in the 38th minute when Real Kashmir’s goalkeeper and final defensive line were beaten, but the crossbar denied Bengaluru a second goal. At the other end, Trinidad and Tobago striker Marcus Leric Jr Joseph had opportunities to extend the visitors’ lead but could not find the finishing touch. The first half ended 2-1 in Real Kashmir’s favour.

Snow Leopards miss chances to put the game away

Both teams made changes at the interval. Real Kashmir introduced Burkina Faso midfielder Eric Traore in place of skipper Marcus Joseph, while Bengaluru brought on Daniel and forward Akshunna Tyagi in the 50th minute, replacing Brayan Alexander Cundumi Lastre and Sardesai.

The opening phase of the second half saw both teams attempt long-range efforts, although neither goalkeeper was seriously tested. Real Kashmir gradually regained control and looked increasingly comfortable defensively as the match crossed the hour mark.

The visitors came close to extending their advantage when a fierce long-range strike beat Hirekurbar, only for the ball to crash against the crossbar. It was another warning for Bengaluru, who were struggling to create clear opportunities after the break.

Ishfaq Ahmed made a double substitution in the 69th minute, bringing on Joseph Lalvenhima and Adersh Mattummal for Zahir Khan and Lalawmpuia Sailo. Real Kashmir continued to dictate the tempo and created a golden opportunity to put the result beyond doubt.

Lesotho forward Thabiso Nelson Brown found himself in space at point-blank range but failed to convert, allowing Bengaluru to remain within one goal of their opponents. The missed opportunity would prove costly.

As the match entered its final quarter, Real Kashmir looked increasingly focused on protecting their lead. Bengaluru introduced Vinil Poojary for Tareck in the 81st minute, while Herrera received a booking in the 84th. The visitors also replaced goalscorer Valan with H Lalrempuia in the 87th minute as they attempted to see out the contest.

Hannan delivers the decisive late blow

With the game seemingly slipping away from the hosts, Bengaluru found a breakthrough in the 90th minute. A free-kick in a promising position gave them one final opportunity, and Ramdina Ralte delivered an inviting ball into the penalty area.

Hannan rose above three Real Kashmir defenders and powered a precise header past Malik to make it 2-2. The late goal sparked celebrations among the home supporters and transformed the closing moments into a tense battle for the final outcome.

Six minutes of stoppage time brought further drama. Hannan and Real Kashmir midfielder Mohit Mittal were booked in the 90+6th minute, while the visitors pushed forward in search of a winner.

Brown had one final opportunity to restore Real Kashmir’s lead, but Hirekurbar produced his best save of the evening to deny the forward from point-blank range. Despite having two teammates unmarked inside the penalty area, Brown could not find the net.

Real Kashmir were left to rue their missed chances, particularly in the second half, while Bengaluru earned a hard-fought point through persistence and a decisive set-piece delivery.

For FC Bengaluru United, Hannan’s late header provided a significant moment of resilience. For the Snow Leopards, the draw will feel like an opportunity lost after leading twice and creating enough chances to secure victory. Both sides will now look to turn their performances into stronger results as the IFL season progresses.