However, a brilliant pass in the 33rd minute from Gokulam Kerala FC’s Macedonian forward Hristijan Denkovski to Henry Kisekka gave them a crucial lead in the game. Bengaluru FC thereafter were constantly pressing hard on Gokulam Kerala FC but some brilliant interceptions and a solid defence coupled with some error-free goalkeeping barred Bengaluru FC of an equalizer in the first 45 minutes of the game.

The second half began with Bengaluru FC taking the lead to the attack and they nearly scored one in the 50th minute through Subhashis Bose, but the ball hit the post eluding them a chance to equalize.  Bengaluru FC were a refreshed side in the second half showcasing their quality consistently. Their continued effort finally yielded results when Miku scored in the 70th minute through a brilliant backheel pass from Udanta beating Gokulam Kerala FC goalkeeper Bernard.

Thereafter it was Bengaluru FC dominating the field pressing high up in the attack with large numbers to take the lead and their efforts finally brought results through a brilliant goal from Udanta Singh (90+5’) in the dying seconds of the injury time. Udanta Singh of Bengaluru FC was adjudged the Man of the Match and he received a prize of Rs 25,000.
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TOP: Udanta Singh of Bengaluru FC takes the Man of the Match prize from Baseball Federation of India president Pankaj Lochan Mohanty in Bhubaneswar on April 1, 2018.

RIGHT: Players of Gokulam Kerala FC pose before their pre-quarterfinal match against Bengaluru FC in Bhubaneswar on April 1, 2018.