New Delhi: Sunil Chhetri continues to add milestones to his legendary football career. The Bengaluru FC striker became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the Indian Super League (ISL) during his team’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters on Saturday. At 40 years and 126 days, Chhetri broke Bartholomew Ogbeche’s record, who had scored a treble at 38 years and 96 days for Hyderabad FC in 2023.
Chhetri’s three goals came at crucial moments, ensuring Bengaluru FC stayed ahead in an intense game. He struck in the 8th, 73rd, and 90+8 minutes, sealing the win in style.
Ryan Williams also contributed to the scoreline with a superb strike in the first half. For Kerala Blasters, Jesus Jimenez and Freddy Lallawmawma found the net but couldn’t stop Bengaluru from climbing to the top of the points table.
The GOAT version of Santhoshakke! 🗣️💙#BFCKBFC #ISL #LetsFootball #BengaluruFC #SouthernRivalry #SunilChhetri | @chetrisunil11 @bengalurufc pic.twitter.com/byMwqJgM7i
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 7, 2024
The match started with Bengaluru FC making the most of their chances. Chhetri opened the scoring early, perfectly timing his run to connect with Williams’ precise cross. Williams doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a brilliant curler into the top corner after a clever pass from Edgar Mendez.
Kerala Blasters came back strongly in the second half. Noah Sadaoui set up Jimenez for a calm finish in the 56th minute, and Freddy Lallawmawma levelled the game with a towering header from Adrian Luna’s corner in the 67th minute. However, Chhetri restored Bengaluru’s lead just six minutes later, finishing off a swift counter-attack orchestrated by Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Chhetri’s hunger for goals didn’t wane. Deep into stoppage time, he completed his hat-trick with another clinical finish, capitalising on Chinglensana Singh’s assist during a set-piece. The veteran striker’s sharp positioning and composure shone throughout the match.
This hat-trick marks Chhetri’s third in the ISL, having previously achieved the feat for Mumbai City in 2015 and Bengaluru in 2018. It also puts him level with Ian Hume on three ISL hat-tricks, behind Ogbeche, who leads the tally with four.
Chhetri now has eight goals in 11 games this season and continues to be a pivotal figure for Bengaluru FC, who are in strong contention for the title. His performance against Kerala Blasters is a reminder of his enduring class and ability to deliver on the biggest stage, even at 40.
Chhetri’s sensational hat-trick breaks Bartholomew Ogbeche’s record, securing three vital points for Bengaluru FC in an intense ISL clash. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
