Bengaluru Roots FC 0-1 Parikrma FC — Parikrma FC claimed a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Bengaluru Roots FC in the Indian Bangalore Super Division on Friday, 23 October 2026, with a second-half goal settling a tight contest at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

Roots had plenty of the ball and pushed forward for long spells, but they could not find a way through a disciplined Parikrma defence. The visitors defended their box well, limited clear sights of goal and struck at the decisive moment after the break to take all three points.

Match overview

• Competition: Indian Bangalore Super Division
• Fixture: Bengaluru Roots FC vs Parikrma FC
• Date: Friday, 23 October 2026
• Result: Bengaluru Roots FC 0-1 Parikrma FC
• Decisive goal: Nihal Kumar, 56th minute

The opening exchanges were played at a good tempo, with Roots trying to impose themselves through quick passing in midfield. Parikrma, however, looked organised from the first whistle and were content to let their opponents have possession in less dangerous areas before breaking forward on the counter.

Key moments

Roots created the first half-chance of note in the 12th minute when a low cross from the right was cleared only as far as the edge of the box, but the follow-up shot was blocked by a defender throwing himself into the line of fire. Parikrma responded with a sharp counterattack midway through the half, forcing Roots goalkeeper Aditya Rao into a smart save at his near post.

The best opportunity of the first period fell to Roots in the 38th minute. A measured ball over the top sent their striker through on goal, but Parikrma goalkeeper Sanjay Menon read the danger early and rushed off his line to smother the chance. Moments later, Parikrma broke at speed and dragged a shot wide from the edge of the area.

The breakthrough arrived in the 56th minute. Parikrma won the ball in midfield, moved it quickly to the right and delivered a cutback into the box. Nihal Kumar arrived at the perfect moment, controlled the pass and guided a low finish beyond Rao to make it 1-0.

Roots pushed harder after conceding. A header from a corner in the 67th minute looked destined for the bottom corner until Menon got down to push it away. Parikrma nearly doubled their lead on the break in the 78th minute, but the final shot was lifted over the bar. Roots continued to pump crosses into the box in the closing stages, yet Parikrma held their shape and defended their lead with composure.

Tactical story

Roots set up with intent, looking to dominate the ball and stretch Parikrma through the wide areas. Their midfield circulated possession neatly, but the final pass too often lacked precision, allowing Parikrma to reset defensively. Roots’ best moments came from set pieces and second balls around the box, where they briefly threatened to equalise.

Parikrma’s approach was built on compactness and timing. Their midfield screened the space in front of the back four, forcing Roots to move the ball sideways rather than forward. When possession was won, Parikrma looked to attack quickly through the channels, and that directness produced the only goal of the game.

Standout players

Nihal Kumar was the obvious match-winner for Parikrma, not only for his composed finish but also for his movement between the lines. He repeatedly found pockets of space and helped his side relieve pressure by holding the ball up in the final third.

Sanjay Menon produced the key goalkeeping moments for Parikrma, including a crucial first-half save and a strong stop from a second-half header. For Roots, captain Vikram Shetty worked tirelessly in midfield and tried to drive his team forward, while Aditya Rao made several important saves to keep the deficit at one.

What the result means

The win gives Parikrma FC an important three-point boost in the Bangalore Super Division and reinforces their reputation as a side capable of grinding out narrow results. For Bengaluru Roots FC, the performance offered plenty of effort and possession but underlined the need for greater cutting edge in the final third. Roots will need to turn territorial control into goals quickly if they are to climb the standings.

Ultimately, this was a classic example of a match decided by one moment of quality. Parikrma took their chance, defended with discipline and left with the clean sheet and the points, while Roots were left to reflect on a frustrating afternoon in front of goal.