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Bengaluru FC Media
Sunil Chhetri brushed off a goal-scoring drought and turned up with a brace when it mattered the most as Bengaluru FC came back from a goal down in humid playing conditions to beat Maziya S&RC 1-2 at the National Football Stadium, in Maldives, on Tuesday and book a place in the last-16 of the AFC Cup.
Chhetri tucked home a penalty in the 70th minute after Sean Rooney's cross caught a sliding Saaif's arm in the box, and followed it up with a peach of a finish eight minutes later when Udanta Singh picked him out with a delightful lob for a pass as the Blues were rewarded for an impressive show for most parts of the game.
The win, Bengaluru’s third on the bounce away from home in all competitions, keeps the Blues on second place with 12 points and one behind leaders Persipura Jayapura who travel to Bengaluru to play a game which will decide who finishes Group E as leaders.
A 4 pm kick-off in humid Male meant battling more than just group contenders as Ashley Westwood took advantage of his impressive depth in squad to hand Thoi Singh, Siam Hanghal, Udanta and Keegan Pereira starts. Even Chhetri and Robin Singh, who came off the bench in the 2-0 win over Bharat FC last week, made the first XI.
But Bengaluru didn’t let conditions alter their usual attacking style of play, taking the game to Maziya early on. Playing down the right, it didn’t take long for Udanta to advertise his blistering pace that gave Maziya defender Samdhooh a harrowing time. From one of the many attacks from the right on the afternoon, Robin hit the post from a Rino Anto cross. And just as the half was drawing to an end, Maziya ’keeper Imran pulled off two saves from shots by Hanghal and Chhetri.
However for all the chances Bengaluru had, it was Maziya who shot into a lead on the hour mark after Samdhooh’s cross from the left was tapped home by Pablo Rodriguez.Refusing to let the setback deflate them, Bengaluru began building up play as Westwood threw in Sean Rooney and Eugeneson Lyngdoh for Hanghal and Thoi in the 65th minute.
While Rooney’s cross earned Bengaluru the penalty that led to the equaliser, the winner was a delightful team goal. Picked out by Rooney and on the edge of the box, Udanta lobbed the travelling ball first-time after spotting Chhetri’s run in the box. The skipper volleyed home a perfect finish, capping off an important win.
Maziya could have got an equaliser of their own but Rodriguez’s header came off the bar five minutes from time. Lyngdoh then came close to getting Bengaluru’s third two minutes from time but his shot was kept out by Imran.
The first edition of the Blues Cup corporate football tournament will be played at the PLaY Arena, off-Sarjapur rd. on May 16, 2015.
Contact details are provided here...
Bengaluru FC Media
A confident and in-form Bengaluru FC take on Maziya Sports & Recreation Club at the National Football Stadium, in Maldives, on Tuesday, knowing that a point will be enough to send the current Indian champions through to the pre-quarterfinal stages of the AFC Cup.
The Blues sit second on the Group E table with 9 points from four games, five points more than third-placed Maziya who have played an equal number of games. Indonesian team Persipura Jayapura have already booked a berth to the last-16 while Singapore's Warriors FC have already been eliminated.
But while a draw on Tuesday would suit Bengaluru just fine, coach Ashley Westwood said his team would be going for the win keeping in mind the bigger picture of coming out as group leaders. "Winning the group is something we want to do because it means we get a favourable draw in the next round. So, we will be trying to win the game against Maziya as we will against Persipura. We are a new club and fresh in this tournament so we want to win as many games as we can and make a name for ourselves. We will be approaching tomorrow's game in a positive manner which is something that you are always guaranteed from us," said Westwood while addressing the press on the eve of the fixture.
Shankar Sampingiraj scored a dramatic injury-time winner when Maziya came to Bengaluru in a game that ended 2-1 and while Westwood says his side were confident, they aren't taking anything for granted. "When I say we are confident, it's confidence in our own abilities, not about winning the game. You can never guarantee a result in football. Maziya are a good side and we are expecting a very tough game."
Bengaluru registered their first away win in Asian competitions, putting on a stellar performance in a 1-0 defeat of Warriors in Singapore while on the national league front, Westwood's boys are on an eight-game unbeaten run and will hope to carry the form into the game against the Maldivian side.
Left-back Lalchhuanmawia hasn't made the trip owing to a suspension and spare his absence, Westwood has a fully fit and available squad to choose from. In fact it will be interesting to see who Westwood starts with given the depth in squad the gaffer has owing to the performances being thrown in. The coach could afford to start Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh on the bench in the win against Bharat FC and it only goes to say much about the choices Westwood has been spoilt for.
Maziya too have a player missing in central defender Zhivko Dinev. The Bulgarian is believed to have suffered a knee injury that will keep him on the sidelines for a while.
The game kicks off at 4.30 pm IST.
Great news for the football aficionados of the Garden City, The Amateur League (TAL) is back! The second season of TAL kicked off with much fanfare on March 22 at the Holy Ghost Church grounds, Fraser Town.
TAL is a Bangalore-based 11-a-side weekend football league, which is open to the amateur and professional footballers. The primary aim of TAL is to provide footballers with constant 11-a-side action throughout the year. Something that is hugely missing in Bangalore.
TAL is created with the objective of providing all footballers a chance to experience the game at a professional standard. All teams get customized jerseys - players’ name and numbers add the league experience. Reports, photos, video highlights, and statistics all of which add to the experience of the league accompany the game-days.
TAL Season 1 took place in the month of June last year and went on till September at BGS International Residential School. A total of 12 teams participating in a round robin format. Teams were made of up players from all walks of life - School and college students, professional footballers, expatriates, and corporate individuals, all came together to provide diverse footballing action. The inaugural season went down to the wire, with Horizons FC and Sunday FC going head-to-head on the final day to determine the winner. Sunday FC needed a win to lift the trophy but a draw ensued thereby crowning Horizons FC as the champions of the inaugural season.
TAL Season 2 is currently underway. The new season started with more than half of the teams returning from Season 1 while a couple of teams merged to form new teams as well welcoming some new exciting teams. The quality of action in this season is going better in every round. You can catch all actions from their FaceBook page, https://www.facebook.com/TheAmateurLeague and YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/user/TALBangalore.
With the increase of popularity and folks wanting to play in the league, TAL has decided to create Division 2, which is all set to debut in the second week of May at the same venue.
After creating the division system created, TAL plans to introduce promotion and relegation within the league. This will help increase competitiveness. The bottom two teams of Division 1 will be relegated and the top two teams of Division 2 will be promoted. With teams signing up quickly, Division 2 has only a few spots open. Division 2 will take place on Saturdays.
BengaluruFC & AIFF Media
Eugeneson Lyngdoh and CK Vineeth scored on either side of the half as Bengaluru FC wrapped up their Pune tour with two wins from as many matches and joined Mohun Bagan at the top of the table with 28 points.
The Blues, who only two days earlier churned out a near-flawless performance in the 2-0 defeat of Pune FC, picked up from where they left as an answer to coach Ashley Westwood’s call to reproduce a similar show if three points were to be taken.
Lyngdoh’s strike in the 29th minute came when Sean Rooney intercepted a poor pass from Surajit Bose before teeing up the ball for the midfielder, who placed a peach of a strike past ’keeper Shahinlal Meloli from 20-yards out. The goal was a striking replica of the one Lyngdoh scored in the home tie that Bengaluru won 1-0.
Westwood started with an unchanged XI that took field in the 2-0 win against Pune FC on Tuesday while the only change on the bench was the inclusion of Robin Singh, back from serving a one-game suspension. Bharat, meanwhile, had a string of absentees owing to a combination of suspensions, injuries and a family emergency. But despite the goal, the half was an absorbing one where possession and attacks swapped hands swiftly. However, post the break was a different tale.
Ten minutes into the second half and Bengaluru struck again when CK Vineeth scored his second goal in as many games. Receiving the ball on the break and down the left, Rooney made a run before passing to Lyngdoh, in the box. Skipping the option to shoot, Lyngdoh squared the ball to Vineeth who drew Meloli out before turning and placing his shot calmly, making it 2-0.
With a two-goal cushion and Bengaluru completely in control, Westwood pulled off his goal scorers within a few minutes after the hour mark, replacing Lyngdoh and Vineeth with Robin and Sunil Chhetri. The changes added a fresh impetus to Bengaluru’s attacks and Robin came close to grabbing a brace of headers.
Midfielder Joshua Walker threw in a fantastic shift in his role ahead of the defence while the back four were clinical in stuffing out every half chance to make it two clean sheets in as many games.
Bengaluru next travel to Maldives on Sunday where they take on Maziya S&RC in a game, if they won, would send them to the pre-quarterfinal stages of the AFC Champions League.
AIFF & Bengaluru FC media
A severely depleted Bharat FC host in-form Bengaluru FC in the Round 19 match of the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Friday.
Ashley Westwood’s team had, only two days earlier, blanked Pune FC 2-0 in a performance that left little to be desired and a win against the League’s newest side will take the Blues to second on the table.
Coming in to the match after 1-1 draw against Shillong Lajong FC, Bharat FC will be looking to score past the defending champions Bengaluru, who haven’t done anything wrong so far despite playing in India and abroad.
While the gaffer lauded the team on the way they went about the win, he admitted the Blues would have to churn out an encore on Friday if they are to take away anything from the game. “On Tuesday, we came with a plan, executed it and got the job done. But we are well aware that the game against Bharat will be a tough one given the fact that we will be up against a side who have one of the best defensive records in the League. They may not have won as many games as they would have liked to but there’s many occasions where they came close to turning a draw into victory. We will have to reproduce a high standard of football if we are to take anything away from this game,” said Westwood while addressing the press on Thursday.
A Eugeneson Lyngdoh wonder striker separated the two sides when Bharat traveled to Bengaluru early in the season.
Westwood will have Robin Singh back in the reckoning after the striker served his suspension in the game against Pune FC and it will be interesting to see the formation the gaffer chooses to roll out on Friday given he tweaked shape in the win on Tuesday. “We have a fully fit squad and no suspensions to deal with. I feel sorry for leaving a few players at home given how tightly knit a squad we are but what it goes to show is the depth in squad we have.”
Bharat, meanwhile, have to contend with three suspensions in defenders Dharmaraj Ravanan, Gouramangi Singh and goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya. The race to the title was handed a twist on Wednesday when Dempo scored a dramatic late winner to down second-placed Royal Wahingdoh 3-2, in Goa. Earlier last week, the Shillong side beat leaders Mohun Bagan in similar fashion and an identical scoreline to throw things open. But while Westwood believes the title is Bagan’s to lose, he is confident that the Blues’ form should stand them in good stead at the end of it all.
“We expected Wahingdoh to lose games. They are not a consistent side. As for Bagan, they have got it all to lose. Whether they can remain consistent, we need to wait and see. In my opinion we are the best side in the League. Our form across the League, the Federation Cup and the AFC competitions is incredible. Whether it’s enough, we need to wait and see,” said Westwood.
The game kicks off at 7 pm and will be telecast live on Ten Action.
AIFF & Bengaluru FC Media
An opening goal that came in 15 seconds from the start of the match told the entire story as Bengaluru FC romped to 2-0 win against host Pune FC in the Round 18 match of the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Tuesday.
Shankar Sampingiraj opened the scoring when Pune FC defence was still napping and then CK Vineeth scored two minutes from half-time as the defending champions showed they are still not out of contention.
Pune FC would rue playing sloppy game in the first half and though much of attack changed after resumption, luck deserted the home team all through the match.
The win boosted Bengaluru FC to No 3 position with 25 points from 14 matches, while Pune FC dropped one place to No 4 having 22 points 23 points from 15 matches.
Bengaluru FC came with a plan and they executed to the point without making much fuss about it.
Shankar Sampingi Raj etched his name in the record books when he scored the second fastest goal of the I-League leaving the Pune FC defence stunned.
Shankar fired the ball into the nettings in 15 seconds from the start waking up Pune FC from slumber.
Incidentally, the fastest goal of the I-League was scored by James Moga for Pune FC against United Skikkim FC in the 2012 season.
Bengaluru made astonishing start to the match, intent of avenging 1-3 home defeat at the start of the season.
Soon after the whistle the ball was swept to the right where Eugeneson Lyngdoh collected it and crossed into the Pune FC box with a left-footed shot. The ball hit the underside of the bar from the right and Shankar just tapped in to complete the goal.
Stung by the early goal Pune FC went on the counterattack but the waiting Lalramluaha Hmar chased the ball in vain to head in.
Then it was Thongkhomsiem Haokip who made a neat runand drew Lalchhuanmawia into a foul. But the free-kick taken by Nikhil Kadam was collected safely by Lalthuammawia Ralte.
On the counter, Sean Rooney chased down a CK Vineeth flick to earn a corner, but Pune FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh tried to push the ball but failed to clear it cleanly.
Rooney again saw a chance, but his shot came in for a rebound which was blasted over the crossbar by Shankar from about 30 yards.
Hmar again missed a golden chance in the 16th minute when Bengaluru defence seemingly switched off. Munmun Lugun sent in a great cross and Hmar just had to get his head in place, but the Pune FC midfielder miscues as the ball goes out of play.
Bengaluru went 2-0 up when Vineeth scored one of the classiest goal of the season in the 43rd minute.
He gathered the ball and held Pune FC defender at bay and then made exchanges with Beikhokhei Beingaichho, who set him up with a fantastic through ball from outside the box.
Beikhokhei still ran with the ball surprising the Pune FC centre-backs, who were left out of play before striker Vineeth grabbed the ball and smashed it past Amrinder into the roof of the nettings.
Second half was a lost cause for Pune FC as Bengaluru kept a tight grip over the proceedings. The home side got several chances, but it was poor finishing that did them in.
Bengaluru FC Media Bengaluru gaffer Ashley Westwood said he expects nothing short of a game at full throttle when Bengaluru FC take on Pune FC at the Balewadi Stadium, in Pune, on Tuesday. Sitting fourth on the table with a point and a game behind Pune, Bengaluru will look to notch their first win in the city as the race to the title picks up pace.
The Blues are unbeaten in six games across competitions and while some results may not have gone his team’s way, Westwood is pleased with the performances being dished out. “We are looking forward to the game against Pune and like I’ve said at most press conferences before a game, we are in good form. We’ve never seen a bad patch at the club which is a testament of the effort the boys are putting in. As for Tuesday, Pune will feel they have a chance just like us and I expect a good game that will see both teams go full throttle at each other,” said the gaffer on the eve of the game.
Bengaluru come into the game on the back of a 1-0 win over Warriors FC in the AFC Cup that saw the Blues put on a commanding show in Singapore. Pune, meanwhile, are fresh from a 2-1 win over Dempo in Goa. However, both teams will be without key players owing to suspensions. His injury time sending off against Mumbai FC means Robin Singh won’t have any part to play on Tuesday while striker Darko Nikac and midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh will be missing in action for the hosts.
Quizzed whether Robin’s absence will be a major setback given the form the striker has been going through (4 goals in five games), Westwood begged to differ. “We have a suspension in Robin but as do Pune FC. However, I don’t see that as a negative for us because it is a great opportunity for someone else to step up and prove a point.”
Both teams will also look at the game as the best possible chance to catch up with leaders Mohun Bagan who conceded twice in four minutes against Royal Wahingdoh and in going down 3-2, suffered their first defeat of the season.
Bengaluru and Pune met early in the season in Bengaluru where Pune came away 3-1 winners and Westwood said the boys will do all they can to reverse the result. “Looking back on the game, we had an off day. But even in having an off day, we had far more possession, passes and shots on goal than them – 17 to their 4 to be precise. And on Tuesday, we will be doing our best to reverse the result knowing Pune will be coming for the win too. It’s all set up for a thrilling encounter,” said Westwood.
The game kicks off at 7 pm.
The Disciplinary committee of AIFF, under the chairmanship of Mr. N.A. Khan, met at All India Football House today to consider the following agenda:
- Misconduct by Mr. Pradhyum Reddy – Asst. Coach of Bengaluru FC
- Misconduct by Mr. Ashley Westwood – Head Coach of Bengaluru FC
- Misconduct by Mr. Khalid Jamil – Head Coach Mumbai FC
- Misconduct by Mr. Amoes Do – Player of Mumbai FC
Bengaluru FC - fined Rs. 2 lac and they have been warned to improve the organizational facilities.
Pradhyum Reddy - charged under Section 58 of AIFF Disciplinary code of using abusive language and hereby suspended for four matches.
Ashley Westwood - charged with two separate charges. He was reported to enter into the playing pitch to protest the decision of the referee as well as misconduct in the field. Henceforth he was fined Rs. 2 lac as per Section 12 of I-League regulations.
Khalid Jamil - tendered unconditional apology and undertook to behave decently in future as per the AIFF rules and regulations. He is suspended for four matches for using offensive behaviour during the match as per the Article 58 of the AIFF disciplinary code.
Mr. Amoes Do, the player of Mumbai FC, is guilty of breach of I-League Regulations under Section 12 as the player has indulged in offensive behaviour after the match. Amoes is fined Rs. 50,000/- and also warned to abide by the AIFF rules and regulations.
AIFF Media
Pic source: ISL website
Dane Pereira, Mumbai FC medio is banned from playing professional football until further notice as he failed the dope test during the course of Hero I-League 2014-15. Pereira has tested positive in a dope test conducted by National Anti Doping Agency (NADA).
In Hero ISL last year, Dane turned out for Chennaiyin FC. He has been one of the mainstays of Mumbai FC since 2007.
This in not the first incident that a played from Mumbai FC has tested positive. In 2011, Nishant Mehra tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, an in-competition prohibited substance in the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) list.
Bengaluru FC Media
Robin Singh fired home a long-range winner a little short of fifteen minutes from time to give Bengaluru FC a 0-1 over Warriors FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium, in Singapore, on Tuesday.
Bengaluru's first away win in Asia came after they endured a frustrating 75 minutes where a combination of fine goalkeeping and lackadaisical finishing meant the overwhelming domination by the visitors would count for nothing. Bengaluru FC now have nine points from 4 games and sitting second on the Group E table, are well on track to make it out of the group stages.
Westwood chose to start Sean Rooney on the bench, handing Beikhokhei Beingaichho a place on the right. But just as Bengaluru were getting more than a toe hold into the game, the gaffer was forced into a substitution after John Johnson struggled with what looked like a tight gluteal muscle. With a packed League schedule ahead, Westwood chose not to risk Johnson, replacing him with Gurtej Singh who made his Asian debut for the club.
Sensing the hosts were content to sit back and defend, Bengaluru wasted little time in chasing the goal that took a while to come. Chhetri had the best chance of the first half when he was denied by Ong from a move he began. Making a quick steal on the left, Chhetri exchanged a quick one-two with Robin Singh that found him one-on-one with Ong who charged the striker to thwart his attempt to finish. It wouldn’t be the only time Ong would deny the Blues’ skipper on the night. Only minutes later, Lyngdoh’s tap in from close was kept away by Ong as Bengaluru went to the drawing board with everything but a goal.
Bengaluru carried their frustrating run into the second half before Robin decided to put the matter to bed. A loose goal kick by Marin Vidosevic was picked up by Lyngdoh who found Robin for a pass. Twenty-five yards away and two touches later, Robin picked Ong’s left before unleashing a strike that got the Blues the points.
In the other Group E game, Maziya S&RC played out a 0-0 draw away at Persipura who lead the group with 10 points. The club from Maldives is third with four points and Warriors, with four defeats from as many games, are out of contention for the knock-out stages.
After a hard-fought game in Diego Cup’ 15 finals, Samba FC defeated WIMFA, Bangalore by a goal, clinched the Diego Cup’ 15, and took away 14K INR prize money home. A total of 24 amateur teams participated Diego Cup’ 15 spanned over last weekend.
A special award was given to the Beast FC. Being a group of 8th graders they played with a lot of courage, and even ended up winning a game.
Awards
- Winner: Samba FC
- Runner up: WIMFA
- Feet of GOD – Keita, WIMFA
- Hand of GOD - Zuhair Hamza, Eight Nation Army
- Top scorer - Rishikesh Magh, ITAG - 12 goals
Bengaluru FC Media
Up against a team that is yet to register its first win in Group E, Ashley Westwood said he expects a tough game when Bengaluru FC take on Warriors FC in the AFC Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium, in Singapore, on Tuesday evening.
The Blues, with six points, are second on the table and a win against Alex Weaver’s team would take the Indian champions a step close to getting out of a group that has Indonesian side Persipura Jayapura for leaders. “We’re looking forward to what will be our fourth game in the AFC Cup. With two wins in three games, we are in a decent position on the group and coming here to get a win will only strengthen that,” said Westwood on the eve of the game.
A Joshua Walker penalty gave the Blues a 1-0 win when Warriors came to India last month in a commendable performance given that Westwood was without as many as four first team players who were away on national duty. “The difference from last time is that we have our internationals back and we will be better equipped with regards to squad depth,” he said.
But Westwood reckons Tuesday night won’t be easy as it will be the first of three games that Warriors will need to win should they give themselves any chance of making it out of the group stages. “The game in Bengaluru was tight but was one we deserved to win. While we scored from a penalty that night, we will try to score from open play tomorrow but it won’t be easy. They have lost three games in this group and I’m uncertain of how they will choose to approach this game. If they have to qualify, they need to win all three games so we need to see what kind of team they put out,” reasoned Westwood.
Bengaluru have been unbeaten in their last five games of the I-League and Westwood hopes to keep the run going. Warriors too have had a good run in the S League where four wins in five games keeps them second on the table. “We haven’t lost in five games in the League and have a decent run going our way and we hope to continue that against Warriors. They have played us and know we are decent enough a side to make a tough game out if it,” said Westwood.
Warriors will be without Argentinian midfielder Nicolas Velez who misses the game with a suspension. Bengaluru, meanwhile, have a fully fit squad. The other game in Group E has Maziya Sports & Recreation making the trip to Jayapura, in Indonesia.
Other than the matches beamed live over the internet - http://beamitlive.com/live/member.php?member_id=42, Diego Cup' 15 happens to bring in several other exciting things...
The mobile-app-based transportation network Uber has come forward to partner Diego Cup' 15. Using the Uber coupon code DiegoCup2015 you can win free rides from Uber. The promo code gives you one free ride up to the value of Rs.400. It is valid for the Bangalore-based new users, use this code by 20th of this month April.
Diego Cup' 15 is exclusively covered by countries premier football website http://thif-live.com - The Home of Indian Football. Ably supported by the social media partner Football in Bangalore, and GCSStars.com.
Winning purse
- Champion : 14K INR and Trophy
- Runner up : 9K INR and Trophy
- Best player - Feet of God: 1K INR, Trophy, and Gift Vouchers
- Best goalkeeper - Hand of God: 1K INR, Trophy, and Gift Vouchers
Bengaluru FC failed to capitalize their domination against Mumbai FC, conceded a second half goal, finally salvaged their pride by Robin Singh's late equalizer goal, and the match ended in 1-1 draw.
Bengaluru gaffer Ashley Westwood deployed rotation today, which was understandable as his team was playing third game in the spate of eight days. He pitched Shankar in the starting eleven, also replaced a couple of players from the last match - Robin Singh and Lalchhuannmawia for Udanta Singh and Keegan Perreira respectively.
BFC dominated the proceedings all through the first half. Mumbai FC without midfielder Taisuke Matsuage lacked creativity in the midfield; lone striker Joshimar Da Silva rarely poised any threat in Bengaluru defense.
Bengaluru forced few set-pieces in quick succession, but couldn't make anything out of it.40’ almost scored from a goalmouth melee, Mumbai’s packed defense cleared the ball to the corner. One more in the 45th minute from a Eugenson looping freekick
Second half started in a similar fashion, forced a couple of corners in the first minute but with goal scoring no luck.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Mumbai FC took the lead in 69th minute via central defender Rahul Beke’s header from a corner.
Minutes later, it was the same Beke in action when he handled the ball just outside the outside the box, however, Bengaluru failed to score again.
Equalizer came from Robin Singh in the 88th minute, replacing Sunil Chhetri, he was at the right spot receiving Joshua Walker’s corner kick, which came to his way from John Johnson’s header.
Few minutes and hero Robin got eliminated from the game by receiving marching order from referee Ranjit Bakshi. The tall striker fouled Mumbai FC defender Chika Wali in their box.
As a passionate footballer albeit in amateur level have you ever fancied your game telecast live?
Diego Cup'15 happens to be the only amateur football tourney where organizers, Love for the Game will be streaming Diego Cup'15 LIVE over the internet through their partner BeamItLive. Television Broadcasting has made its way to Internet Broadcasting. Love for the Game is leading the pack in that domain by partnering with BeamItLive.
Just imagine the possibilities when you can reach out to the millions over the internet rather than reaching out only to the locals via various marketing channels which are used up for such football tourneys.
So, here's the event:
- Date: Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12
- Location: Kicks on Grass, Bellandur, off-Outer Ring Road
- Website: www.loveforthegame.in
- FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-for-the-Game/1596977423850359
- Contact: Siddharth +91.9916798822 or Kaushik +91.8095264888
An open-to-all 5-a-side football tournament will be played on the coming weekend, April, 11 and 12 at Kicks on Grass, Bellandur, off-Outer Ring Road.
This 24-team tournament is organized by Love for the Game, a group of Bangalore-based working professionals with a lot of passion towards the beautiful game of football.
With lots of awards and prizes at stake each team consists of 8 players, 5 on the field with 3 rolling subs. Teams are divided into 6 group of 4 teams. Group matches are played in league format, minimum of 3 matches guaranteed for each team.
Group toppers qualify for Knockouts, wherein the 2 best toppers directly play semis whereas the other 4 fight it out for the other 2 spots in semis.
Diego Cup' 15 has garnered huge response with all the slots being filled up!
The uniqueness of this amateur football tourney is the access and ability to stream Diego Cup' 15 live over the internet. Love for the Game is partnering with www.beamitlive.com for live streaming. Imagine the power and possibilities when you reach out to the millions over the internet!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12
Location: Kicks on Grass, Bellandur, off-Outer Ring Road
Website: www.loveforthegame.in
FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-for-the-Game/1596977423850359
Contact: Siddharth +91.9916798822 or Kaushik +91.8095264888
AIFF and Bengaluru FC Media
After a 6-0 drubbing in their last match against Shillong Lajong FC at home, Mumbai FC meet host Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium tomorrow. Bengaluru, missing three full points against Royal Wahingdoh at home are keen to restore winning ways.
Would the big-margin loss help Bengaluru to rattle his opponent?
Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood’s reply, “Not really, obviously that’s a big score line, we haven’t seen the match, but trust it must have been one of these odd days, else they are one of consistent side in this league.”
Asked about the expectation from tomorrow’s game considering the gap getting wider on the top with Mohun Bagan literally on a rampage. Gaffer Ashley’s reply was apparent, “We play every game and we try to win it, this would be no different!” He added, “We need to concentrate on ourselves, we are capable of winning the remaining eight games. We’ll be over there at the top. We need to keep going and see where it takes us.
With I-League coming at Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai after many season, Mumbai FC have been a consistent team at home. The much improved Mumbai outfit held Bengaluru 1-1 at home thanks to some outstanding keeping from Nidhin Lal.
Coming out from a bad game, Mumbai FC must need motivation. Coach Khalid Jamil has been a worried man with a big challenge ahead to keep the morale of the team high.
Another worry for the visitors is in Japanese mid-fielder Taisuke Matsugae - injured and a doubtful starter for tomorrow's match.
Khalid sounded calm, “forgot the result of our last match, we need to start afresh.” He added up, “Be it one point or three points, we will play positive football!”
AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC and Royal Wahingdoh, the second and third position team from the Hero I-league played a fast-paced entertaining game that ended in a 3-3 result.
Attacking from left to right showed intention and forced three corners within first 5 minute of the match. Meanwhile Robin was given the best of the crosses which he failed to capitalize.
For the visitors, Naoba Singh’s dipping cross in the 6th minute took Bengaluru keeper Ralte by surprise, which was followed by another long ranger few minutes later.
The match came alive in the 15th minute via a penalty for visitors. Bawar Bekay’s powerful shot hit Joshua Walker’s hand inside the box. Referee Pratap Singh awarded penalty, which Korean Kim Song Yong calmly placed on the right side, out of keeper’s reach.
Despite of making several goalmouth attempts, BFC failed to create goal chances.
In 39th minute Robin scored the equalizer from a goal-bound melee, it was an outcome of a nice buildup from Captain Sunil Chhetri which went for a corner.
Mid fielder Godwin Franco having a fantastic run in the Hero I-League gave visitors the lead again in the 42nd minute from an accurate shot taken outside the box.
Most of RWFC attacks formed from right wing, with combination Theobold, Kim, and Naoba. The end of first-half witnessed a brilliant solo from diminutive Jackychand Singh, which the BFC keeper managed to keep away.
Starting of second half, Kim Song failed to from excellent ball fed by skipper Densil Theobold. A timely replacement of Shankar for Thoi Singh gave BFC their equalizer for the second time. It was Mr. Consistent Eugene again whose deft free kick via Shankar’s header found the ball back of Royal’s net.
Bengaluru took the lead in 72nd minute, Rooney was brought down by the Royal keeper Prem Kumar, Joshua Walkers made no mistake in penalty no mistake to giving his team 3-2 lead.
However, the lead only lasted for few minutes, when Reagan Singh’s shot from the right side of the box took a heavy deflection and looped out of the reach of keeper.
Host perhaps paid the price of playing continuous football, the players look jaded later in the game, failing to keep up with the pace of Royal Wahindoh.
Hero of the match - Godwin Franco
AIFF & Bengaluru FC Media
Bengaluru FC after thrashing Sporting Clube three days ago meets their closest adversary Royal Wahingdoh tomorrow 7 pm at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.
Making debut in Hero I-League, Royal Wahingdoh have sprung surprise. They've displayed a good brand of football and tied with same points with BFC, the latter is ahead in head to head and goal difference.
Bengaluru gaffer Ashley sounded cautious, “They’ve been playing well, they are a confident side, got some excellent individual attacking players, don’t think too many would tick them off. Wahingdoh have beaten East Bengal and Pune, considered as top three teams this season.” He adds, “we need to play hard, be at our best, and try to get something!
The host gets a fully fit side despite of playing their third game in last eight days. Also, Shankar and Siam’s return from National U-23 side last night have boosted their strength. They will be training with the team today evening. Ashley reckons, “they might get into the squad if feel we need them.”
Ashley is perhaps still searching for the best attacking front as most of their goals have come from midfielders. “Our strikers have not clicked as much as we would have liked. We've not got the consistency as an out-an-out forward would have done. He assures, “We’re performing well as a team and that is taking away the pressure from the central forwards!”
Royal Wahingdoh, though termed as the giant killers, have received solid drubbing against Bengaluru FC at home.
Wahingdoh coach Santosh Kashyap rubbishes that the loss is in their mind. He states, “It was long back and we’ve moved on. Believe we are a much organized now, playing fantastic football, and confident. Kashyap quickly adds, “We are in a good run and up against a team who too are in an excellent run!”
“Though we lost against BFC by a big margin, but played a better game, that was not our day, ball hit the crosspiece thrice, and we conceded goals on counter attack. Our last two games have been exceptional, my boys executed what they’ve been taught, and as a coach what else you want!”
Kashyap is a highly promising coach, he is performing a very similar role like last season. He was the coach of Rangdajied United, a newly promoted I-League team last season and this season he’s with another debutante Hero I-League team Royal Wahingdoh. His association with this team from Shillong has been a real success story!
Kashyap admits he is a better coach now surrounded by talented players, who can quickly adapt the technique; the result has come out in a very short term. His strict instruction to his players is to keep their mind-off from top finish or relegation threat, and concentrate match by match.
Tomorrows match would also see local boy, team’s goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard in action. He represented Karnataka in various age groups - U-16, U-19, and U-21, and then had a two year stint with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Nikhil will be playing his first I-League match at his hometown tomorrow evening.
