Lao Toyota defeat Bengaluru FC 2-1 in AFC Cup opener

Bengaluru FC Media 

A late Bengaluru FC charge wasn't enough as Ashley Westwood's side went down 2-1 to Lao Toyota FC in their Group H opener of the AFC Cup, in Vientiane, on Wednesday.

Bengaluru found themselves a goal down in as early as the third minute through Kazuo Homma and a Phatthana Syvilay free-kick in the 35th minute made it 2-0 before half-time. The second half sending off of defender Moukda Souksavath turned the tide towards Bengaluru, who pulled one back in the 91st minute through CK Vineeth but it was too little too late for the Blues who should have done better in the box. 

Earlier, Westwood, missing skipper Sunil Chhetri with an injury, started with Kim Song Yong, CK Vineeth and Beikhokhei Beingaichho in attack.

But before the Blues could settle down and string together a rhythm, Lao Toyota capitalised on a defensive lapse to grab the lead. Squirming out of the box from a muddle, Curtis Osano had the ball stolen from his feet by Itsuki Yamada who slid in the experienced Homma through and the seasoned Japanese striker obliged with the simplest of finishes. 

But despite the early hiccup, Bengaluru regrouped rather quickly and had a couple of half chances. Being picked out by a pass from the middle, Vineeth beat the off-side trap before cutting back for Alwyn George who Bengaluru players thought was brought down before he could take a shot but referee Yu Ming Hsun would have none of it.

Just when Bengaluru were getting into some sort of a groove, Lao landed a blow through a free-kick that the Blues needlessly conceded. It started when Ralte's attempt to pick out Alwyn was intercepted forcing the 'keeper to charge out of his box to thwart the shot at goal. However, the Blues were livid after the assistant referee raised his flag for a handball while the ball had struck Ralte square in the stomach. Hsun waived off the angry protests before booking Ralte and awarding Lao with a free-kick five yards outside the box that eventually lead to the goal. 

Westwood effected two changes at half time, bringing on Udanta Singh and Malsawmzuala for Beikhokhei Beingaichho and Alwyn. The injection of pace down the right quickly began causing Lao trouble and Bengalauru could have had a goal in the 51st minute when Udanta slid Collins in, only for the midfielder to shoot straight at Lao 'keeper Vathana Keodouangdeth. 

The red card in the 65th minute gave Bengaluru time to capitalise on the man advantage and Westwood soon introduced striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia who played his first game for Bengaluru, in the 70th minute. 

The last twenty minutes was all Bengaluru FC where Kim, Collins and Udanta, all had chances that they should have put away. The goal did come when Vineeth, slid in down the left, lost his man and shot past Vathana in the first minute of additional time. With four minutes of additional time to play for, Lalchhuanmawia had a flash at goal only to see it clip the shoulder of the post and fly out. A free-kick was the final throw of the dice for Bengaluru but the equaliser just wasn't meant to be.

The Blues return to the city where they host Aizawl FC on Sunday as action in the I-League resumes for Westwood's side.  

Bengaluru begin AFC Cup campaign with Lao Toyota test, Chhetri to miss tie

Bengaluru FC Media 

Ashley Westwood said his team's tryst with continental football last season will hopefully hold them in good stead as Bengaluru FC kick-start their 2016 AFC Cup campaign when they come up against Lao Toyota FC in a Group H opener at the National Stadium, in Vientiane, on Wednesday.

The Blues arrived in the capital on Sunday morning before putting in two training sessions on Monday and Tuesday and the gaffer said preparations for the game were on track. "We've been here two days which was good because the players have had time to acclimatize. We've had a look at the pitch, we've had a little football and the lads are keen to get going," said Westwood while addressing the press on Tuesday.

The big absentee for the Blues is skipper Sunil Chhetri who hasn't made the trip owing to a strained groin while Eugeneson Lyngdoh continues his recuperation from a fracture. However, young striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia is in the reckoning after recovering from a knee injury that had kept him on the sidelines for over a month.

Lao Toyota, like Bengaluru, were established in 2013 and made the AFC Cup group stages by virtue of being the Lao Premier League champions last season. Their previous and only AFC Cup journey ended with an exit in the group stages last season after three draws and three defeats.

While Bengaluru have never faced Lao Toyota, Westwood said that his team had been studying some footage of their opponents. "We've watched a few videos from last season given that the League here hasn't begun as yet and we are well aware of what we are up against. The Lao players are technically and physically good and will prove tough opposition. We've played in Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore and Hong Kong and we know the standard and level that Asia demands. Hopefully, we will give a good account of ourselves," said Westwood.

Bengaluru put up a good show in Asia last season, coming out of the group stages behind Indonesian side Persipura Jayapura before going down 2-0 to South China in the Round-of-16.

Malaysian team and current AFC Cup champions Johor Darul Ta'zim FC and Ayeyawady United FC from Myanmar complete Group H - one that Westwood tips Johor to be the favourites of. "If you see where they are and what they've done, I think Johor are the favourites. They've also had a huge injection of money where they have signed some players. After that, it's between us, Lao Toyota and Ayeyawady," said Westwood.

The game kicks off at 4.30 pm IST. 

Karnataka to play Sub-Junior Nationals South Zone Qualifying round.at Nagapattanam, TN

State boys will be participating in the Qualifying Round (South Zone) U14 national championship. The matches will be played from February 16 thru 20 at Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. 
A total of 6 teams are divided in two groups. Group A consists of Tamil Nadu, Telengana, and Andhra Pradesh and Group B – Kerala, Karnataka, and Pondicherry. 

Group A

• 16-02-2016: Tamil Nadu 0 Vs Telangana 3 
• 18-02-2016: Telangana 5 Vs Andhra Pradesh 1 
• 20-02-2016: Andhra Pradesh 1 Vs Tamil Nadu 6

Group B  

• 16-02-2016  Kerala 15 Vs Pondicherry 0 
• 18-02-2016  Pondicherry 1 (Santosh-82') Vs Karnataka 13 (Letkhoseh Kipgen- 7', Surya Teja-9', 24', 31', 46', 54', Anto R-10', 15', Kishusharan M-26', Raghav Maheswaran-38', 68', 85', Dhanush R-87') 
• 20-02-2016  Karnataka 1 (Dhanush R-34') Vs Kerala 2 ('Bavu Nishad-14', Akshy Mani-66') 

Team

Manoj Gowda, Monish, Lethoshe Kipzen, Tarun Kumar, UkashN, Raghav Maheshwaran, Danush R, Yush R, V Pramod Kumar, Newton S, Mohammed Zaid Wani, Mathew A M, Om Prakash C H, Aryan Amia, S Anto R, Roshan Singh, Rahul S, Surya Teja, Amogh, Ritesh

Coach - Louis Nickson 
Asst Coach – S Daksina Murthy
Manager - Saravana 

Bengaluru FC face off with champions Mohun Bagan tomorrow

AIFF Media 

An advertisement message released by the host team talks about ‘war’ instead of a football match. Looks like the Hero I-League title that was taken away from them last season is still fresh in their mind – one can easily imagine the hype that has surrounded the Hero I-league Round 8 match between Bengaluru FC and the defending Champions, Mohun Bagan, which will be played at the Sree Kanterava Stadium on Saturday, February 13. 

Grudge match it might sound for the Bengaluru supporters. After all a win in last season at home could have given them their consecutive I-League title. The encounter can be easily called as the most anticipated match of the season. 

Bengaluru FC top the points table with 15 points (5 wins out of the 7 matches). Mohun Bagan, the only unbeaten team thus far in the league is 3rd in the table is with 11 points. They have played two matches less than Bengaluru. 

Bengaluru FC Gaffer Ashley Westwood is not ready to label tomorrow’s face-off as a grudge match. Refereeing the encounter that happened May last year, “No, we’re not playing a grudge match, we never lost the game against Bagan; we drew the match. It will be a very normal football match.”

Also, he is not agreeing to the fact that the result of tomorrow’s game would decide the title of the Hero I-League, “Bengaluru FC will be playing their 8th match, that’s like half-way to league. We’ll be vying for 8 more rounds – so that’s 24 points to play for. Tomorrow’s result would not deter the outcome of the league.”

Ashley added, “tomorrow’s game is obviously an important game for us, we’re playing against the title contenders. But the result won’t make or break the league.”

Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen’s approach for tomorrows match is straight, “When you are looking for title, you have to win regardless of playing at home or away. You should target to win and earn as much as points as possible. We shall be looking for 3 points.” 

Sen also added, “Undoubtedly tomorrows match will be a tough one for us. We respect Bengaluru FC - they are a very organized team, strong in every department. Bengaluru are the most consistent team in last three years. They might lose a match, but they comeback strongly.” 

The outcome of Bengaluru FC versus Mohun Bagan in last two seasons in Bangalore has been an identical 1-1 draw.

 “We always look for positive results, even in last year’s match we were down by a goal, however we pulled back one, and that gave us the Title. We will be looking for 3 points. If you play for a draw, you never know what will happen. Even if we don’t win and manage only one point that will be important for us, especially in a marathon league”, summed up Sen.

Bagan would heavily depend on their foreign recruits, especially strikers CoB

Bengaluru FC will be missing injured Eugenson Lyngdoh and Udanta Singh and Ranjan Singh, out on National duty in the ongoing South Asian Games. 

Bengaluru FC thrash DSK Shivajians, snatch the pole

AIFF Media 

Putting a much-improved show, Bengaluru FC thrashed DSK Shivajians 4-1 at the Sree Kanterava Stadium, Bangalore. Bengaluru scored two goals in each half - Sunil Chhetri opened the account for them, followed by Kim Song Yong. Shankar Shampangiraj and Seimilen Doungel scored one each in the second half. 

Other day Bengaluru coach Ashley Westwood expressed his worry about continuing with the same set of eleven players, particularly for the matches that his team will be playing in quick succession. He drafted Siam Hanghal, Keegan Perreira, Beikhokhei from the bench. Also, Medio Shankar returned after missing out the previous game. 

DSK Shivajians could only field two foreigners, coach Derrik Perrera could not get the services of their their third foreigner Aser Pierrick Dipanda owing to injury. 

First chance for the visitors came in 6th minute – right-half Israil Gurung got enough free space to carry the ball close to the box, however the shot was feeble and missed the target. 

Gurung got another chance the 11th minute when he anticipated Osano’s thru to the wing, he ran down for 10 meters only to deliver a harmless center. The ball was easily collected by Amrinder. 

Meanwhile BFC looked in no hurry, concentrated on ball possession.  

The host took the lead in 14th minute of the game via Captain Sunil Chhetri. DSK defense fouled Kim Song on the top of the box, a free kick was awarded, Chhetri’s accurate curler was out of keeper Subrata Paul’s reach. 

In 28’ minute DSK got a free kick from an identical position, unlike Chhetri, Douhou missed the target. 

DSK’s effort to come back on the game was put down by Kim Song Yong in the 32’ minute. Rino Anto came up from the flank and delivered an accurate center to unmarked Kim, the Korean’s header got the ball back of the net and gave his team 2-0 lead. 

DSK pulled one back in the added time of the first half - Douhou came to the right flank following the ball, took a short center, local boy and former Bengaluru FC player Sampathkumar Kuttymani smartly tapped the ball to the goal. 

Post lemon-break, BFC continued putting pressure. Third goal for the Blues came from a lovely move from the right flank. Rino Anto puts a low cross to the center, short-satured Beikho heads the ball diagonally to the goal, keper Paul could just about keep his hand to avert the goal. Following the ball, Shankar puts the ball to the net. 

Young Seimilen Doungel after replacing Kim Song joined the party and scored the fourth goal for his team in the 80th minute.  

Bengaluru FC were a far better team today, they could have pumped a few more in the later half, only if their strikers could find the target. DSK were up against a far superior team, they were nowhere in the game mainly in the second half. 

Local hero Shankar Sampingraj was adjudged the Hero of the Match. 

Bengaluru FC meet DSK Shivajians tomorrow

AIFF Media 


Coming from contrasting results in the previous round, Bengaluru FC and DSK Shivajians FC will meet in Round 7 of the Hero I-League to be played tomorrow, February 10, 7.05 pm at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. 

Bengaluru FC suffered a setback when they lost 2-1 to 10-men Sporting Clube de Goa at home last Saturday while new entrant in Hero I-League, DSK Shivajians, struggling in 8th position in a 9-team competition defeated Mumbai FC in the Maharashtra derby at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune on last Sunday. 

Bengaluru’s midfield looked unstable in the previous round, perhaps to do with the absence of lively Eugenson Lyngdoh, out injured for five weeks owing to a hairline fracture. Also, holding medio Michael Collins, who debuted for the Blues could not make an impression.  

DSK Manager Derrick Pereira is having fair deal of experience in coaching in Pune with Pune FC till few seasons back is a worried man - mainly because of injury to several key players. 

“We are building the team and we’re yet to get the best combination,” points Pereira. The team from Pune have scored only one goal thus far from 5 matches. Forwards’ inability to convert goals is a matter of concern for Derrick. 

Bengaluru FC Gaffer is not taking his opponents lightly. “Derrick Pereira is an experienced coach, tomorrows match will be a tough game for us. They have few good foreigners in Douhou Pierre and Zohib Amiri who got loads of experience playing in India”, adds Ashley in his usual tone. 
“We have seen their game and done our homework”, assures Ashley.   

Medio Shankar Sampingiraj who had a brilliant game against East Bengal had to sit out in the last match. Coach clarifies, “Shankar was physically stressed after a great game against East Bengal. In our last game against Sporting, we fielded the best team. We have to play 3 games in 7 days. It is not possible to play the same 11 players for all the matches.” 

Bengaluru would be looking to make amends before they clash with the previous season’s Hero I-League winner Mohun Bagan on Saturday, February 13. 

Pondey to captain Karnataka in Santosh Trophy

Ozone medio Arun Pondey will lead the state in the 70th Santosh Trophy, the senior National football championship. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai is hosting the South Zone qualifiers, all the matches will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai. Karnataka is playing Andhra Pradesh in their first match on Wednesday, February 10. 

Eight teams are divided in 2 groups. Group A consists of Karnataka, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Services and Group B consists of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telengana, and Andaman & Nicobar. 

Karnataka will be playing their other matches on February 12 and 14 against Pondicherry and Services respectively. 

The team comprise mainly players from BDFA Super Division team Ozone FC Bengaluru, South United, and CIL. 


Goalkeepers
Jayanth Kumar (Ozone), T. Kabir (South United), Dilipan V (CIL)

Defenders 
Sunil Kumar M (South United), Vivekananda S (Ozone), Neela Lohith. TS (South United), Kumar.A.D (Income Tax), Vijay.R (CIL), Akshay (Mangalore), Naveen Kumar.S (Ozone)

Midfielders 
Prakas.B (CIL), Arun Pondey.K (C) (Ozone), Don Bosco (Ozone), Solaimalai.N (South United), Ravi (Mysore), Lokesh (Income Tax)

Forwards  
Pravruth.BH (South United), Subash.R (South United), KarthiK.G (Ozone), Anto Xavier (Ozone), Manivannan (South United), Gowri Shankar K.C (DYES), Sanju Kumar .S (Ozone), Vinoth Kumar (RBI) 

Officials

• D. Manivannan - Coach
• J.L. Andrew - Coach
• S.T.Bhoopal - Manager
• C.Ravi Kumar- Technical Director

10-men Sporting Clube de Goa with help of Odafa's brace sinks Bengaluru

AIFF and Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC fell to their second defeat of the season after an Odafa Okolie brace handed Ashley Westwood’s men a 2-1 defeat against Sporting Clube de Goa. CK Vineeth drew level for the Blues who had fallen behind in the 9th minute only for the Nigerian striker to give a 10-man Sporting the win with a goal in the second half.

Crowd at Sree Kanterava Stadium could hardly settle down when Bengaluru kicked-off a series of attack. They could have easily gone ahead within the first minute. They forced the first corner in the 6th minute of the game, but the effort from the debutante Michael Collins sailed over the crossbar.

Much to the horror of the vociferous home crowd, Flaming Oranje went ahead from a goal from veteran Odafa Oniyeka Okolie. The match was only 11th minute old when central defender John Johnson along with the ball came out from the box, after losing possession, he failed to fall back on time, therefore leaving dangerous striker open, Odafa receives the ball, and calmly places behind the net.  

Sporting enjoyed the ball possession for the next 15 minutes superbly controlled by Oranje midfielder Densil Theobald. 

In the 20th minute of the game, a foul was committed on Odafa. The free kick from a dangerous position, got deflected via Bengaluru FC player for a corner. While the corner was about to be taken, Sporting defender Ravanan elbowed Alwyn Goerge inside the box. Referee Venkatesh flashed yellow in no time. That was the second booking for Ravanan earning match suspension for the rest of the game. 

Quite unnecessary on Ravanan’s part considering his team was leading at that time. 

The last 15 minutes of the first half saw relentless attacks from the Blues with no joy in their way, perhaps much to do with Kim Song Yong and Chhetri’s off-form today and stout defending from Loveday and company. 

Luck was not on hosts’ favor till the first quarter of the second half, when a series of attacks failed to see the back of the net. 

Meanwhile, Ashley Westwood brought in speedy Beikhokhei for Thoi Singh.

Much needed equalizer came on Bengaluru’s was came from CK Vineeth in the 64th minute when his shot via deflection went past Sporting keeper Arindam. 

The eleven thousand strong spectators joy was short lived when a powerful shot from the top of the box from Odafa gave 10-men Sporting Clube De Goa a 2-1 lead. 

Despite playing with one player less, Sporting enjoyed their share of attacks primarily constituted by Odafa. Their keeper Arindam too had an excellent outing today, coming accurate in most of the time. 

Odafa was adjudged the Hero of the match. 

Bengaluru FC take on DSK Sivajians at home on Wednesday, February 10. 

Collins could debut for Bengaluru as they face Sporting Clube De Goa tomorrow

AIFF & Bengaluru FC Media 

Current leaders of Hero I-League after 5th round, Bengaluru FC is back on their home turf when they take on Sporting Clube de Goa tomorrow at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. After Blues attaining an important away win against Kingfisher East Bengal last week, they will play two more home games in the following week.

Goa Pro League winner Sporting Clube de Goa, popularly known as Flaming Oranje, are coming from a hard-fought away loss against Shillong Lajong FC. Their coach Mateus Costa is content with 4 points that his team garnered so far, “We played well in our last match, and however, the result did not go in our favour.” He further added, “It is always good to snatch points in an away match, we’ll go all-out for win.”

”We are playing three home games on the trot; we are looking forward to it. Regardless of the result, Sporting Goa got a good team. We need to ensure we work hard as we did against KEB”, Bengaluru FC Gaffer, Ashley Westwood sounds positive ahead of the humdinger. He further added, “You need to win home games to win the league and one of our matches is against Mohun Bagan. If we don’t get results tomorrow, then the match against Mohun Bagan will become more important, we have to keep the momentum going.”

Ashley sounded skeptical about fielding the new recruit Michael Collins, “He’s very similar to Joshua Walker, a like for like. He’s fit, has been training with us since last Sunday. He has not played a match over last one month, probably lacks match fitness.”

Captain Sunil Chettri, who also joined the pre-match press conference, sounds optimistic before the tie, “We’ve had a good pre-season and that is why you’ll see players like Eugeneson, Thoi, Rino, and me fit.”

Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s hairline fracture against Mumbai FC will force Bengaluru coach to look for an alternative in tomorrow’s match, and he has a plenty to choose from. Bengaluru’s fulcrum on the field will be out for a few weeks.

Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh too sustained an injury against Kingfisher East Bengal, the team think tank will take a final call tomorrow on him whether he is fit to play or sit out on the reserve bench. Salam Ranjan Singh and Udanta Singh are also out of consideration for tomorrow’s match.

All-fit Flaming Oranje will be missing talented Rowllin Borges, who is also representing India in the South Asian Games. 

South United to partner with Hotfut to setup football arenas

South United Football Club, Bengaluru's first private football club, announced a partnership with Hotfut, India's pioneering and leading sports infrastructure company, to setup football arenas across India. 

Bengaluru-based South United, formed in the year 2012 will be the development partner, they will set up futsal pitches across India. The club will conduct programs that are aimed at creating a platform for young football players in the country. The pitch will play a unique role in giving football players in the U-12, U-10 and U-8 categories a safe, secured, and high quality environment to develop their skills and showcase their talent through various training programs and events.

Also, South United will host scouting programs at the pitch. HotFut Sports provides state of the art infrastructure, fine-tuned technical and management systems, and talented people in an economically viable package. 

With a proven business model and successful yields, HotFut's solutions bring sustainability to sports programs, reducing their dependence on external funding and ensuring their long term stability.
South United and HotFut will use these pitches to continue and further develop their community-oriented programs. Football players and interested people from underprivileged backgrounds can avail the facilities to train and further develop their skills, with help from the football club.

Sharan Parikh, Owner and Director of South United Football Club (SUFC), said "Our sole focus is to ensure Indian footballing talent have an avenue to develop themselves. While our club and soccer schools remain a vehicle to showcase talent, our unique partnership with the pioneers of football arenas, HotFut, will allow our youngest talent and stars to play, train, and develop in a secured and high quality environment.

Pavit Singh, Co-founder and Director of HotFut said, "The fundamental idea behind HotFut was to create better human beings through sport. Our initial focus was to mitigate the disparity in participation via infrastructural solutions. Our partnership with SUFC is a natural extension that renews our commitment to development through sports.”

Amoes and three other Bengaluru players in the probables' list for 12th South Asian Games

AIFF Media 

Ozone FC Bengaluru's medio Amoes and Amrinder, Udanta, and Ranjan Singh from Bengaluru FC are among the probables for 12th South Asian Games. India U-23 Head Coach, Lee Johnson has announced his list of 28 probables for the forthcoming Tournament in Guwahati, slated to kick-off from February 06, 2016.

The initial list of 21 Players have already joined the Preparatory Camp in Guwahati, which commenced from January 31, 2016.

India who have been clubbed alongside Sri Lanka and Maldives in Group A and will clash swords against Sri Lanka in their opening fixture on February 06, 2016 before taking on Maldives on February 10, 2016.

Talking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com, Lee Johnson said: “We have imbibed a new setup for the U-23 National Team and most of the Players are new. The lads understand the importance of the Competition and they remain focused on emulating the success of the Senior Team.”

When inquired about the squad fitness, Lee opined, “The squad is fit and looks in good shape except Nikhil and Amrinder who are nursing minor injuries. But we expect them to train within the next couple of days.”

The 28 member squad will further be trimmed down to 20 and will be announced either on 4th or the 5th.

India’s fixtures for the 12th South Asian Games:

GROUP A: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives  

• Feb 06: India vs Sri Lanka
• Feb 10: India vs Maldives

The list of the 28 Probables is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Amrinder Singh, Rehenesh Paramba, Kamaljit Singh.
DEFENDERS: Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Narayan Das, Kaushik Sarkar, Bikramjit Singh, Abhishek Das, Nikhil Poojary, Samad Ali Mallik, Prabir Das, Aiborlang Khongjee.
MIDFIELDERS: Sumit Passi, Jayesh Rane, Pronoy Halder, Amoes Thiruvanathanadhah, Lallialzuala Chhangte, Germanpreet Singh, Mawihmingthanga, Zodingliana, Rowlin Borges, Vinit Rai, Udanta Singh.
FORWARDS: Halicharan Narzary, T. Haokip, Salam Ranjan Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua.
HEAD COACH: Lee Johnson  

Bengaluru sign ’keeper Nikhil Bernard

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru Football Club on Tuesday, announced the signing of goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard, who last played for I-League side Royal Wahingdoh, until the end of the 2015-16 season. The 26-year-old Bengalurean joins the Blues after securing promotion from the I-League second division with Wahingdoh before helping them finish third on the League table last season.

“I’m very happy to have joined Bengaluru FC. The opportunity to work with Head Coach Ashley Westwood and under the guidance of Goalkeeper Coach Ali Uzunhasanoglu excites me. The training sessions are very dynamic and modern and I’ve learned a lot already,” said Bernard.

Bernard completes Bengaluru FC's goalkeeping roster which includes Lalthuammawia Ralte and another signing in Amrinder Singh, who has joined on loan from Pune FC.