Friday, September 30, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Lyngdoh strike gives Bengaluru big advantage in semifinal
Bengaluru FC Media
A familiar moment of magic from Eugeneson Lyngdoh set the Blues up nicely for a return leg of the AFC Cup semifinal after the midfielder’s equaliser in the 56th minute gave Bengaluru FC a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at a packed Larkin Stadium, in Malaysia, on Wednesday.
A resolute Bengaluru defence conceded early in the second half but Lyngdoh brought the Blues back to life four minutes later and more importantly, gave them a vital away goal to take back home to Bengaluru as the Indian champions ready for the second-leg at the Kanteerava on October 19.
Refusing to sit back and soak in the pressure as most would have expected them to do at the Larkin, the Blues began rather confidently, enjoying a better share of the possession and even creating a couple of half chances early on through Sunil Chhetri and CK Vineeth. Eugeneson Lyngdoh too came close in the 30th minute but his attempt to place the ball past ’keeper Mohd. Izham lacked sting and direction.
The hosts slowly gained a foothold in the exchanges and it took a brilliant save from Amrinder at point-blank range to deny Juan Lucero a headed opener. The Blues shot-stopper literally pulled the ball out before it crossed the goal line with what was easily the save of the game.
JDT had another big chance in the 37th minute when Mohd. Azinee decided to finish off his run with a strike that he should have put away only to shoot wide. Amrinder wasn’t done yet when he made himself big to keep out a strike from Lucero in the 44th minute.
But it was Lucero’s fellow Argentine striker Diaz who finally broke Amrinder when he nodded home a Safiq Rahim corner from close in the 52nd minute. It was important that Blues didn’t let their shoulders drop as they picked themselves up and were rewarded courtesy another moment of magic from Lyngdoh at the Larkin, just four minutes later. With the ball at his feet and no one challenging him, Lyngdoh let fly a strike with his left from 30 yards out, beating Izham all ends up and silencing the home crowd.
Earlier Roca rung in just one change from the team that drew 0-0 in Singapore last week, bringing in Salam Ranjan for Nishu Kumar as the Blues stacked up in a fluid 3-5-2 set-up. The hosts will be missing both Lucero and Diaz for the second leg after the strike pair picked up their second bookings in the knock-out stages.
A familiar moment of magic from Eugeneson Lyngdoh set the Blues up nicely for a return leg of the AFC Cup semifinal after the midfielder’s equaliser in the 56th minute gave Bengaluru FC a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at a packed Larkin Stadium, in Malaysia, on Wednesday.
A resolute Bengaluru defence conceded early in the second half but Lyngdoh brought the Blues back to life four minutes later and more importantly, gave them a vital away goal to take back home to Bengaluru as the Indian champions ready for the second-leg at the Kanteerava on October 19.
Refusing to sit back and soak in the pressure as most would have expected them to do at the Larkin, the Blues began rather confidently, enjoying a better share of the possession and even creating a couple of half chances early on through Sunil Chhetri and CK Vineeth. Eugeneson Lyngdoh too came close in the 30th minute but his attempt to place the ball past ’keeper Mohd. Izham lacked sting and direction.
The hosts slowly gained a foothold in the exchanges and it took a brilliant save from Amrinder at point-blank range to deny Juan Lucero a headed opener. The Blues shot-stopper literally pulled the ball out before it crossed the goal line with what was easily the save of the game.
JDT had another big chance in the 37th minute when Mohd. Azinee decided to finish off his run with a strike that he should have put away only to shoot wide. Amrinder wasn’t done yet when he made himself big to keep out a strike from Lucero in the 44th minute.
But it was Lucero’s fellow Argentine striker Diaz who finally broke Amrinder when he nodded home a Safiq Rahim corner from close in the 52nd minute. It was important that Blues didn’t let their shoulders drop as they picked themselves up and were rewarded courtesy another moment of magic from Lyngdoh at the Larkin, just four minutes later. With the ball at his feet and no one challenging him, Lyngdoh let fly a strike with his left from 30 yards out, beating Izham all ends up and silencing the home crowd.
Earlier Roca rung in just one change from the team that drew 0-0 in Singapore last week, bringing in Salam Ranjan for Nishu Kumar as the Blues stacked up in a fluid 3-5-2 set-up. The hosts will be missing both Lucero and Diaz for the second leg after the strike pair picked up their second bookings in the knock-out stages.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Bengaluru keen to mount strong challenge against Johor
Bengaluru FC Media
Albert Roca has called on his Bengaluru FC side to stand up to the challenge of what will be their sternest test yet when they take on reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg of the AFC Cup semifinal at the Larkin Stadium, in Malaysia, on Wednesday.
The Blues will be up against a dominant JDT side that only last week claimed their third Malaysian League title in a row – a feat they achieved without losing a game. Earlier in the season the Malaysian team won the FA Cup and the Charity Shield to make it three trophies in 2016 for the Mario Gomez-coached side.
“We know everything about the opponent. They deserve to be here and are a very strong rival. We are not scared about that. For us, it’s a nice challenge and the aim is to put on a performance,” said Roca while addressing the press on Tuesday.
Johor are part of Bengaluru’s history in continental football by being the Blues’ first ever opponents in AFC competition when the two teams battled it out in the ACL qualifier at the Larkin Stadium early in 2015. The Malaysian team didn’t progress in the Champions League but went on to win the AFC Cup while Bengaluru bowed out at the Round-of-16 stage. This season the two sides met again, after being drawn in Group H with Johor winning both legs of the league stages to finish top of the table while Bengaluru qualified to the knock-out stages by finishing second.
But much has changed for the Indian champions since then, who brought on Spanish coach Roca and shuffled the player roster too. “Yes, we haven’t beaten Johor yet but we’ve had two very close games and we can take positives from that. We are a stronger team now than when we last played them. We have a new coach, new systems, a few new players and it’s all coming together. We go into every game wanting to score and win and tomorrow will be no different,” said defender John Johnson who has been with the Blues for three seasons now.
An interesting sub-plot to the game will be the battle between Bengaluru’s defence and Johor’s free-scoring Argentine strikers Martin Lucero and Pereyra Diaz. Meanwhile, in attack, Bengaluru will look to be a lot more clinical in front of goal than they have been over the last two games.
Having progressed after playing out a 0-0 draw (1-0 aggregate) against Tampines Rovers in Singapore last week, the Blues chose to stay back and took a bus across the border to Johor, on Sunday. However, they will still be without Udanta Singh, Lalchhuanmawia and Keegan Pereira (injury and illness).
“We do have a few injuries and unfortunately, those players cannot participate. But that is not an excuse as we have a good squad and we have to prove it tomorrow,” said Roca.
The semifinal will be only Roca’s third competitive game since taking charge but he was confident of the way the team has been responding to the change. “We have tried to create a new philosophy and our team is improving. We are inching closer to the way we want to play. We know our limits, but we know we cannot sleep and we have to keep progressing as a team.”
The game kicks off at 6.15 pm IST.
Albert Roca has called on his Bengaluru FC side to stand up to the challenge of what will be their sternest test yet when they take on reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg of the AFC Cup semifinal at the Larkin Stadium, in Malaysia, on Wednesday.
The Blues will be up against a dominant JDT side that only last week claimed their third Malaysian League title in a row – a feat they achieved without losing a game. Earlier in the season the Malaysian team won the FA Cup and the Charity Shield to make it three trophies in 2016 for the Mario Gomez-coached side.
“We know everything about the opponent. They deserve to be here and are a very strong rival. We are not scared about that. For us, it’s a nice challenge and the aim is to put on a performance,” said Roca while addressing the press on Tuesday.
Johor are part of Bengaluru’s history in continental football by being the Blues’ first ever opponents in AFC competition when the two teams battled it out in the ACL qualifier at the Larkin Stadium early in 2015. The Malaysian team didn’t progress in the Champions League but went on to win the AFC Cup while Bengaluru bowed out at the Round-of-16 stage. This season the two sides met again, after being drawn in Group H with Johor winning both legs of the league stages to finish top of the table while Bengaluru qualified to the knock-out stages by finishing second.
But much has changed for the Indian champions since then, who brought on Spanish coach Roca and shuffled the player roster too. “Yes, we haven’t beaten Johor yet but we’ve had two very close games and we can take positives from that. We are a stronger team now than when we last played them. We have a new coach, new systems, a few new players and it’s all coming together. We go into every game wanting to score and win and tomorrow will be no different,” said defender John Johnson who has been with the Blues for three seasons now.
An interesting sub-plot to the game will be the battle between Bengaluru’s defence and Johor’s free-scoring Argentine strikers Martin Lucero and Pereyra Diaz. Meanwhile, in attack, Bengaluru will look to be a lot more clinical in front of goal than they have been over the last two games.
Having progressed after playing out a 0-0 draw (1-0 aggregate) against Tampines Rovers in Singapore last week, the Blues chose to stay back and took a bus across the border to Johor, on Sunday. However, they will still be without Udanta Singh, Lalchhuanmawia and Keegan Pereira (injury and illness).
“We do have a few injuries and unfortunately, those players cannot participate. But that is not an excuse as we have a good squad and we have to prove it tomorrow,” said Roca.
The semifinal will be only Roca’s third competitive game since taking charge but he was confident of the way the team has been responding to the change. “We have tried to create a new philosophy and our team is improving. We are inching closer to the way we want to play. We know our limits, but we know we cannot sleep and we have to keep progressing as a team.”
The game kicks off at 6.15 pm IST.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Friday, September 23, 2016
U-16 Youth League to kick-off from tomorrow
AIFF Media
Youth Teams from all Hero I-League Clubs and two Teams from Hero ISL Clubs along with many an Academy will be fielding their Teams for the top honours across 10 zones.
Ozone Football, Roots Football, and Boca Juniors are the teams representing from the Garden City and will be playing in the Bangalore-Chennai zone.
The League, which commenced last season as the U-15 Youth League, has been refurbished as the U-16 Youth League keeping an eye on the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-League said the increase in the numbers highlights the “urge among the Clubs to perform.”
“The numbers speak. 55 Teams are participating in the U-16 Youth League which is Indeed remarkable. It proves the urge among Clubs and Academies to prove their mettle,” he told www.i-league.org.
"I wish success to all the participating Teams. The competition will be intense and may the best Team triumph,” he added.
The teams from every zone will play on a home-away basis among themselves in the round robin stage and 16 teams will qualify to the National Final Round eventually. Those sixteen teams will be divided into four groups and the group champions will qualify for the semi-final which will be followed by the final to decide the U-16 Youth League 2016-17 champions.
Royal Wahingdoh FC will face Rangdajied United FC at the Mawlai Ground in the opener (September 24) while Mohammedan Sporting FC will lock their horns with United Sporting Club at the Mohammedan Sporting Ground the same day.
Minerva Academy FC, champions from the last edition have been clubbed with Youngsters Club, Lonestar Kashmir, Real Kashmir and J&K Bank.
Zones
| 1. Kolkata 2. Maharashtra 3. Bangalore-Chennai 4. Shillong-Guwahati 5. Kerala |
6. Delhi 7. Rest of India (I) 8. Rest of India (II) 9. Rest of India (III) 10. Rest of India (IV) |
Teams
| Mohun Bagan East Bengal Mohammedan Sporting SAI Kolkata Southern Samity United Sports Club DSK Shivajians Mumbai FC Kenkre PIFA Young Champs |
Steadfast FC Football School of India FC Pune City Ozone Football Mahogany FC Boca Juniors Roots Football Shillong Lajong SAI Guwahati Royal Wahingdoh Rangdajied United |
| Gauhati Town Club Kovalam FC Prodigy Red Star FC SEPT Bhaichung Bhutia Football School Concient FC Sudeva FC Real Sports IYSA Delhi United |
SAI Delhi Delhi Dynamos Hindustan FC Neroca FC Aizawl FC Tata Football Academy SAIL Bokaro NRL SPT Dempo Sporting Clube de Goa Salgaocar FC |
| Bengaluru FC Youngsters Club Real Kashmir Lonestar Kashmir J&K Bank Minerva Academy FC Kahaani FC Anantpur Football Fateh Hyderabad Pride Sports Sports Authority of Gujarat |
|
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Bengaluru FC script history, march into AFC Cup semifinal
Bengaluru FC Media
AFC Media
Bengaluru FC added a special page in their short but successful history after a 0-0 (1-0 aggregate)draw against Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday night was enough to send them to the semifinal of the AFC Cup. The game that had way more than its fair share of drama with both teams creating chances aplenty, was seen through by Albert Roca’s boys who took control of things in a strong second half show.
The win over two legs set up a semifinal date with familiar foes and Cup holders Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia, where the Blues will travel to for the first leg on September 28 at the Larkin Stadium.
Coming into the game with a 1-0 result in the home leg, Roca decided to go with an unchanged starting XI. The bench, however, had two changes with Beikhokhei Beingaichho and Gursimrat Gill coming in place of Udanta Singh and Lalchhuanmawia who missed the trip with injuries.
Bengaluru’s best chance came in the 38th minute when a freekick variation caught the Tampines defence unawares but a sliding Eugeneson Lyngdoh couldn’t get his foot to what was a delicious pass across the face of the goal from CK Vineeth.
Only a minute later, Jermain Pennant fluffed his lines from inside the box when the former Arsenal man when he lobbed a half-hearted strike over the Blues’ goal. Earlier, Tampines’ Muhammad Hafiz came close to giving the hosts a lead when he intercepted a poor pass from Nishu Kumar and set off on a free run before his strike drew a save from Amrinder Singh.
The Blues got off to a bright start in the second half and Chhetri could have handed them a vital lead in the 48th minute when he lost a defender in the box before shooting, only for Mohamad Izwan to make a save.
A far cry from the frantic first half that saw them give away possession rather cheaply, the Blues turned up with a far more controlled show that saw them string passes and hold possession for long spells in the game.
Needing a goal to keep their hopes alive and take the game to extra-time, Tampines pressed high up and came close on a few occasions through Jordan Webb and Muhammad Hafiz. But the Bengaluru defence refused to press the panic button, making vital steals and patiently building up the game from the back. In the 77th minute Chhetri and Eugeneson exchanged a smart one-two but the latter’s shot lacked the sting it needed.
The Blues should have surely put the game to bed in the third of the five minutes of additional time but late substitute Vishal Kumar’s fierce strike was kept out by Izwan and Eugeneson’s follow-up strike ricocheted off the post with the ’keeper well beaten.
But none of the missed chances would come back to bite the Indian champions who joined Dempo SC and East Bengal to become only the third club from India to make it this far in the competition.
AFC Media
Bengaluru FC added a special page in their short but successful history after a 0-0 (1-0 aggregate)draw against Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday night was enough to send them to the semifinal of the AFC Cup. The game that had way more than its fair share of drama with both teams creating chances aplenty, was seen through by Albert Roca’s boys who took control of things in a strong second half show.
The win over two legs set up a semifinal date with familiar foes and Cup holders Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia, where the Blues will travel to for the first leg on September 28 at the Larkin Stadium.
Coming into the game with a 1-0 result in the home leg, Roca decided to go with an unchanged starting XI. The bench, however, had two changes with Beikhokhei Beingaichho and Gursimrat Gill coming in place of Udanta Singh and Lalchhuanmawia who missed the trip with injuries.
Bengaluru’s best chance came in the 38th minute when a freekick variation caught the Tampines defence unawares but a sliding Eugeneson Lyngdoh couldn’t get his foot to what was a delicious pass across the face of the goal from CK Vineeth.
Only a minute later, Jermain Pennant fluffed his lines from inside the box when the former Arsenal man when he lobbed a half-hearted strike over the Blues’ goal. Earlier, Tampines’ Muhammad Hafiz came close to giving the hosts a lead when he intercepted a poor pass from Nishu Kumar and set off on a free run before his strike drew a save from Amrinder Singh.
The Blues got off to a bright start in the second half and Chhetri could have handed them a vital lead in the 48th minute when he lost a defender in the box before shooting, only for Mohamad Izwan to make a save.
A far cry from the frantic first half that saw them give away possession rather cheaply, the Blues turned up with a far more controlled show that saw them string passes and hold possession for long spells in the game.
Needing a goal to keep their hopes alive and take the game to extra-time, Tampines pressed high up and came close on a few occasions through Jordan Webb and Muhammad Hafiz. But the Bengaluru defence refused to press the panic button, making vital steals and patiently building up the game from the back. In the 77th minute Chhetri and Eugeneson exchanged a smart one-two but the latter’s shot lacked the sting it needed.
The Blues should have surely put the game to bed in the third of the five minutes of additional time but late substitute Vishal Kumar’s fierce strike was kept out by Izwan and Eugeneson’s follow-up strike ricocheted off the post with the ’keeper well beaten.
But none of the missed chances would come back to bite the Indian champions who joined Dempo SC and East Bengal to become only the third club from India to make it this far in the competition.
Bengaluru braced for Tampines fight with semis berth at stake
Bengaluru FC Media
Albert Roca said his side would not be making much of their one goal advantage as he expects Tampines Rovers to come all guns blazing at Bengaluru FC when the two teams clash at the Jalan Besar Stadium, in Singapore, on Wednesday with a place in the semifinal of the AFC Cup at stake.
The Blues traveled to Singapore on the back of a CK Vineeth goal in the first leg of the quarterfinal last week to give Roca’s side a slight edge. But the Spaniard believes Bengaluru have their task cut out. “The second leg is always a big challenge. It isn’t going to be easy given we have only the one goal to show for and Tampines will look to make things difficult in a bid to reverse the situation. But we have to be prepared for that,” said Roca while addressing the press in the team hotel, on Tuesday.
In what was the club’s first competitive game since winning the League in May, Bengaluru put on a fluent display at the Kanteerava last week, leaving Tampines to do the chasing for most of the game. In fact the Blues created enough chances to kill the tie at home but for some wasteful finishing which gives both sides everything to play for on Wednesday.
“I am happy because after six weeks we have tried to create a new style of play, which is not easy. We have good players and they have been really involved in trying to adapt to the new concepts. The players have shown in the first leg that they can adjust to the new style of play and I hope they can do the same here in Singapore,” said the Spaniard.
Meanwhile Tampines coach, Akbar Nawas said his side would be under pressure but urged his squad to give a good account of themselves. “The pressure is always there, no matter how much we say it isn’t. We need to step things up from the start and should not make the mistake of taking Bengaluru lightly,” he said. History too isn’t making things easier on the hosts who attempt to be the first side from Singapore to make the last four of AFC Cup since 2004.
The Blues landed in the country on Sunday and put in a session at the Jalan Besar on Monday. Much has been made about the rather hard surface at the Stadium but Roca chose to play it down when asked whether the pitch would have a role to play. “The surface is the same for both teams so there will be no excuses. We will have to adapt as quickly as possible. The climate is a little too humid for our liking but we have players experienced enough to manage the situation.”
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Coming of U-17 international Sanjeev Stalin
National team pic: AIFF
That amazing free kick goal against UAE on last Thursday from Sanjeev Stalin must have enthralled all those who watched the game. For the ignorant souls, the lads are playing in AFC U-16 Championship and they are placed in a difficult group along with UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
The boys went for the kill, took an early lead, ran out of steam in the closing stages, and gave away the match to the opponents.
Have a look at Sanjeev’s incredible free kick - https://youtu.be/_4KElAv18ZY?t=108.
Sanjeev is from Bengaluru and was born in one of the footballing pockets of the Namma Garden City. Coming from an area that had rich football culture, Sanjeev was quite bright with the ball. Won great accolades for his footballing skills and he yearned to play for the National team.
He joined an academy in Bengaluru, Roots Sports as one of their first scholarship student, and was there for two years.
Sanjeev then moved to the Chandigarh Football Academy. It was in Goa last year, while playing for Chandigarh Academy, he impressed the national coach, and was included in the national team.
Stalin is a key player in Nicolai Adam’s scheme of things. With a nail-biting 3-3 draw against Saudi Arabia, our eyes are set on the last group game against Iran on Wednesday. But most importantly how he shapes up for U-17 World Cup next year.
That amazing free kick goal against UAE on last Thursday from Sanjeev Stalin must have enthralled all those who watched the game. For the ignorant souls, the lads are playing in AFC U-16 Championship and they are placed in a difficult group along with UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
The boys went for the kill, took an early lead, ran out of steam in the closing stages, and gave away the match to the opponents.
Have a look at Sanjeev’s incredible free kick - https://youtu.be/_4KElAv18ZY?t=108.
Sanjeev is from Bengaluru and was born in one of the footballing pockets of the Namma Garden City. Coming from an area that had rich football culture, Sanjeev was quite bright with the ball. Won great accolades for his footballing skills and he yearned to play for the National team.
He joined an academy in Bengaluru, Roots Sports as one of their first scholarship student, and was there for two years.
Sanjeev then moved to the Chandigarh Football Academy. It was in Goa last year, while playing for Chandigarh Academy, he impressed the national coach, and was included in the national team.
Stalin is a key player in Nicolai Adam’s scheme of things. With a nail-biting 3-3 draw against Saudi Arabia, our eyes are set on the last group game against Iran on Wednesday. But most importantly how he shapes up for U-17 World Cup next year.
Monday, September 19, 2016
[Notice] Bengaluru 7s Football Fever
Please get the contact details from the poster...
Best wishes, team!
Friday, September 16, 2016
[Notice] Copa Bengaluru 2016
Contacts for registration:
- Sastha: +91 99-02-531287
- Joshua: +91 97-39-189430
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Bengaluru beat Tampines in AFC Cup, inch towards AFC semi-finals berth
Bengaluru FC Media
Bengaluru FC took a vital step towards their AFC Cup semifinal aspirations with a first-leg1-0 win over Singapore side Tampines Rovers at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday. A CK Vineeth tap-in from close in the 7th minute was enough to get coach Albert Roca’s reign off to a winning start and give the Blues an edge when they travel to Singapore for the away leg to be played on September 21.
Bengaluru were swift to put away the disappointment of playing behind closed doors, owing to the political situation in the city, when CK Vineeth landed an early blow to the visitors. The move began after Sunil Chhetri stole the ball off a Tampines player in the midfield and picked Alwyn George’s run perfectly. George was tackled just before he could pull the trigger in the box but the ball fell rather kindly to Vineeth whose tap in took a bit off the post before going in.
Earlier, Roca, playing a 4-4-2, chose to partner Vineeth with Chhetri while Nishu Kumar started in the left-back position alongside Juan Gonzalez, John Johnson and Rino Anto. Joining Gonzalez on the debutants list were midfielders Cameron Watson and Alvaro Rubio who showed more than just flashes of class.
Playing with a sense of assuredness, Bengaluru came close to doubling their lead in the 31st minute when Chhetri nodded down a cross in Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s path but Tampines shot stopper Mohamad Izwan was quick to steal it off the midfielder’s feet.
Sensing the need to nick a goal away from home, Rovers switched gears in the second half but Bengaluru had done enough to dig their heels in and take control of the game. In fact the home side will be disappointed at the number of chances they squandered, most, which if taken, could have effectively killed the tie for Tampines.
CK Vineeth made an error in judgement when, from a breakaway move in 72nd minute, he decided to shoot from in the box instead of picking an unmarked Chhetri on his left.
The Bengaluru defence didn’t give much joy to Jordan Webb, Billy Mehmet and Jermaine Pennant, constantly winning the ball and patiently building up play from the back. The Blues leave for Singapore on Sunday for the away leg.
Bengaluru FC took a vital step towards their AFC Cup semifinal aspirations with a first-leg1-0 win over Singapore side Tampines Rovers at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday. A CK Vineeth tap-in from close in the 7th minute was enough to get coach Albert Roca’s reign off to a winning start and give the Blues an edge when they travel to Singapore for the away leg to be played on September 21.
Bengaluru were swift to put away the disappointment of playing behind closed doors, owing to the political situation in the city, when CK Vineeth landed an early blow to the visitors. The move began after Sunil Chhetri stole the ball off a Tampines player in the midfield and picked Alwyn George’s run perfectly. George was tackled just before he could pull the trigger in the box but the ball fell rather kindly to Vineeth whose tap in took a bit off the post before going in.
Earlier, Roca, playing a 4-4-2, chose to partner Vineeth with Chhetri while Nishu Kumar started in the left-back position alongside Juan Gonzalez, John Johnson and Rino Anto. Joining Gonzalez on the debutants list were midfielders Cameron Watson and Alvaro Rubio who showed more than just flashes of class.
Playing with a sense of assuredness, Bengaluru came close to doubling their lead in the 31st minute when Chhetri nodded down a cross in Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s path but Tampines shot stopper Mohamad Izwan was quick to steal it off the midfielder’s feet.
Sensing the need to nick a goal away from home, Rovers switched gears in the second half but Bengaluru had done enough to dig their heels in and take control of the game. In fact the home side will be disappointed at the number of chances they squandered, most, which if taken, could have effectively killed the tie for Tampines.
CK Vineeth made an error in judgement when, from a breakaway move in 72nd minute, he decided to shoot from in the box instead of picking an unmarked Chhetri on his left.
The Bengaluru defence didn’t give much joy to Jordan Webb, Billy Mehmet and Jermaine Pennant, constantly winning the ball and patiently building up play from the back. The Blues leave for Singapore on Sunday for the away leg.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
AFC Cup Quarterfinal: Bengaluru play Tampines Rovers in a closed door game
Bengaluru FC Media
Bengaluru FC resume their quest for continental glory when they take on Singapore side Tampines Rovers at in the first leg of the AFC Cup quarterfinal at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru,on Wednesday. The Blues will however, have to shrug off the disappointment of playing in front of an empty stadium after the tense political situation in the city over the last two days forced the AFC to resign the tie to a behind-closed-doors affair. Security concerns have also forced the AFC to bring forth the kick-off time of the game to 4 pm.
Blues coach Albert Roca, for whom this will be his first game in charge since taking over the reins at BFC, expressed disappointment at the prospect of playing a home fixture behind closed doors but said the team would do everything to make sure it isn’t a disadvantage. “It’s a real shame to not have our supporters in the stands tomorrow but these are circumstances that we have to accept now. All we can say at this moment is that we’re going to look to put in a good performance in a bid to get the best result. It’s been three and a half months without competition and the boys were keen to show where we are trying to get to. We just have to move on and give this our best,” said Roca.
Tampines, who arrived in the city on Monday, come into the tie with the luxury of having played competitive games regularly given the S-League is at its business end. Bengaluru, meanwhile, have had to contend with four practice games as a build-up to the game. Roca though, while admitting he would have liked more competitive fixtures as a precursor to the game, refused to use it as an excuse. “I can’t change the circumstances. I would have loved to play 20 friendly games and 20 competitive ones but that isn’t possible. This is our chance to take a big step ahead in the tournament and we will give it everything we have,” he said.
Bengaluru have added to their arsenal this summer in signing midfielders Cameron Watson and Alvaro Rubio along with defender Juanan Gonzalez and Roca is confident that the new signings will bring much to the big game. The Spaniard also revealed that injured winger Udanta Singh has recovered and could have a role to play on Wednesday.
On the injury front, Tampines will be without striker Farzul Nawaz who has been forced out with a long-term injury but have ample quality in Billy Mehmet, Jordan Webb and former Arsenal and Liverpool winger, Jermaine Pennant.
Tampines man at the helm, Akbar Nawas, said he wasn’t sure what to make of the Blues given the change in command but was confident his side had been playing regularly enough in the league back home to be able to come away with a good performance away from home.
Bengaluru FC resume their quest for continental glory when they take on Singapore side Tampines Rovers at in the first leg of the AFC Cup quarterfinal at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru,on Wednesday. The Blues will however, have to shrug off the disappointment of playing in front of an empty stadium after the tense political situation in the city over the last two days forced the AFC to resign the tie to a behind-closed-doors affair. Security concerns have also forced the AFC to bring forth the kick-off time of the game to 4 pm.
Blues coach Albert Roca, for whom this will be his first game in charge since taking over the reins at BFC, expressed disappointment at the prospect of playing a home fixture behind closed doors but said the team would do everything to make sure it isn’t a disadvantage. “It’s a real shame to not have our supporters in the stands tomorrow but these are circumstances that we have to accept now. All we can say at this moment is that we’re going to look to put in a good performance in a bid to get the best result. It’s been three and a half months without competition and the boys were keen to show where we are trying to get to. We just have to move on and give this our best,” said Roca.
Tampines, who arrived in the city on Monday, come into the tie with the luxury of having played competitive games regularly given the S-League is at its business end. Bengaluru, meanwhile, have had to contend with four practice games as a build-up to the game. Roca though, while admitting he would have liked more competitive fixtures as a precursor to the game, refused to use it as an excuse. “I can’t change the circumstances. I would have loved to play 20 friendly games and 20 competitive ones but that isn’t possible. This is our chance to take a big step ahead in the tournament and we will give it everything we have,” he said.
Bengaluru have added to their arsenal this summer in signing midfielders Cameron Watson and Alvaro Rubio along with defender Juanan Gonzalez and Roca is confident that the new signings will bring much to the big game. The Spaniard also revealed that injured winger Udanta Singh has recovered and could have a role to play on Wednesday.
On the injury front, Tampines will be without striker Farzul Nawaz who has been forced out with a long-term injury but have ample quality in Billy Mehmet, Jordan Webb and former Arsenal and Liverpool winger, Jermaine Pennant.
Tampines man at the helm, Akbar Nawas, said he wasn’t sure what to make of the Blues given the change in command but was confident his side had been playing regularly enough in the league back home to be able to come away with a good performance away from home.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Bangalore amateur football gets high-five
In its first-of-its-kind, a city based franchise tournament for amateurs, Football Fives League (FFL), was announced yesterday. Organized by AddRush Sports Pvt. Ltd. this tournament will be played in home and away basis. The organizers claim that it will be an exciting three months of footballing festivities amongst the Bengaluru’s best!
Over the years the craze for football in the city has grown ten-fold. FFL aims to promote the amateur football in the city and provide a platform which will help provide recognition to the amazing talent the city has. FFL will have 120 players from 10 participating franchises.
The game will be played in 5-a-side format were there will be two halves of 20 minutes each with a halftime break of three to five minutes. Twelve members make up a squad while only five play. Rolling substitutes are allowed, 3 points for a win, one for a draw, none for loss.
Participating teams
Over the years the craze for football in the city has grown ten-fold. FFL aims to promote the amateur football in the city and provide a platform which will help provide recognition to the amazing talent the city has. FFL will have 120 players from 10 participating franchises.
The game will be played in 5-a-side format were there will be two halves of 20 minutes each with a halftime break of three to five minutes. Twelve members make up a squad while only five play. Rolling substitutes are allowed, 3 points for a win, one for a draw, none for loss.
Participating teams
- Barefoot FC (home ground Tiento)
- XLR8 FC (home ground XLR8)
- Super Park FC (home ground Super Park)
- Football Aura
- Fairplay FC (Home ground new facility at JP Nagar)
- Bullring Matadors (home ground BullRing)
- West Block FC
- Friends United
- Al-Fateh FC (home ground Active Arena)
- Hotfut South United (home ground Hotfut, Sarjapur Road)
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