Bengaluru suffer final heartbreak, Minerva Punjab win 4th consecutive Hero Junior League title

AIFF & Bengaluru FC Media 

It was a heartbreaking end to what was a historic campaign for Bengaluru FC as they went down 0-2 to Minerva Punjab FC in the final of the Hero Junior League at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata, on Wednesday. 

In a game that they dominated from the very beginning, two counter-attacks hurt the Blue Colts as strikes from Himanshu Jangra (48’) and Tongbram Singh (65’) handed them their first defeat of the campaign in the summit clash. For the record, it was also the first time that Bengaluru conceded in the competition, having netted 89 in 12 consecutive wins leading up to the final.

Bengaluru FC began the first half on the offensive and created most of the close chances but poor finishing cost them as Lalthangliana and Rakesh Meitei both lacked the killer touch in the rival box. 

After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken in the 48th minute by Minerva, when striker Himanshu slid it past BFC custodian Dipesh Chauhan from the edge of the box against the run of play. 

Minvera then doubled their lead in the 65th minute when Tongbram Singh netted from close. A quick counter saw the ball find Lhunminthang on the right and while his low cross was blocked by Dipesh in the BFC goal, the stray ball bounced to Tongbram who managed to get a header. While the first attempt came off the crossbar, the rebound was finally headed home by the attacker to effectively seal the game. 

Bengaluru kept on pushing throughout the final thirty-odd minutes but failed to break down the Minerva backline who defended deep. The Blue Colts however ended the game with ten men when winger Manish Chaudhary was sent off for dissent in the third minute of injury time.

South United FC 2019 selection trial

South United Media

South United FC will be hosting trials for their senior team between June 6 and June 10, 2019 at the South United Academy, RBANMS Ground, Ulsoor. The Bangalore-based Club participated in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup, BDFA Super Division, and the Hero I-League Division 2 last season. 

South United Football Club is continually working towards being a large platform for Indian footballing talent to develop through their ecosystem. The aim of the trials is to identify talented players to wear the South United Jersey and provide them with a clear path of development for the future. 

The trials will only be held in Bengaluru at the South United Academy, which will also serve as the club’s new home ground. Players from across the country are invited to apply, they are however, required to meet certain criteria. The registration form and details are downloadable on South United FC’s official Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/sufcindia/) 

The prospective players from local areas must be born between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2003 (16-25 years). 

Players hoping to participate from areas outside of Bangalore must be born between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 2001 (18-25 years). Outstation applicants must also meet the additional criteria of having played at least in the Super or Elite Division in the past year. 

Players who are interested in applying must fill out a registration form available online and carry valid identification (age proof) as specified on the form. All applications must be sent in to info@sufcindia.com via email. You may reach out via phone on 022-61126065 or +91-7506457557 for any queries. 

The trials are exclusively for Indian Nationals (Indian Passport Holders).

Bengaluru set up Hero Junior League Final date with Minerva Punjab

AIFF Media & Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC continued their impressive run as they defeated neighbours Kerala Blasters 2-0 in dominant fashion in the semifinal of the Hero Junior League at the Kalyani Stadium, in Kolkata, on Monday. In a dominant show, a second-half brace from substitute Sonminthang Haokip (54’, 55’) was enough to send Bengaluru FC through to the grand finale of the competition further extending their one hundred percent record.

The Blue Colts followed suit of the Sub-Junior League counterparts in reaching the final as they went one step ahead of last year’s performance where they were knocked out via penalties at the same stage. In winning their twelfth consecutive game of the campaign, Bengaluru have now set up a final against defending champions Minerva Punjab FC, who sealed their place in the big game with a win over Shillong Lajong FC earlier in the day.

The Blue Colts began the game on the front foot, seizing control from the get go. They had a great chance in the 10th minute when Bekey Oram found himself in the clear in the box only to be hacked down by an onrushing Aman Kumar Sahni in the rival goal. Despite a clear two-footed challenge that failed to get a touch on the ball, referee Joyshing Thumli opted to play on much to the dismay of the Bengaluru boys.

Nonetheless, they kept their composure and continued pushing forward. Just past the half hour mark, Ajay Chorge’s boys almost took the lead when Bekey’s floated delivery in from the right found Manish at the far post whose attempt on the volley was palmed on to the crossbar by Sahni. The Blasters’ custodian once again came to his side’s rescue minutes later when he blocked Alfred Lalroutsang’s close range attempt.

It was agonizing for winger, Manish who had back-to-back attempts denied. First, his powerful left-footer from distance came off the crossbar before another close-range attempt went straight to Sahni.

Bengaluru finally converted their dominance into goals in the second half when they struck back-to-back goals ten minutes after restart. Substitute Haokip, on for Rakesh Meitei, struck a quick-fire double to put the Blue Colts in the driving seat.

The striker was sent through by playmaker Damaitphang Lyngdoh on the right before he controlled and fired a left-footed grounder past the rival ’keeper in the 54th minute. Just moments later, a quick counter attack saw Bekey release Haokip in the rival half on the right, and although his first attempt was saved by Sahni, the striker controlled and slotted home on the rebound to complete his brace.

The Blue Colts dominated majority of the proceedings thereafter and had another great chance in the final minutes of the game. Manish, sent clear with a cross from Lastborn Mawphniang, saw his header come off the crossbar for the third time on the afternoon.

Bengaluru FC now face defending champions Minerva Punjab in the final at the Kalyani Stadium on May 29.

Bengaluru seal final spot with comeback win over Sudeva in Hero Sub Junior League

AIFF Media 

Sudeva FC and Bengaluru FC (BFC) faced off in an absorbing battle that saw great end-to-end action. BFC started off on the front foot as they created some early openings but just six minutes into the match, it was Sudeva who took the lead through midfielder Hiti Seb from the penalty spot. 

The side from Bengaluru upped the ante as a result, coming close to scoring on several occasions. Ishaan Raghunanda had a chance to shoot from the right flank and kept his shot on target, which was tipped past the post by keeper Pankaj Bhandari in the 16th minute.

Four minutes later, they were inches away from equalizing as a chipped effort from the BFC striker was cleared off the line in an acrobatic manner by Sudeva’s Bijay Champia. Soon, Rohit Negi had a chance from a free-kick from the right flank but his curling effort landed on the top of the net.

With the half coming to an end, BFC were not to be denied in the third minute of added time as they scored their first with a goal straight from the training ground. Skipper Gautam Rajesh played a short corner and crossed the ball from the left flank, which was headed in at the far post by defender Vinith Venkatesh.

Scoring just before the break certainly upped BFC’s confidence and they carried it on in the second half – taking the lead in the 40th minute. It was another aerial ball that did the trick as Ishaan’s cross from the right found Chandan Biju unmarked and he headed it home to make it two to BFC.

Sudeva tried hard to find their way past a sturdy BFC defence but could not gain the upper hand. In the 53rd minute, Bengaluru were inches away from their third goal as forward Yodhin Rishyak struck a powerful shot from the top of the box but saw it come back out off the post.

In the end, Bengaluru held on for the win and made their way into the final, that will take place at the Don Bosco Ground in Margao on Wednesday (May 22, 2019).

Kean Lewis signs extension with Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have announced Kean Lewis’ contract renewal, as the winger committed his future to the Blues, signing a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The TATA Football Academy graduate was part of the Mahindra United academy where he played at various youth levels, and signed with Bengaluru ahead of the 2018-19 campaign. Twenty-six-year-old Kean claimed the assist for Erik Paartalu’s winner against ATK at the Fortress, and was instrumental in several appearances off the bench in Bengaluru’s run to the Indian Super League trophy.

“I’m very happy to have signed on with Bengaluru FC for another season. I was given the opportunity to play in several positions last season, which shows that the coach has faith in me. It gives me more chances to play, which was a key factor in my decision. Further to that, the team, the management, and the core of the club is intact, which bodes well for our chances of retaining the title and I’m really looking forward to that,” said Kean, after completing formalities on his one-year deal.

Carles Cuadrat, who has signed on with Bengaluru for two more seasons, said that he was happy to see Kean back in the fold.

“We're happy to offer Kean another year because he's been an important player for us throughout the course of last season. Kean made a difference coming off the bench in crucial moments and whenever we needed him. As a player who understands the philosophy of this club and our style of play, we stand to benefit from having him as part of the squad for another year,” said Cuadrat. 

Cuadrat pens new deal with Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC have reached an agreement with Carles Cuadrat to further the Spaniard’s stay with the Indian Super League champions in a new two-year deal that keeps him with the Blues till the end of the 2020-21 season, the club announced on Wednesday.

Having taken over the reins from Albert Roca at the end of the 2017-18 season, Cuadrat – in what was his first stint as head coach of a team – led the Blues their sixth title in as many seasons when they beat FC Goa in the ISL final at the Mumbai Football Arena, in March, this year.

“I am delighted to continue my stay at a club that functions like a closely-knit family. I have spent three years at Bengaluru FC and the fact that I’m willing to add two more, is testament of how happy I am at the club and in the city. We achieved success last season and I would like to build on it. Importantly, we will be competing in Asia again and that’s a challenge we are all relishing. All footballing reasons aside, the love and support the fans have shown me definitely had a part to play in my decision of signing on a new deal,” said Cuadrat.

Cuadrat, who arrived at the club as Roca’s assistant in 2016, took over from his mentor last year in what was a seamless transition. And while he kept the foundations that Roca laid, intact, Cuadrat brought his own ideas to the table that the dressing room were quick to credit as the reason the Blues got across the finish line in the ISL.

Under the Spaniard, Bengaluru became the first team in the history of the ISL to have won the title after finish on top of the table in the group stages. The Blues also boasted of an unbeaten record at home through the season.

Speaking on the deal, club CEO, Parth Jindal said, “After winning the Indian Super League last season and getting the team to perform the way it did, Carles attracted attention from a host of clubs in the country and even the continent, who wanted to secure his services. However, the fact that he has chosen to stay with Bengaluru FC is a fantastic testament to his belief in the project of this club and country, which is to put Indian football on the world map. He’s turned down lucrative deals to stay with us, and that is a very encouraging sign.

Given his La Masia background, he has been the perfect mentor for the young Indian players and that is an important aspect for us at Bengaluru FC. I am certain we will enjoy more success with Carles at the helm.”

TRAU trounce Ozone 2-0 in Second Division League

Ozone FC Bengaluru suffered their second loss in 2nd Division League final round match against  TRAU FC, Manipur, thus making it difficult to stay in contention for I-League promotion. 

With only one team in fray, Ozone got a favourable draw in this edition by playing all home games in the beginning. However, they failed to any take advantage as they managed to win only the first game, which got followed by two back-to-back losses. 

Meanwhile, TRAU registered an all-win record thus far, they are now at 9 points, and look a strong contender for #ileague promotion. TRAU took an early lead with a Yami Longvah goal, he completed a brace in 12th minute of the match. 

Ozone will now travel to Aizwal and face  Chhinga Veng Football Club on May 15.