Spirited Bengaluru FC exit Durand Cup with defeat in sudden death to FC Goa

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC’s Durand Cup campaign came to a heartbreaking end following their defeat to FC Goa in the semifinal, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, on Wednesday. Sivasakthi Narayanan (1’, 83’) scored at either end of regulation time, with Devendra Murgaokar (8’) and Redeem Tlang (72’) getting on the scoresheet for Goa. With both teams on level terms at the end of extra time, the game moved to a penalty shootout, where Damaitphang Lyngdoh saw his effort saved in sudden death, which meant curtains for the Blues in Kolkata.

Naushad Moosa made two changes to the team that beat Army Green in the quarterfinal, with Namgyal Bhutia and Akashdeep Singh replacing Biswa Darjee and Leon Augustine. On the other bench, Juan Ferrando made three changes; Naveen Kumar, Ivan Gonzalez, Alberto Noguera coming in place of Dheeraj Singh, Brandon Fernandes and Aibanbha Dohling.

Goa got the ball rolling and the Blues’ high press right from kickoff caught their goalkeeper Naveen Kumar off guard, whose attempt to clear was blocked by Sivasakthi, deflecting the ball into the goal to put Bengaluru 1-0 up. Goa made it 1-1 minutes later when Devendra headed in Muhammed Nemil’s corner from close range.

Despite the early equaliser, the Blues stuck to the game plan and made frequent inroads into the final third. First, Sivasakthi made space for himself and took a shot that curled away from the goal. Later, Bidyashagar Singh, on as an early replacement for the injured Harmanpreet Singh, cut inside from the left and saw his shot blocked for a corner. Minutes after, Sivasakthi found Bhutia’s run from inside the Blues’ half, but the 22-year-old’s first time effort sailed well over.

Just past the half hour mark, Sanson Pereira found his way into the Blues box and found Edu Bedia in the middle, but Wungngayam Muirang was alert to head the ball away with ’keeper Lara Sharma off his line.

On the other side of the break, Bengaluru took less than two minutes to carve open the Goan defence, when Sivasakthi played Bidyashagar through, but the forward saw his shot go high and wide. Two minutes later, skipper Ajith, pressing high up the pitch, stole possession outside the box, made his way in and found Akashdeep, whose shot was off target.

Goa’s first shot on target in the second half came from an Edu freekick, but Lara was alert to dive low and make the block. Looking to get a foothold in the game, Ferrando made a triple substitution in the 61st minute, bringing on Makan Chothe, Redeem and Aibanbha Dohling for Devendra, Nemil and Spaniard Ivan Gonzalez. The changes worked, as substitute Redeem put Goa 2-1 up with a left foot finish.

Sivasakthi, who gave the Blues the lead in the opening minute, brought them back into the game with a well taken header off Bhutia’s cross to make it 2-2, and take the game into extra time.

The thirty added minutes in humid conditions failed to separate the sides, as both teams, tired but resolute, stood firm to take the game into a penalty shootout. Muirang, Ajay Chhetri, Parag Shrivas, Bhutia, Ajith and Bekey Oram found the back of the net, while Akashdeep saw his effort saved, and Lara did well to block Reddem’s penalty. Damaitphang Lyngdoh saw his spot kick saved in sudden death, confirming an exit from the competition for the Blues with a 7-6 defeat in the shootout.

Bengaluru take on FC Goa in Durand Cup semifinal

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC Coach Naushad Moosa said his young side is confident of putting in a good performance when they take on FC Goa in the Durand Cup semifinal, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Wednesday.

“The players do not have any pressure going into this game as they fully understand their roles and responsibilities now. FC Goa came here with a full squad, and it was the same with Kerala Blasters too. We know how good Goa is as a team. It won’t be an easy game, but we’ll step onto the pitch with the objective of making things difficult for them. The boys are really positive, and I just want them to play freely, express themselves and fight till the end,” said Moosa, speaking to the press ahead of the semifinal.

FC Goa come into the game winning all their group stage matches before defeating Delhi FC 5-1 in the quarterfinals. With 14 goals scored and just two conceded, Goa’s attacking and defensive prowess are a force to be reckoned with, and Moosa believes his side will have to be on top of their game if they are to come away with a positive result.

“Our approach to the game will not be very different from the way we have been playing so far. The only thing we have to be very careful about is the way we have been conceding first. While we have shown good character to fight back and win, it will not be easy to do that against Goa if we concede early,” Moosa added.

While the game is set for an evening kickoff, making it easier for the teams to play, Moosa believes that it serves as an even advantage. “In terms of humidity and heat, the 6 pm kickoff will really help the players. We played our games at 3 pm and then 2 pm so far, and it was difficult for the boys to adapt. You can see how the evening game allowed Mohammedan SC and FC Bengaluru United to play more freely in the other semifinal. While it will help us, I am sure it’s the same for Goa. The conditions are favourable for both teams to play with a good tempo, and it should be a good match,” said Moosa.

Kickoff between Bengaluru FC and FC Goa is at 6 pm on Wednesday, September 29th, and will be live on Ten Sports, and the AddaTimes website and app. The winner in this encounter will face Mohammedan in the final.

 

Bengaluru FC come from behind to make Durand Cup semifinals

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC came from behind yet again to defeat Army Green 3-2 in their Durand Cup quarterfinal, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, on Saturday. Lallawmkima PC (9’) gave the away side the lead in the first half, before goals from Wungngayam Muirang (20’), Leon Augustine (46’) and Namgyal Bhutia (74’) put the Blues ahead. Vibin TV (89’) pulled one back at the end, but Bengaluru held on to win the game.

Earlier, Naushad Moosa made one change to the team that beat Indian Navy 5-3, with Leon replacing Bidyashagar Singh in the attack. The Blues started the game on the front foot and had the first chance of the game when Leon skipped past his marker and sent Sivasakthi Narayanan through on goal, but Army Green goalkeeper Sarath Narayanan was quick to come off his line and block his shot. Minutes later, the services side took the lead at the other end, when Lallawmkima scored from the spot after he was brought down by Ajith Kumar in the box.

Leon found himself free down the right and cut into the box in the 15th minute to find Harmanpreet Singh, who took a couple of touches to make space for himself but shot straight at ’keeper Sarath. Bengaluru got back on level terms soon after, when Leon won a free kick on the right flank. Muirang’s effort beat the wall and the ’keeper, to make it 1-1.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the Blues began to make frequent inroads into the final third, starting with Damaitphang Lyngdoh’s curling effort from the edge of the box that needed Sarath at full stretch to keep the scores level. 

In the 37th minute, Parag Shrivas intercepted a pass and sparked a counter-attack by setting Leon free, who saw the ’keeper come off his line and took a shot that went wide. Minutes later, the 22-year-old initiated another counter after winning the ball in the middle of the pitch. He sent Sivasakthi free down the right and the youngster found Biswa Darjee in the middle, but the midfielder’s touch was too heavy and Sarath was quick to come out and collect the ball.

It took less than a minute into the second half for the Blues to complete the comeback. Leon, who had sparked the comeback against Indian Navy on Tuesday, escaped his markers and, with the ’keeper charging forward, chipped the ball into an empty net to make it 2-1. Less than a minute later, he almost had another goal in a similar fashion but his effort went just wide of the goal this time.

Army Green forward Dip Majumder had two chances in the space of a minute to get his side back on level terms. First, Naorem Roshan Singh timed his sliding challenge well to make a block in the box and later Lara Sharma went low to make a save on the line.

The Blues got their third goal of the game when Biswa found substitute Bhutia in the box, and the forward shot low into the far corner to put Bengaluru 3-1 up. Akashdeep Singh, who had an earlier effort blocked by Sarath, saw his shot deflect off the ’keeper and bounce off the far post. Army Green won another penalty a minute before stoppage time after Robin Yadav brought down Lallawmkima and Vibin TV sent Lara the wrong way to make it 3-2.

The Blues held on to their lead to win the game and seal their spot in the semifinals, where they face FC Goa, on September 29, at the same venue.

 

Bengaluru, Army Green clash in Durand Cup quarterfinal

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC Coach Naushad Moosa said that his side were focused on tackling each game at a time, ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Army Green, set to take place at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Saturday. The Blues, who booked their spot in the knockouts by virtue of topping Group C, face Army Green, who finished second in Group B.

“The final group game against the Indian Navy was a good learning experience for the boys. We allowed the opposition to bring the game to us in the first half, and that gave them a two-goal lead and I told my team during the break that they had to pull together as a unit and work hard. They responded well to turn things around in the second period,” said Moosa, speaking to the press ahead of the fixture.

Bengaluru began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Kerala Blasters, which was followed by a 2-2 draw against Delhi FC. The win over Indian Navy on Tuesday allowed Moosa’s side to finish the Group unbeaten, with seven points from three games. Army Green, meanwhile, lost 2-0 to FC Goa in their opener, before wins over Jamshedpur FC (3-1) and Sudeva Delhi FC (1-0).

Bengaluru have goalscorers across the pitch, with seven players within Moosa’s squad finding the net in the group stages, scoring nine goals among them. “It’s good that we have had several players finding the back of the net. It makes selecting the team difficult, and that’s always a good thing for a coach. The boys are hungry to do well and to go as far as possible in this competition. But that doesn’t change the fact that it will be tough for us, so we will have to be at our best,” Moosa added.

Army Green meanwhile, have scored four goals in the tournament, of which striker Deepak Singh scored three. “We’re expecting another physical game on Saturday, and since kick off is at 2 pm, the conditions are going to be even more challenging. The boys need to make sure they begin well and hold strong. We’re not thinking about the semifinal or the final just yet. The most important game for us is the next one, and that’s the quarterfinal against Army Green,” said Moosa.

Kick-off in the clash between Bengaluru FC and Army Green is at 2 pm on Saturday, September 25th, and will be streamed live on the AddaTimes website and app. The winner of this encounter will face FC Goa in the semifinal.

 

Karnataka Referees Committee to conduct referees' exam

The Referees Committee of KSFA will be conducting an entrance examination for football referees in November at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, Interested Candidates from Karnataka can register through the AIFF website - www.the-aiff.com.

Eligibility criteria 

• Minimum Qualification: SSLC (Tenth grade) pass
• Age limit: l8 to 28 years

Classes will commence from the first week of October onwards at Bangalore Football Stadium. Examination fees applicable 

For further Information and details contact:

• Balasubramanium – 9986330510 and G Murthy - 8073515202
• Mail to us at ksfarc@gmall.com

 

Bengaluru FC beat Indian Navy to make Durand Cup knockouts

Bengaluru FC Media

Naushad Moosa’s Bengaluru FC side scripted a remarkable second-half comeback to make the knockout rounds of the 2021 Durand Cup, with a 5-3 win over Indian Navy at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Tuesday. Goals from Jijo (18’), Sreyas (29’) gave the Services side a two-goal lead heading into the break before the Blues came out all guns blazing in the second period, with strikes from Leon Augustine (52’), Harmanpreet Singh (60’, 80’), Ajay Chhetri (73’) and Thoi Singh (90’ + 1’) sealing the points. Vijay (90’ + 3’) added a consolation goal for the away side in extra time.

Naushad Moosa made one change to the team that drew 2-2 with Delhi FC, with Bidyashagar Singh replacing Leon Augustine.

Blues’ goalkeeper Lara Sharma had to be alert to deny Indian Navy in the opening minutes, doing well to push a corner onto the post and out of play. At the other end, on the five-minute mark, Sivasakthi Narayanan broke free but the Indian Navy defence did well to cut out his pass into the box.

Indian Navy took the lead in the 18th minute when Jijo latched onto Lara’s clearance from a corner and volleyed home from the edge of the box. Sivasakthi had a chance to put the Blues back on level terms, but skied his effort after Harmanpreet Singh found him free in the box. Instead, Indian Navy doubled their lead ten minutes later through Sreyas VG, who ran free down the middle and placed his finish into the far corner.

The Blues almost pulled one back just past the half hour mark, when Ajith Kumar did well to bring down a long pass but couldn’t find Harmanpreet at the far post.

Leon, replacing Bidyashagar at the start of the second half, put his name on the scoreboard with a well-taken finish, after Sivasakthi’s flick sent him one on one with the ’keeper Bhaskar Roy. The scorer then turned provider, when he found Harmanpreet with an inch-perfect pass, and the forward made no mistake in finding the back of the net to make it 2-2.

With momentum on their side, the Blues pressed forward and won a penalty, after Biswa Darjee was brought down in the box. Ajay Chhetri made no mistake from the spot, finding the bottom corner to complete the turnaround and put the Blues 3-2 up. Harmanpreet added another goal to his name, chipping the ball over the onrushing ’keeper and finishing into an empty net.

The Blues added another goal in stoppage time, when Sivasakthi broke free down the right-wing and found Bekey Oram, who toyed with the Indian Navy defence before finding Thoi Singh, who placed his finish between two defenders and the ’keeper to put the Blues 5-2 up. Vijay then reduced the deficit for Indian Navy in the final minutes of added time, making it 5-3. 

The win sees Bengaluru progress to the quarterfinals, where they take on Army Green, who finished second, with six points, in Group B.

 

Bengaluru FC take on Indian Navy in Durand Cup with an eye on quarterfinal spot

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC Coach Naushad Moosa dismissed claims that his side would play defensive football, despite needing just a point to reach the quarterfinals of the 130th Durand Cup, as they take on Indian Navy Football Team in their final group stage clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, on Tuesday. With four points from two games, Bengaluru sit atop Group C, followed by Kerala Blasters and Indian Navy, who have three points apiece.

 

“We are going into this game looking for the win. At Bengaluru FC, we always want to play good football and win games. We don’t believe in playing for a draw. I am very happy with the way this team has performed so far, and we’ll continue to give our best when we step onto the pitch on Tuesday,” said Moosa, speaking at the pre-match Press Conference.

 

Indian Navy, who come into the game with three points in the bag, beat Delhi FC 2-1 in their opener, before going down 1-0 to Kerala Blasters. With every team in the group standing a mathematical chance to make it through, Moosa said he expects a tough encounter against the Armed Forces side, who need a win to progress to the next stage.

 

“Indian Navy are a strong unit, both tactically and physically. Our boys have been performing well considering the pitch conditions and the fact that other teams have fielded foreigners. We just need to be pressing more as a team, and I have seen improvement in that aspect. Players like Damaitphang [Lyngdoh], Sivasakthi [Narayanan] and others have shown that size doesn’t matter and that they can do well when they are on the pitch,” said Moosa.

 

Despite fielding a very young side in the tournament, the Blues remain the only unbeaten team in Group C, following their 2-0 opening day win against Kerala and a 2-2 draw against Delhi FC on Saturday.

 

“At this club, our philosophy is to have youngsters come in from the academy setup and we believe in grooming players, right from the youth teams to the reserve team. The management, the coaches, and even the fans, believe in this philosophy. Head Coach Marco (Pezzaiuoli) is also very happy with the way the boys have been performing in Kolkata, and we are constantly reviewing their performances,” Moosa added.

 

Kickoff between Bengaluru FC and the Indian Navy Football Team is scheduled for 3 PM on Tuesday, and the match will be streamed live on the Addatimes website and app.

 

Bengaluru, Delhi play out entertaining 2-2 draw

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC and Delhi FC played out a hard-fought 2-2 draw in their Durand Cup Group C clash, at the Mohun Bagan Ground, in Kolkata, on Saturday. Sivasakthi Narayanan (27’) put the Blues ahead before Willis Plaza (57’, 61’) turned it around for Delhi in the second half. Substitute Bidyashagar Singh (75’) brought Bengaluru back on level terms, helping Naushad Moosa's side take a point from the encounter.

Moosa made three changes to the team that defeated Kerala Blasters in the opening game, with Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Leon Augustine and Harmanpreet Singh replacing Akashdeep Singh, Namgyal Bhutia and Bidyashagar.

Ajith Kumar, who captained the side yet again, had to be alert in the fifth minute to intercept Plaza’s cross to Himanshu Jangra in the box. The Blues’ first chance of the game came when Sivasakthi was released down the right wing, and the striker’s cutback found Ajay Chhetri, whose shot was blocked by a sliding Suraj. At the other end, Lara Sharma had to be alert to deny Rinreithan Shaiza.

The Blues broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Ajay's freekick bounced off the wall and Delhi goalkeeper Lovepreet Singh failed to collect. Sivasakthi, alert enough to poke home from close range, put BFC ahead.

The final effort of the half fell Delhi’s way when Shaiza got free down the left flank, but saw his shot well blocked at the near post by Lara.

Looking to get back into the game, Delhi brought on Victor Philip in place of Nikhil Mali as a halftime substitute. The Nigerian made an instant impact when his cross into the box was headed home by Plaza, past Lara. Minutes later, the Trinidad And Tobago striker got a second when his shot from a tight angle crept past Lara at the near post to put the Blues 2-1 down.

At the other end, substitute Bidyashagar, replacing Leon, also made an instant impact when he got to Harmanpreet’s cross and found the back of the net from an almost impossible angle, to bring Bengaluru back on level terms.

The Blues kept knocking at Delhi’s door in search of the winner, and had a few good chances to retake the lead. First, Bidyashagar saw his effort parried by Lovepreet and Harmanpreet was unable to get to the rebound. Later, Harmanpreet skipped free down the right and found Sivasakthi with a cross, but a combination of Loverpreet's hands and a defender's goal-line clearance denied the striker his second of the game. The final chance saw Akashdeep sent free down the middle by Sivasakthi, but the youngster’s shot sailed inches wide of the post, and the Blues had to settle for a draw.

BFC are back in action on Tuesday, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, when they take on Indian Navy. 

 

Bengaluru FC beat Blasters 2-0 in Durand Cup opener

 Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC began their Durand Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Kerala Blasters FC in their Group C opener, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, on Wednesday. Namgyal Bhutia’s freekick (45’) put the Blues in front before the break, and Leon Augustine (70’) sealed the win in the second half.

Bengaluru FC coach Naushad Moosa handed full debuts to Wungngayam Muirang, Biswa Darjee and B Team graduate Akashdeep Singh, with Ajith Kumar captaining the side.

The Blues started the game on the front foot and registered their first shot on target just five minutes in, when Akashdeep skipped past his marker and found Sivasakthi Narayanan, whose effort was straight into the hands of Kerala goalkeeper Albino Gomes.

Kerala’s first effort on target came in the closing minutes of the half when VS Sreekuttan broke free of the Blues defence, but saw his shot saved by Lara Sharma at the near post.

On the stroke of halftime, BFC broke the deadlock when Akashdeep was brought down outside the box, and Bhutia stepped up and curled the ball past ’keeper Albino’s reach to make it 1-0.

Both teams made half time changes, with Leon Augustine replacing Akashdeep for the Blues, while Rahul KP came off for Prasanth Karuthadathkuni for Kerala. Six minutes later, Harmanpreet Singh made his Blues debut, replacing Bidyashagar.

Kerala found themselves a man light just past the hour mark when RV Hormipam earned a second yellow card for bringing down Sivasakthi. Bengaluru doubled their lead in the 70th minute through Leon, who bundled home Harmanpreet’s cross from close range. The Blues continued to press forward, prompting the Blasters into reckless challenges to stop their advances. Persistent fouling saw them go down to eight men, when Sandeep Singh and Denechandra Meitei were given their marching orders in the space of two minutes. Bengaluru kept the ball, recycled possession and saw off the final minutes to seal the win.

BFC are back in action on Saturday, at the Mohun Bagan Ground, when they take on Delhi FC.

FCBU storm into Durand quarter-finals defeating Mohammedan 2-0

FCBU Media 

FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) got the better of torrid ground conditions and a marquee opposition as they pulled off a spectacular 2-0 win over Mohammedan Sporting in their final group game of the Durand Cup at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata. Both teams struggled with a sluggish outfield, but it was FCBU who remained dogged in attack and finally scored in the 64th minute through James Singh. The Bengaluru team were then awarded a penalty in the dying moments of the game that was smartly converted by Luka Majcen. With this win, FCBU enter the quarterfinals as group leaders.

The match got off to a sluggish start with both teams struggling to come to terms with the slushy conditions. Incessant morning rain resulted in huge puddles on the pitch and consequently, most of the action was confined to the wings. Crosses and long balls held sway with both teams struggling to string together a series of quick passes thanks to the outfield conditions.  FCBU seemed to have the better of the conditions early on; Yumnam Gopi Singh got a shot on goal that was saved by the goalkeeper in the 7th minute, a corner taken by Sanju Pradhan in the 27th minute was neatly deflected by the goalkeeper, Ronaldo Oliviera followed this up with another shot on goal in the next minute only to have the Sporting goalkeeper once again put in the save. Sporting slowly seemed to get into their groove with a series of corners and half chances, but it was a clear struggle for both the teams, with very little action in the middle and both unable to find men in the box to convert the half chances.

At half time the score was 0-0, with both teams having had some half chances, but failing to convert, thanks to the difficult ground conditions. The ball kept stopping in the puddles and both defensive lines were under pressure trying to deal with the long balls through the air before they skidded off the pitch.  

Both teams began the second half cautiously, with Sporting getting a half chance soon in, their corner deflecting wide off the post.  FCBU kept chipping away at the Sporting defence and finally the deadlock was broken in the 64th minute. A corner taken by Ronaldo Oliveira was smartly headed in by James Singh to get FCBU on the scoreboard. Given the ground conditions, this was perhaps the only way a team could get onto the scoreboard and FCBU made the most of the opportunity presented.

Feeling the pressure, Sporting began to up the ante, but the FCBU defence held firm, Kunzang Bhutia pulling off a spectacular save in the 78th minute, coming off the line and pulling in a smart save to a short taken from close range. Sporting were awarded a free kick in the 86th minute, which was once again cleared by Bhutia. Five minutes extra time was awarded and with things getting tense, frustrations began to spill onto the pitch. Sporting appealed for a penalty in the 93rd minute, but it was FCBU who were awarded a penalty in the 94th minute after substitute Nihal Colaco was fouled inside the box. Luka Majcen held his nerve, stepped calmly up to the plate to seal the deal 2-0 in FCBU’s favour in the 95th minute.

With this win, FCBU end the group stage unbeaten with 9 points and go into the quarterfinals as Group A leaders.    

 

Bengaluru FC to begin Durand Cup campaign against Kerala Blasters

Bengaluru FC Media 

Blues coach Naushad Moosa maintained that his young side will be out to impress when they take on Kerala Blasters FC in their opening fixture of the Durand Cup, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, in Kolkata, on Wednesday. Bengaluru, grouped alongside Kerala, Delhi FC and Indian Navy in Group C, will look to start strong, with the top two teams from each group set to qualify for the quarterfinals.

“We had a long pre-season for the AFC Cup, and our squad for this tournament has many youngsters who haven’t played too many competitive games over the last few months. We have a mixture of U18 graduates and reserve team players who Marco (Pezzaiuoli) believes have good potential. The Durand Cup is a prestigious tournament, and we’ll look at how these players can perform under pressure against big teams,” Moosa said, speaking at the pre-match press conference.

The Blues’ first opponents Kerala have already opened their account in Kolkata, beating Indian Navy 1-0 courtesy Uruguayan midfielder Adrian Luna’s penalty on September 11.

“Kerala have come here with a full strength squad, and have won their first game too. That said, it is important for any team playing in the competition to give their best, and that holds true for us as well. We are very serious about this tournament, and the players also know how important this is for them. They are raring to get onto the pitch and show everyone what they are capable of,” Moosa added.

While Kerala make their debut in the competition this year, the Blues have two previous appearances, having made it to the semifinals once, losing out to Salgaocar on penalties in their debut campaign in 2014. Moosa’s young side finished second in their group, in their most recent tournament appearance in 2019.

“As a coach, it isn’t easy for Marco to give chances to everyone, even though he wants to. That’s why we have brought a young team here, and everyone will get the chance to prove themselves. As a club, we are very invested in our youth development program and we want to reach a point where we have a senior squad that has a balance of experienced players and youngsters. It will take time, but we are on the right path. We have had encouraging signs over the last few years, in Suresh (Wangjam), Leon (Augustine) and Parag (Shrivas) to name a few. This year, Damaitphang (Lyngdoh) and Sivasakthi (Narayanan) made their first team debuts,” said Moosa, who lifted the Durand Cup as a player with Mahindra & Mahindra in 2002.

Kickoff between Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters is scheduled for 3 PM on Wednesday, and the match will be streamed live on the Addatimes website and app.

KSFA Sporting Planet Trophy 2021 – Points Table

Points table of Women’s A Division with fixture and results.

Fixture - Mains 

Group A

1. September 15, 2021, 2:30 PM: Modern Girls 4 (Maithreyi-29', 46', Treia-43', 53') Vs Pioneer Women's FC 2 (Priya -27', Shravani-60') 
2. September 15, 2021, 4 PM: Pink Panthers 7 (Amshitha-14', 30', Rachana-20', 32', 60', Nuthana-23', 50') vs Sai Sports Academy 0  
3. September 17, 2021, 2:30 PM: Pioneer Women's FC 1 (Sathya-11') Vs Sai Sports Academy 0 
4. September 17, 2021, 4 PM: Modern Girls 3 (Arushi-30', Rivka-41', Teria-49') Vs Pink Panthers 0 
5. September 19, 2021, 2:30 PM: Pink Panthers 2 (Rachana-26', 62') Vs Pioneer Women's FC 0 
6. September 19, 2021, 4 PM: Modern Girls 4 (Rivka-7', Treia-18', Aarushi-20', 22') Vs Sai Sports Academy 0 

Group B

1. September 16, 2021, 2:30 PM: Roots Football School 7 (Myithili-12', 37', 42', Sanjana-13', 60', Shravya -24', Trisha-54' ) vs GRK Girls FC 1 (Ruchi-59') 
2. September 16, 2021, 4 PM: Pass FC 3 (Gunjan-14', Rafiya-36', 44') vs United FC Kodagu 2 (Harsha-30'+1', Tanu Vijay Gavade-42')  
3. September 18, 2021, 2:30 PM: Roots Football School 1 (Sanjana-58') Vs Pass FC 0 
4. September 18, 2021, 4 PM: United FC Kodagu 1 (Jayashree Dhama S-34') Vs GRK Girls FC 0 
5. September 20, 2021, 2:30 PM: Pass FC 7 (Rafiya -24', 28', 30'+1', 59', Nivedha-33', 55', 61') Vs GRK Girls 1 (Tara -14') 
6. September 20, 2021, 4 PM: Roots Football School 3 (Zayna-7', Mythili-47', 57') Vs United FC Kodagu 1 (Jaya Shree Dhama S-20') 

Final  

• September 22, 2021, 4 PM: Modern Girls 3 (Aarushi- 7th.40th.48') Vs Roots Football School 1 (Shravya-10') 

===

Points table of Women’s A Division qualifiers along with results.

Fixture - Qualifiers

Group A

• September 1, 2021, 2:30 PM: Sai Sports Academy 3 (Shyna Ahani-27’, Aksitha A C-36’, Ishwary-50’) Vs Bangalore Panthers 1 (Sanjana-35') 
• September 1, 2021, 2:30 PM: United Kodagu FC 1 (Jayashree-19') Vs Young Gems 0  
• September 3, 2021, 2:30 PM: Bangalore Panthers 7 (Yana-22’, 42’, Nehal-36’, 58’, Monisha-39’, Kavya-52’, Chanchal-59’) Vs Young Stars FC 0
• September 3, 2021, 4 PM: Young Gems 2 (Alliya-4', Akshita-54') Vs Sai Sports Academy 0
• September 6, 2021, 2:30 PM: Bangalore Panthers 1 (Sanjana -22’) Vs Young Gems 0
• September 6, 2021, 4 PM: Sai Sports Academy 12 (Aishwarya-7', 11', 26', Shayna-10', 33', Sai-13', 30', Shivangi-19', 20', 22', 38', Jennifer-58') Vs Young Stars FC 0
• September 8, 2021, 2:30 PM: United Kodagu FC 2 (Niharika-9', Jayashree-19') Vs Bangalore Panthers 0
• September 8, 2021, 4 PM: Young Gems 9 (Shree Shakti-3', Akshita-10', 35', Shreya-16', 40', Nadia Martin-22', Aliya-19', 30'+2', Vasudha-47') Vs Young Stars FC 0  
• September 10, 2021, 4 PM: United Kodagu FC 3 (Sharadha-7', Jayashree-25', Tulsi-38') Vs Sai Sports Academy 3 (Shayna-14', Shivangi-16', Keerti-37') 
• September 12, 2021, 2:30 PM: United FC Kodagu Vs Young Star 

Group B 

• September 2, 2021, 2:30 PM: Pioneer Women's FC 1 (Priyadharshini-25') Vs Joe's United 0 
• September 2, 2021, 4 PM: Pink Panthers FC 1 (Trinette-49') Vs Pass FC 0
• September 4, 2021, 2:30 PM: Pass FC 6 (Ruksar-5', 42', 46', Aishwariya-12', 45', Nivedha-57') Vs Joe's United 0
• September 4, 2021, 4 PM: Pink Panthers FC 1 (Trinette-51’) Vs Pioneer Women's FC 0
• September 7, 2021, 2:30 PM: Pass FC 2 (Gunjan-35', Nivedha-58') Vs Bangalore Blues FC 1 (Sunitha-9) 
• September 7, 2021, 4 PM: Pink Panthers FC 4 (Rachana-11’, 29’, Nuthana-18’ Trinette-30’+1’) Vs Joe's United 0 
• September 9, 2021, 2:30 PM: Bangalore Blues FC 4 (Lisha-32', Shivani-55', 59') Vs Joe's United 0 
• September 9, 2021, 4 PM: Pass FC 1 (Aishwarya-46') Vs Pioneer Woman's FC 1 (Rupa-16') 
• September 11, 2021, 4 PM: Bangalore Blues FC 0 Vs Pioneer Woman's FC 1 (Priyadarshini-40')  

FCBU start Durand Cup campaign in Kolkata with a win

FCBU Media 

FC Bengaluru United’s (FCBU) campaign in the Durand Cup began on a winning note against Central Reserve Police Force Football (CRPF) at the Kalyani Stadium in Kolkata. The teams had their chances through the game, but FCBU held their nerve in all the tight moments to emerge triumphant.   

Both teams got off the blocks slowly, trying to hold onto possession. FCBU had a chance early on with new signee Pedro Manzi’s shot on goal sailing tantalizingly close over the post. In the 8th minute, a cross from the right in the box by Yumnam Gopi Singh set up a beautiful chance for Ronaldo Oliveira, who failed to convert. Manzi continued to pepper the goal with shots as FCBU gradually built up the intensity. CRPF FC too had their chances, including a dangerous corner in the 45th minute; goalkeeper Kunzang Bhutia’s timely save keeping the CRPF FC winger’s shot at bay. The FCBU backline too held firm right through the first half, neatly dealing with the long balls from CRPF FC.

Both teams upped the intensity in the second half, but it was FCBU who clearly held the upper hand with the number of close chances they continued to create. Close to three half chances in the first 4 minutes of the second half were created including a freekick taken by Manzi that hit the post and a header from Gopi that was saved by the CRPF FC keeper.

FCBU would feel hard done by when they were not awarded a penalty in the 60th minute when Manzi was pulled down in the box after a tackle from behind. But they refused to let that deter them and in the 63rd minute finally got on the scoreboard courtesy Manzi. A sumptuous cross from Asraf Mondal just beat the CRPF FC backline, superb control from Manzi as he evaded the keeper to net the ball in the bottom left corner of the goal.

Drama in the 71st minute as Manzi chipped the ball in for Luka Majcen, who tried to chip it past the CRPF FC keeper, who in turn, handled the ball outside the D and was handed a red card.  

FCBU continued to apply the pressure with attacking substitutions and shots on goal. A freekick awarded to CRPF FC in the dying minutes was safely dealt with by Chelston Pinto, to seal the game in FC Bengaluru United’s favour. The Bengaluru team though would feel hard done by a couple of refereeing decisions, including the disallowing of a screamer of a goal from Sanju Pradhan towards the closing minutes of the game that would have pushed them to 2-0.  

The Bengaluru outfit play their second game against Indian Air Force Football team on Thursday, September 9.

 

FC Bengaluru United confirm signing of nine new players including two local boys

FCBU Media 

BDFA Super Division champions FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) have signed new players as they work on fine-tuning their squad in their bid to mount a challenge for domestic honours in the 2021 – 22 Season. The addition of defenders Kinshuk Debnath, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Thokchom James Singh, George D’Souza, Yumnam Gopi Singh, Kynsailang Khongsit, Shelton Paul, Melroy Fernandes, and Nihal Colaco. will add significant depth to the FCBU squad and strengthen the defensive backline, bring in energy, freshness, and balance.

• Kinshuk Debnath - the 36-year-old right fullback is a seasoned campaigner with notable big match experience during his stints with Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan SC, East Bengal and Atletico de Kolkata. Debnath has spent the bulk of his professional career representing Kolkata clubs, and will likely play a key role for the Bengaluru outfit during their 2021 Durand Cup campaign, which will be held in Kolkata from 5th September.
• Dharmaraj Ravanan – the centre back is another player who will add experience and championship winning know-how to the FCBU squad. The 34-year-old defender from Tamil Nadu is a veteran of 138 I-League appearances, and a two-time winner of the Durand Cup with Mahindra United and Churchill Brothers. He has also led the Goan club to the I-League (2013) and Federation Cup (2014) titles as their Captain. Ravanan’s addition will shore up the heart of the FCBU defence.
• Thokchom James Singh – the 21-year-old Manipuri centre back, who joins the club on a free transfer from I-League side TRAU FC. The young defender played for Neroca FC at youth level, before going on to represent Sagolband United and TRAU FC.
• George D’Souza – the 27-year-old left fullback, who joins FCBU on a loan deal from ISL side Odisha FC. A dead ball specialist with natural attacking instincts, the versatile left back was often deployed further up the pitch as an out and out winger for Goa Pro League side Sporting Goa.
• Yumnam Gopi Singh – the 22-year-old Manipuri footballer who plays as a left-sided midfielder. A versatile athlete, Singh has also often been fielded centrally as an attacking midfielder. After beginning his career in the I-League at Neroca FC, Singh joined ISL side ATK, where he played primarily for the reserve team. He finally got his chance to play in the ISL in the 2020-21 season with East Bengal.
• Kynsailang Khongsit  - the 22-old defender hails from Shillong, where he came through the ranks of hometown club Royal Wahingdoh FC. After spending a considerable part of his youth career there, Khongsit moved to Shillong Lajong in the summer of 2017. Khongsit racked up 22 appearances in the I-League for Shillong Lajong over his two seasons at the club.
• Melroy Fernandes – he has played for prominent Goa clubs in the Goa Pro League and I-League over the last decade, joins as the third goalkeeper in the squad. 
• Shelton Paul – the local Bengaluru boy is a promising winger.
• Nihal Colaco- another local boy who is making a comeback to the squad, following his recovery from injury.