Chasing the AFC Cup glory, Bengaluru ready for battle against Air Force Club

Bengaluru FC Media 

It’s been billed as the game that could be the start a revolution for one country and the resurrection of another as JSW Bengaluru FC take on Iraq’s Air Force Club in the final of the AFC Cup to be played at Doha’s Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium, today evening. 

After a year of battle that has seen 36 of the top clubs from the continent go head-to-head, the Blues and Air Force Club are the last teams standing in what is a first appearance in the final of an Asian competition for both sides. 

“We’re up against a strong team but it would mean a lot for Indian football if we won the title. That’s a prospect that excites us and will drive us tomorrow. They have scored many goals, have a striker that’s regularly scoring and are physically strong but I’ve told our boys to be ready for battle and we will hope our work ethic gives us a good result,” said BFC coach Albert Roca while addressing the press on the eve of the game. 

Much of the pre-game focus has been on Lalthuammawia Ralte, the Bengaluru ‘keeper who will be playing his first competitive game since turning out for the Blues in a 5-3 home win against Ayeyawady United in the group stages in April this year. Ralte comes in for first-choice Amrinder Singh who misses the big game owing to a suspension. But Roca sounded confident of the shot-stopper from Mizoram who was brilliant in the Blues’ Federation Cup-winning season. “Mawia is a good goalkeeper who has been pushing Amrinder to do well consistently and though he has not featured much this season, he has been a thorough professional at training, which is why we are not the least bit worried about this situation,” he said. 

Suspensions have also hit Air Force who will be without influential midfielder Bashar Rasan Bonyan and defender Samal Saeed. Bonyan picked up a straight red after scoring a brace in Air Force’s 3-2 win over Al-Ahed in the second leg of the semifinal. 

Bengaluru will look to fall back on some inspired performances through their campaign that saw the Blues oust defending champion Johor Darul Ta’zim in the semifinal (4-2) as they come up against a side that has lost just one game in the tournament. The club from Iraq will turn to their talismanic striker Hammadi Ahmad who, with 15 goals from 11 games, is the tournament’s leading goal scorer. 

Roca has a fully fit squad to choose from with the exception of Australian midfielder Cameron Watson who is down with a stomach bug. “Cameron’s been down with a stomach ache but we’re doing all we can to make sure he’s ready for the game,” said Roca.

The Blues are likely to find good support in the stands on Saturday given the large presence of the Indian community in Doha, something Roca said his boys would welcome. “We’ve met so many Indian people since we’ve come here and they have all promised to come out in numbers and back us which is wonderful for the boys.” The game kicks off at 9.30 pm IST and will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star HD 1. 

Former Barca assistant Albert Roca to coach Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC announced the appointment of Albert Roca as the club’s new coach. The 53-year-old Spaniard has signed a two-year deal that keeps him with the Blues till the end of the 2017-18 season.

Roca brings with him a wealth of coaching experience at the highest level having served as an assistant to Frank Rijkaard for five seasons at Barcelona (2003-2008) during which the Catalans won the Champions League once, the La Liga twice and the Spanish Super Cup twice before following the Dutchman in the same role to Turkish club Galatasaray (2009-2010) and finally the Saudi Arabian national team (2011-2013). Roca’s last job was as manager of the El Salvador national team where he was in charge for a year.

As a player, Roca’s most notable stints were with Real Zaragoza and CE Sabadell FC in the La Liga apart from shifts with a number of clubs in the second division.

“We are very excited to announce Albert Roca as the new coach of Bengaluru FC. He is, what I would call, a major signing at the club.  Albert has been with some of the best clubs in Europe as well as spent time in developing countries because of which he will have a great sense of the challenges India would bring,” said Parth Jindal, CEO, Bengaluru FC.

“We have had a very successful three years and Albert is only going to compound the efforts we have been making. He has also done some commendable work with young players in his career and that is absolutely in line with the philosophy of BFC where we are trying to develop players into stellar talent for the future,” he added.

Roca, a resident of Grannolers in Catalonia near Barcelona, said he was excited at the prospect of joining the Blues and was confident about playing the kind of football that the club and the supporters would be proud of.

“I’m very satisfied to have signed with Bengaluru FC. They are the champions of India, have fantastic supporters and most importantly, have a great support system and a management that is always hands on and wants to stay at the top. I want to assure our supporters that we will always give it our best. I want the supporters to be happy about the way we play,” said Roca.

Roca’s first game in charge will be the AFC Cup quarterfinal against Singapore side Tampines Rovers in September; a game he reckons will be a tough challenge. “The AFC Cup quarterfinal is definitely going to be a big challenge but we will do our best to get a good result and make the semis,” he said.

The Blues coach is expected to land in Bengaluru in the fourth week of July.

Bengaluru FC part ways with Gaffer Westwood

Bengaluru FC, on Tuesday, announced that the club would be parting ways with coach Ashley Westwood by mutual consent, bringing to end a successful three-year association during which the Blues won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup crown. The Blues have also made the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup this season under Westwood and will look to go a step further when the continental competition resumes in September. 

The Englishman was at the helm of affairs since the club’s inception in 2013 where the Blues went on to stun Indian football by winning the I-League in its debut season. 2014 too was a successful season where Bengaluru won the Federation Cup, finished second in the League and made the knock-out stages in the AFC Cup. 

In his parting note Ashley said, "I am extremely proud of my time and achievements during my tenure at BFC. I came to the country with a blank canvas, tasked with helping to build a club from scratch, improve Indian football and to try to produce some players to go on to represent the country. I feel with 3 major trophies, multiple ‘Coach of the Year’ awards and developing as many as 10 players to go on to represent India across different ages, I have achieved all of my objectives. I would like to thank the players, staff and management team for their efforts and support and I also want to thank the most important and fundamental part of this club, the fans." 

Gaffer further added, "My time with BFC has been a memorable one and I'll never forget all that we achieved. I'm saddened to leave but I know I have left the club in a very strong position as Champions of India once again and safely through to the quarter finals in the AFC Cup. I wish the club all the best for the future."

From the club, their CEO Parth Jindal stated, "It's been an extremely difficult time for the management of the club to part ways with Ashley Westwood. The decision hasn’t been the easiest to take but like always, it is one made in the best interests of Bengaluru FC."

Bengaluru FC march into Last-8 of AFC Cup

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC carved history for themselves as the Blues marched into the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup beating Kitchee SC 3-2 in a pulsating game at the Mong Kok Stadium, in Hong Kong, on Wednesday. A brace from skipper Sunil Chhetri (31^st and 33^rd minute) and a winner from young Daniel Lalhlimpuia (51^st) sent Ashley Westwood’s boys through to the last-eight making them the only Indian club left in the competition.

The Blues bowed out at the same stage in the same stadium last season when they went down 2-0 to South China AA. But Bengaluru did more than just exorcise the ghosts rolling out a fantastic performance in every department on the pitch.

Kitchee shot into a 7^th minute lead when Rufino sneaked into the box and nodded home skipper Lo Kwan Yee’s cross from the right, on the bounce. Bengaluru got to work without much ado, passing the ball around and forcing freekicks and corners out of the hosts.

The Blues got really close from one such chance when Eugeneson Lyngdoh chose to smartly roll a freekick in the box, catching the Kitchee defence by surprise. But ’keeper Wang Zhenpeng charged out to keep attempts from Curtis Osano and Daniel Lalhlimpuia at bay.

However, the equalizer came just a minute later when Lyngdoh was brought down by Huang Yang in the box, prompting referee Fu Ming to point to the spot. Skipper Chhetri stepped up and sent an audacious chip over Zhenpeng who already committed to make it 1-1.

Chhetri’s second came only two minutes later and just like his first, it wasn’t short on class. A beautifully stitched move saw Rino send in a cross that was headed away by a Kitchee defender only to reach as far as Chhetri who smashed it home on the volley after picking his corner and silencing the Mong Kok.

But a moment of weakness in defence three minutes from half-time saw Kitchee capitalize to make it 2-2. Christian Kwesi slid one in the box as Paramo Jorge sneaked ahead of the Blues defence line, got past Osano and fired past Amrinder.

The tie being a knock-out meant that the away goals rule would not come into play and Bengaluru would need only a win to progress and Lalhlimpuia responded with what would eventually be enough. The youngster made the most to pounce on a poor back-pass by Kwesi, intercepting the ball and putting it past Zhenpeng to make it 3-2.

After the third it was the Blues’ show who kept the attacks constant but were let down by some wayward finishing.

Daniel had probably the best chance of the game in the 88^th minute when, after being sent through on goal and getting past Kitchee’s high line, the striker skipped past Zhenpeng only to shoot wide as the Blues bench watched in disbelief.

The misses however didn’t come back to haunt Bengaluru as the defence kept things tight to see the Indian champions past the line.

Confident Bengaluru face a tough Aizwal task

AIFF Media

Bengaluru FC Media 

In a literal do or die situation to stay afloat in the Hero Federation Cup, Bengaluru FC host Aizwal FC tomorrow at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The team from Mizoram stunned the newly-crowned Hero I-League Champions in their home match on last Saturday.

 

Aizwal FC’s existence thus far in the National scene might be for a short period of time, but Jahar Das’ boys are here to prove their mettle.  

Defeating teams from North-East at their home is proving thorn in flesh in the on-going Hero Federation Cup. Bengaluru FC and Kingfisher East Bengal, both high-ranked teams bite the dust against Aizwal FC and Shillong Lajong FC respectively. It is up to Ashley Westwood’s boys to make a comeback and get through to the next stage. 

With the away goal rule deployed in the Hero Federation Cup, it is advantage Bengaluru as they have managed to score one against Aizwal. So a 1-0 score is good enough for the Steelmen to qualify for the next round. 

Aizwal FC coach, Jahar Das, having years of experience working in Youth Development appeared realistic. 

Das said, “It is not ours, rather their advantage as they will be playing at home ground and a team like Bengaluru FC are unlikely to go out in the first round. Although they will be under pressure, they are a good team - I-League champion, but sometimes, results may go against your expectation.”

Das’ home game win two days back worked as per plan, he added “I told my boys, if we can manage to hold them for first 30 minutes, probably we can do something in the game, also, they were tad tired, which helped us.”

“Tomorrows match will be an equal fight” observes coach, “Both teams have pluses and minuses, but for us, we want to give the best performance.” 

Bengaluru gaffer seemed confident, after all his team has the reputation of coming back strongly at home. “We are at home and we got good records. Lads played very well for the first 30 minutes of the game, should have taken a 4-0 lead to be honest, but then fatigue kicked in, and we lost concentration”, said Ashley Westwood.

The journey to Aizwal has been long, will that play a major role tomorrow’s game? Gaffer’s quick response, “It is an 11 hours journey - end to end, which takes a toll on the players. But then the same is applicable for our opponents.” 

Westwood might look for few changes or re-load the same lineup, as he feels there wasn’t much wrong in the last game. 

“I am sure we will create more chances tomorrow and hopefully score a few,” signs-off the gaffer. 

Tomorrow’s game will start at 9 pm. 

Bengaluru FC defeat Lao Toyota and make AFC Cup round of 16 again

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC sealed a spot in the Round of 16 of the AFC Cup after goals from Eugeneson Lyngdoh (45th) and Kim Song Yong (60th) in either half gave Bengaluru FC a 2-1 win over Lao Toyota FC at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday.

Three points confirmed second place in Group H for the I-League champions with a game in hand against Group leaders and Cup holders Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia. Bengaluru’s opponents will be the leaders of Group F where the battle to pole position is a three-way race between Kitchee (Hong Kong), Kaya (Philippines) and Balestier Khalsa (Singapore) that will be decided in the last round.

The game got off to a rather somber start with Bengaluru happy to ping the ball around and keep as much possession as possible while looking for an opening between Lao’s defensive lines.

Bengaluru began mounting the pressure as the half wore on with Udanta Singh and Sunil Chhetri finding themselves in dangerous positions in the Lao box only to scuff their shots wide. Kim Song Yong then set off on a brilliant solo run from the half line to the Lao box only to shoot over.
But the surge did enough to suggest a Bengaluru FC goal and Lyngdoh picked the first minute of added time to strike. 

A set of swift passes saw Michael Collins float in a cross from the right as Lyngdoh rose and sent his gracefully glanced header way beyond Vathana Keodouangdeth’s reach.

Bengaluru made it 2-0 on the hour mark when Chhetri squared Lyngdoh’s pass to Kim who finished without ado. The North Korean striker had, only a minute earlier, unselfishly teed up Udanta who was inches away from getting a touch with an open goal at his mercy.

But Lao soon pulled a goal back against the run of play when striker Kazuo Homma rose to head in a freekick in the 67th minute to make it 2-1. The goal was followed by the sending off of Ashley Westwood after he protested about Lao Toyota taking the freekick 10 yards ahead of the spot from where it was awarded.

Hopes of a Lao comeback were dealt a hurdle with when the visitors were reduced to 10 men at the death after defender Saynakhonevieng Phommapanya received his marching orders. The side from Laos tried to work out an opening as the game meandered to its end but the Bengaluru FC defence and goalkeeper Amrinder Singh held strong, decisively claiming speculative long balls in and around the Bengaluru penalty box. 

Bengaluru face exuberant Salgaocar to seal the league

I-League Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC’s eye on the coveted Hero I-League is pretty apparent. They played with a second string side in their 4th round AFC Cup match against Ayeyawady United, Myanmar last Wednesday. Gaffer Westwood refrained from fielding a full-strength squad which included stars like Sunil Chettri, Eugenson Lyngdoh, and all four foreigners - ensuring he gets his best eleven against Salgaocar tomorrow. 

A win and they take home the Hero I-League. Winning the silverware twice in their three-season existence. That would be an impressive record for Bengaluru FC. 

Salgaocar have been on a late upsurge - they are unbeaten for the past five rounds and fared extremely well in their Round 16 match against Aijwal FC. Playing an away match versus the newly-promoted I-League team, they won 1-0. The win took Santosh Kashyap’s team out of the relegation threat.

Bengaluru Gaffer looked poised, in his usual manner he said, “I have no expectations, it is a normal game of football – we will play for win. Everything is in our hands, hope we’ll put up a good performance, and get results thereafter.”

Ashley further added, “We are at home, chance for us to put up a good performance in front of our fans.” 

Eugenson has been a mainstay in the Bengaluru team. His return after six-weeks of injury has made most of the difference for his team. Citing how tormenting it is to stay away from the game, he responded, “Always tough for a player to be on the sideline, but then Injury is a part and parcel of football.

“When Eugene got injured, Shankar came in and did a good job for us, then he got injured! We always got the capability to shuffle around. Should Eugune being fit throughout the season, he probably wouldn’t have played all the games, we would have rotated him. It is just another opportunity for players to step into his shoes”, Ashley added. 

With two more rounds to go (including tomorrow’s match), Salgaocar would surely like to climb up the points table, and finish as the 4th best team. But most importantly they would be spoiling Bengaluru’s party and keep the I-League alive till the last round. 

However, one major worry for Kashyap’s is his star performer Daryll Duffy’s absence. Duffy, who has scored eleven goals for Salgaocar in HeroI-league, is not considered for the match owing to card suspension. 

“We are not in pressure, the pressure is on Bengaluru, giggled Kashyap.

”We will see how we can put more pressure on them, so that they crack.”

Santosh Kashyap added, “We’ve achieved our first objective, which is to avoid relegation. Now we are aiming to finish at the top for and we will achieve only by playing well in the last two rounds.”

Salgaocar coach is unperturbed by Duffy’s absence, “Duffy is an important member, in his absence, we’ve defeated East Bengal, also, fared well on other matches in his absence.” 
The Goan team missing few more players due to injury, Kashyap added, “It is not just only Duffey, there are several other members like Gurjinder Kumar, Calvin Mbarga, Clifton Dias, who are injured and not in the recent scheme of things. But we have a big squad, it is up to the players like Manandeep and rest to rise to the occasion.” 

When the title of the league is decided in the last 4 minutes of the final round, it is too early to decide, considering there are still two rounds left. 

Title race goes down to the wire as Bengaluru FC take on East Bengal in an enthralling tie tomorrow

I-League Media
Bengaluru FC Media  

In an important Round 16 fixture of the Hero I-League, title contenders from the Garden City Bengaluru FC will be meeting Kingfisher East Bengal at their Fortress tomorrow. Having played equal number of matches, the team from Kolkata is currently ranked third in the points table, only two points behind Bengaluru. 

Hero I-League has never been so interesting as it's a two-team title race now between Bengaluru FC and Kingfisher East Bengal after Mohun Bagan's 3-3 draw with DSK Shivajians tonight. 

Bengaluru is back home after a 1-1 away draw against DSK Shivajians. However, the result didn’t perturbed much gaffer Ashley Westwood, who reckon the latter is a much improved side having unbeaten in last 5 games. 

The only worry for gaffer is the backbone in defense, John Johnson’s absence for tomorrow’s match. The former Middleborough central defender sits out tomorrow due to yellow card suspension. 

Johnson’s partner, Curtis Osano, who too is on three yellow cards will start the game with a new partner. Having played against the likes of Ranty Martins and co. in last few seasons, he no pushover. 

Other than the Shankar Sampangiraj’s injury, who’s out for the rest of the season, Bengaluru have no other injury problems.

Ashley looked calm, he said, “Tomorrow’s match will not decide the title, we can still do with one draw and two win in the remaining three rounds.” 

Result of East Bengal in last five rounds read two away loss and a win, then a morale boosting derby win and a disappointing home draw. East Bengal might not have set the combination right yet they are in the champion’s race. 

For Kingfisher East Bengal coach and former India international Biswajeet Bhattacharya, it is a must win game to stay in title contention.

“Tomorrow’s game is important game for both teams, Bengaluru FC is a good team, they are in good position, and we are also in the run. We are very serious, we believe in our boys, and we have to go for a win”, said East Bengal coach. 

Biswajeet further added about his team’s late upsurge, “Football is full of surprises, you win some you lose some. When we met Bengaluru at home in Round 5, we were seven points behind and in round 9 and 10 we were trailing by five points. If you see now (Round 16), we are just two points less, and it can be anybody’s game tomorrow. 

The latest news from East Bengal camp is that their central defender. Arnab Mondal will be serving two-match suspension, he can’t play tomorrow. 

That might prompt Biswajeet to field experienced Deepak Mondal against Bengaluru. Mondal, a 1998 Tata Football Academy product, the mainstay in defense is playing his 16th season in I-League/National Football League uninterrupted. 

Deepak accompanied his coach in the pre-match press conference today. 

Asking how long he would be playing at the top level, Deepak answered cheekily, “If I am fit, I will keep going. Most important for me is to get a platform to perform, if I get a club like this, I can play for few more seasons." 

Despite of having talented players in their rooster, East Bengal could not strike a right combination thus far, yet on the positive side they are still in the title race. 

The match will be played tomorrow at 7:05 PM, Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Bengaluru FC meet DSK Shivajians in a key encounter

I-League Media
Bengaluru FC Media

With only four games left to play for, Bengaluru are a just a point behind leaders Mohun Bagan, having played two games lesser. The Kolkata side, who conceded at the death in a 2-2 draw away to Shillong Lajong on Tuesday, have now picked up just one point their last three games. 

While a win against DSK Shivajians would send the Blues two points clear at the top with a game in hand, the gaffer believes his side is well prepared for the challenge.

DSK Shivajians have an enviable task at hand of plugging spokes into the run and inevitably the visitors’ will go all out to take another step closer to win their second Hero I-League trophy after claiming it in their debut season in 2013-14.

DSK Shivajians have done well winning three of the six matches played at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium so far including the momentary wins against Kingfisher East Bengal and Sporting Clube de Goa in their last two matches played.

“We’re approaching the last two or three weeks of the season and we’ve got a big ten days in front of us. We play DSK then East Bengal and Salgaocar but we can only plan for the next game which is against DSK and we’ve done our homework and we’re well prepared,” said Westwood after the Blues’ training session on Tuesday.

Bengaluru FC have quietly been going on about their business this season. Ashley Westwood's boys are within touching distance of the league leaders and they have already started to sense their second Hero I-League trophy in three years. Young Daniel Lalhlimpuia turned up with the winner against Mumbai FC on Saturday, going to show the kind of depth Bengaluru has. The win also marked the return of Eugeneson Lyngdoh from injury and the midfielder showed more than just a few glimpses of what he brings to the team.

On the injury front, skipper Sunil Chhetri could be in the reckoning after missing out on the Mumbai FC game with a sore groin. “We've done our work and the lads are in good form. We're hopeful of having a few more bodies back on the pitch for this game and a few more selection problems which is what you want at this stage of the season,” opined Westwood.

The last fixture of round 15 will be telecast live on Ten 2 at 7:05 PM.

Bengaluru FC break Mumbai jinx via Daniel Lalhlimpuia goal

AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media

Maintaining pressure all through the second half, Bengaluru FC defeated Mumbai FC 1-0 from a Daniel Lalhlimpuia goal at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Bengaluru have been a bogey team to Mumbai FC. The outcome of the Kolkata derby also worked in favor of Bengaluru, provided an added incentive to outperform Mumbai FC. 

Eugenson made a comeback today after staying out for more than 2 months owing to injury but Captain Sunil Chettri had sit out for his injury. 

Bengaluru pressed and gained corner in the very first minute, followed by a couple in the next 10 minutes. However none gave way to goal.

For Mumbai FC, medio Eric Brown was controlling the middle, something that Bengaluru was missing most of the time in the first half. Few positive attack from Bengaluru centered on Kim Song kept the Mumbai keeper busy. 

In the 30th minute Pawan Kumar, who turned for Bengaluru until few seasons ago came out of the charge chasing the ball, collided with rushing Kim Song, and conceded a free kick from the good position. Eugune’s low trajectory kick was timely rescued by Mumbai defense. 

Vineeth made some valiant runs but lacked the final touch. Half-time ended in a draw. 

Post lemon break, Osano tripped Taisuke Matsugae from behind, which earned a free kick at the top of the box and a caution from the referee. Eric Brown’s kick did not do any good for his team. 

It was all Bengaluru FC after the first few minutes in the second half. 

They lost an opportunity in the 58th minute from a constructive run from Seiminlen that went for Vineeth, the latter’s attempt on the goal was blocked by keeper, Kim on follow up set for Thoi and was blocked again. 

The ah-moment went on for few more minutes originating again from Seiminlen. Another chance went begging for Bengaluru as the combination of Seiminlen and Vineeth could not see the goal from the melee. 

Substitution by gaffer Ashley Westwood in quick succession gave Bengaluru the much-needed goal. An attacking Udanta scooped the ball inside the box for Vineeth, Mumbai FC keeper made the mistake of the match by letting the ball go, Vineeth pulls the ball for Daniel, who neatly places the ball to the back of the net. 

With today's win, Bengaluru FC leapfrogged Kingfisher East Bengal to the second spot in the league table with 25 points. Bengaluru FC have started sensing the title with Mohun Bagan going down to their arch rivals Kingfisher East Bengal in the other match today. Either of the two Kolkata outfits and Bengaluru FC, who are separated by only 2 points among them, can lift the coveted silverware at the end of the Hero I-League season.

Bengaluru seek vengeance over Mumbai FC

AIFF Media
I-League Media 

Keeping the focus to claim the top spot in the Hero I-League, Bengaluru FC meet Mumbai FC tomorrow at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. 

The encounter can be fairly termed as a high-stake match with Mumbai FC turning out Bengaluru’s nemesis, the later never defeated Mumbai in I-League. and the away match earlier this season turned out to be a 0-2 drub. 

Bengaluru FC preparation for tomorrow’s match is just like any other game, feels Gaffer Ashley Westwood. On the injury front, Eugeneson Lyngdoh is back to full fitness, both physically and mentally, and he is in contention for starting eleven. 

“We need to see where Eugene stands for the game. Sunil Chhetri had an injury before he went for the National Camp, that’s the reason he did not feature in the match against Turkmenistan. We’re assessing him on a day-to-day basis, it is not a long term injury, we’ll see how it is, if he stay enough focused, then he’ll play, if not, he won’t.” added Ashley. 

Mumbai FC, represented by Manager and Assistant Coach, Henry Picardo in the pre-match press conference stressed the importance of tomorrows match. Mumbai had a decent break, which helped in players’ recovery. 

Mumbai FC started their Hero I-League on a fantastic note but failed to carry on the momentum. 

“We got a very good team on paper, unfortunately we had a lot player injuries, which is quite obvious in a league. That was a major setback for us. But for tomorrow we have a full strength squad” mentioned Henry. Their key players Taisuke Matsugae, Min-chol Son, and Ijumi Arata suffered injuries. 

Gaffer termed the loss against Mumbai FC as freak, “Bengaluru played for the first time at Cooperage ground. Though we had the majority possession, we conceded to early goals, which made us difficult to come back to the game.” 

He looked content with the progress of the Hero I-League, “Several teams are coming up now and there will be lot of twists and turns. What we can do best is to win our next game.” Ashley sums up, “As long as we keep the season alive, I’ll be happy!”

Mumbai FC Manager is not ready to bask on the fantastic record his team enjoys against the Steelmen. He further added, “We barely keep statistics in our mind while playing a match. Whatever happened earlier is now behind us. We only focus on our next game, and the one that is important for us is the game against Bengaluru tomorrow. 

Talking about the new-found rivalry between Bengaluru and Mumbai, Henry sounded enthusiastic, “There has to be rivals - rivalry between clubs and their fans. This is needed to prosper football in our country. Since last year this has been a key point. We have come here, there will be loud Bengaluru fans, when we played at home, there were Mumbai FC fans.  

Match Preview: AFC Cup - Ayeyawady United vs Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC will look to pick up their first points in Group H of the AFC Cup when they take on Ayeyawady United at the Youth Training Centre in Yangon, Myanmar on Wednesday. Ashley Westwood’s side arrived in the former capital on Monday with temperatures hovering around the 40 degree mark and have their task cut out against the Cup champions of Myanmar.

The Blues played defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim last week in Bengaluru and were unlucky to come away without a point after the Malaysian team needed a debatable freekick to quell what was a brave challenge from a relatively young Bengaluru side. Ayeyawady meanwhile bounced back from an 8-1 campaign opening defeat to Johor with a 4-2 victory over Lao Toyota.

Hit with a slew of injuries, Ashley Westwood has constantly had to shuffle his side to deal with a packed domestic calendar and Asian competition and it will be interesting to see what team the Englishman rolls out on Wednesday. Curtis Osano and CK Vineeth, who missed the Blues’ last two games with groin strains, have made the trip while skipper Sunil Chhetri, who had no part to play in the defeat to Johor, could be in contention to make the starting XI.

Johor with two wins in as many games lead Group H with 6 points followed by Ayeyawady and Lao with 3 points each while Bengaluru lie at the bottom with a chance to climb up on Wednesday.

Ayeyawady will be relying on their Nigerian striker Christopher Chizoba who notched up a hat-trick in the win over Lao. Chizoba, interestingly, has an India connection of sorts having turned out for Kolkata side Mohun Bagan. He also had stints at Kalighat MS, Mohammedan Sporting, Shillong Lajong and Lonestar Kashmir FC.  

Bengaluru, however, will not have too much to worry about at the back should they be able to churn out the defensive performance like the one they rolled out against Johor. Young Salam Ranjan Singh was composed alongside John Johnson while Keegan Pereira, Lalchhuanmawia and Rino Anto refused to let anything slip by between them.

Vineeth’s return should also boost the Blues’ attack should Westwood decide to play him. The quick striker has five goals for the Blues in all competitions and was on target in the loss against Lao Toyota. Udanta Singh, meanwhile, has been improving with every game and could play a pivotal part in Bengaluru’s scheme of things on Wednesday.

The game kicks off at 3 pm IST. 

Bengaluru take on Johor Darul Ta'zim tomorrow at Kanteerava

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC will be up against reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia when AFC Cup action returns to the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday night but Blues gaffer Ashley Westwood said his side will play without the burden of pressure and look to give a good account of themselves.  “It’s going to be a good game. They are a good team and are champions of the AFC Cup with right reason. We’ve played them last season and know what to expect from them. They have made a couple of changes from last year and I believe they are stronger,” said Westwood of the opposition that is coached by Argentine Mario Gomez.  The two sides met in the AFC Champions League qualifier last season at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium – a dramatic game that Eugeneson Lyngdoh took to extra-time swinging home directly from a corner in the 90th minute before Chanturu Suppiah’s winner in the 98th minute quelled what was more than a valiant show on Bengaluru's Asian debut.  Injuries have hampered Bengaluru’s season and with the Blues set to play their fifth game in 14 days, a packed schedule hasn’t helped either. “We’ve traveled away to Laos, played at home before traveling to Shillong and then Goa with most of these trips being 3 am starts. There is fatigue from all the travel but we’ll see who looks fresh at training and pick a team that will give us the best chance to qualify out of the group." said Westwood.  Striker CK Vineeth and central defender Curtis Osano, both recovering from groin strains, are doubtful starters while Lyngdoh is yet to completely recover from a fracture. Midfielder Shankar Sampingiraj, meanwhile, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate.  JDT began their title defence in emphatic fashion, beating Myanmar club Ayeyawady United 8-1 with their Argentine striking pair of Pereyra Diaz and Juan Lucero among the goals while club and national team skipper Mohd. Safiq bagged a hat-trick. “They (JDT) are a very good side technically. They play with a lot of quick touches and have good players. They have a good set of strikers, a good defence and good foreigners. They have spent good money in the transfer market and that has let them buy the best out there. They are a good side but not unbeatable. We aren’t going into this game to make up the numbers but to give a good account of ourselves. We are playing a decent Asian side and we believe we are one as well,” said Westwood.  Echoing the gaffer’s sentiments was skipper Sunil Chhetri who said the team was motivated to do well, given the manner things ended up the last time they played JDT. “We backed ourselves there and did well and when we play at home, we back ourselves even more. As players we are going to look the other way in terms of fatigue and hectic travel and go out there and give nothing less than 100%.” 

Bengaluru expects tough outing as they take on Lajong tomorrow

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media  

An ambitious Bengaluru FC would look to settle for nothing less than a win when take on hosts Shillong Lajong FC in the reverse fixture at the JN Stadium tomorrow evening to ensure that they stay alive in the title hunt.

Placed second in the Hero I-League table, the Blues are breathing on the Mariners' neck, and coach Ashley Westwood is well aware that any let up at the moment would seriously dent his side’s title chances, “If we can come up with the right result, we can go at the top of the league tomorrow evening (depending on how Mohun Bagan play today).” The Bengaluru FC gaffer, however, added that it is no easy task to come and sweep all three points from Shillong, “The pitch is really hard and bouncy one, it acts as a leveler between the two sides.”

Talking about his side’s performance till now Westwood said, “We've won 6 out of 9 games. Not too realistic to have expected any better than that. We're on track even after a tough start to the season with 4 out of 5 away games.”

Shillong Lajong FC have done well to be on the fifth spot in the standings with a considerably young team and they are well aware of the huge challenge that awaits them tomorrow.

Bengaluru FC have beaten the Reds 3-0 in the first leg of the Hero I-League this season and coach Thangboi Singto admitted that it was always a tough ask to play a side like Bengaluru.

Singto, however, derived confidence from his side’s performance against the visitors in Shillong during the previous seasons. “We have done well against them at home and we are positive going into tomorrow’s encounter.”

It may be mentioned that Bengaluru FC are yet to beat the Reds at home. Lajong defender Yusuke Yamagata is still out even Fabio Pena and Uilliams are also doubtful tomorrow. The Reds coach, however, exuded confidence that the Indian players are well capable of filling up for their foreign 

The match is slated to kick off at 7 pm and the Hero I-League encounter will be telecast live and exclusively on Ten Action. 

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. 

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.