Bengaluru FC squad for AFC Cup playoff clash against Club Eagles, Maldives

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Monday, announced their 29-man squad for the 2021 AFC Cup playoff against Maldivian side Club Eagles, on August 15. Skipper Sunil Chhetri will lead the side, which includes as many as seven new signings. 

Defenders Alan Costa, Yrondu Musavu-King and Brazilian striker Cleiton Silva make up the Blues’ foreign contingent, which also features six new Indian signings in Harmanpreet Singh, Jayesh Rane, Bidyashagar Singh, Sarthak Golui, Danish Farooq and Rohit Kumar.

The graduates from the club’s reserve side include goalkeeper Sharon Padattil, midfielder Muhammad Inayath, as well as strikers Akashdeep Singh and Sivasakthi Narayanan, who finished as top scorer in the Blues’ BDFA Super Division League campaign.

The Blues’ playoff clash against Club Eagles will take place at the National Stadium, in Maldives, on August 15. Victory in the playoff will send the Blues into Group D, which includes Indian Super League side ATK Mohun Bagan, Bashundhara Kings (Bangladesh) and Maziya S&RC (Maldives).

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Lalthuammawia Ralte, Lara Sharma, Sharon Padattil

Defenders: Pratik Chaudhari, Wungngayam Muirang, Ajith Kumar, Ashique Kuruniyan, Parag Shrivas, Yrondu Musavu-King, Biswa Darjee, Alan Costa, Sarthak Golui

Midfielders: Suresh Wangjam, Namgyal Bhutia, Jayesh Rane, Danish Farooq, Rohit Kumar, Muhammad Inayath, Ajay Chhetri

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Cleiton Silva, Leon Augustine, Naorem Roshan Singh, Bidyashagar Singh, Sivasakthi Narayanan, Akashdeep Singh, Harmanpreet Singh

Head Coach: Marco Pezzaiuoli

Assistant Coach: Naushad Moosa

 

 

Boca lift U14 KSFA Youth Premier League title, Bengaluru FC boys complete sweep with U12 title

Bengaluru FC U12 side bagged the KSFA Youth Premier League title with a 3-0 win against Roots Football Schools, joining the U8s and U10s as Champions of their respective age groups in the competition, at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Sunday. 

Earlier, Boca (Yellow) Juniors India convoncingly beat FAB 3-0 to win the U14 KSFA Youth Premier League title. 

Yesterday, in the U17 age category final, Stadium FC defeated Bangalore Soccer Galaxy with a same margin of 3-0. 

The U8 and U10 age category got completed few weeks back with Bengaluru FC grabbing both the caregory. 

U17

 - Bangalore Soccer Galaxy 0 vs Stadium FC 3 (Konalis-15', Birsha-37', 75')

U14

 - Boca Yellows 3 (Phonllong-1', 6, Aryan-30') Vs FAB 0

U12

 - Roots FS 0 Vs BFC Academy 3 (Newton -8' [P], Varun-43', Kangjan-69')

    

Bangalore Soccer Galaxy and Stadium FC make it to the final of U17 KSFA Youth League

With the completion of BDFA Super Division League and Karnataka Women’s League Super Division early this week, the KSFA Youth Premier League too is coming to the business end. 

Knockout action took place yesterday with the one U14 and both U17 semifinals played at the Bangalore Football Stadium. The other U14 semifinal game and both U12 semifinals will be played today at the same venue. 

U10 final too took place yesterday at the FSV Arena where in a hard-fought match Bengaluru FC Academy boy defeated BCFC Magic 1-0. 

U17

• 20/3/2021: Bangalore Soccer Galaxy 3 Vs FC Bengaluru United 0 
  As many as three red cards (two - FCBU and one – FAB) were flashed by the match official.
• 20/3/2021: Stadium FC 1 (3) Vs Kickstart Academy 1 (1)
  Kickstart boys did well enough to hold much fancied Stadium FC, however they lost in 1-3 tie-breaker. 

U14 

• 20/3/2021: FAB 3 Vs FC Bengaluru United 1 
• 21/3/2021: Boca Yellows Vs Roots Football School 

U12 

• 21/3/2021: Bangalore Soccer Galaxy Vs Roots Football School 
• 21/3/2021: Bengaluru FC Academy Vs Raman Sports Academy

Sachin Badhade joins as Bengaluru FC U15 coach from Minerva

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have confirmed the addition of I-League winning coach Sachin Badadhe to the Academy staff, the club announced on Tuesday. The 39-year-old AFC ‘A’ License holder joins the Blues’ residential set up in Bellary after guiding I-League side Minerva Punjab to a third-place finish in Group E of the AFC Cup.

Badhade, who completed his AFC ‘A’ License in 2019, brings in valuable experience to the BFC Academy where he will take charge of the U15 squad. Welcoming him to the Bengaluru-fold, Head of Youth Development, Naushad Moosa said, “It’s great to have Sachin as the Head Coach of our U15 side. He is someone who has experience at both the youth and senior level, and it will help him deal with all the youngsters in the right way. We’ve had a lengthy discussion about the club’s philosophy and what is expected from him. He sounded comfortable and understands his role. Given that the U15 level is an important phase for the players, he will play a crucial role in getting the boys up to speed with the tactical aspects of the game.”

Meanwhile, Badadhe who signed a two-year deal with the Indian Super League champions, was excited at the prospect of working at the extensive set-up at Bellary, “I would like to thank the club management for giving me this opportunity. I am excited and all geared up to work with the most professional club in the country. It won’t be an easy job, but I aim to always give my best.”

“I believe a lot in discipline, and that’s one of the key aspects I’ll look to imbibe on the youngsters. Discipline is important both on and off the field, and once we achieve a good level, all things will work for us from there on. That’s what I’ve learnt coaching at the top level and that’s the aim as we want to get as many players to the top level as possible,” added Badadhe, who is hoping to bring in his continental experience handy in helping the youngsters move up in Bengaluru’s player pathway.  

Having played football locally in Pune and Mumbai, Badadhe turned to coaching in 2014 with the Maharashtra State Police, before joining Bharat FC (2015-16) as a Youth Coach. The Pune-native went on to train Maharashtra’s U17 (2016) and U18 (2017) teams apart from working with Madhya Pradesh’s Pride Sports FC (2016-17).

His big break came in 2017-18 at Minerva Punjab where he won the I-League title as an Assistant Coach before taking over as the Head Coach in 2019 leading them into the AFC Champions League qualifier and the AFC Cup Group Stage apart from the latter half of the I-League.

While Badadhe takes over as the U15 Coach, Ajay Chorge who guided the team to the Junior League finals last season will take over as the coach of the U13 team which will be fully residential in Bellary starting this season. As part of the youth restructuring, the U18 side will now be based in Bengaluru and will train under Naushad Moosa and Sandesh Bhoite forming a major part of BFC B with a view of getting more competitive action at a higher level. 

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.

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 cruise 5-0 past Anantapur Sports Academy, end zonal stages unbeaten

Bengaluru FC Media

Rajan Mani’s Bengaluru FC U13s put on a clinical show to enter the final rounds of the Hero Sub Junior League unbeaten, following a 5-0 rout of Ananthapur Sports Academy at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Thursday. Ishaan Raghunanda scored a hat-trick, while goals from Chandan Biju and Gautam Rajesh ensured the Young Blues ended the Zonal Rounds with a perfect record.

In a game that the hosts dominated from start to finish, it was Ishaan that broke the deadlock in the 8th minute, taking a pass in his stride before slotting home from inside the box. Chandan doubled the lead 15 minutes later, holding off his marker to slot past Fayaz Khureshi in the Ananthapur goal to double the advantage going into the break.

Mani’s side continued to push forward in the second period, and took just eight minutes to add to their advantage. Substitute Aditya Kalasur played a long diagonal that sliced the Ananthapur defence, and Ishaan made no mistake slotting home off the upright. In the 64th minute, skipper Gautam Rajesh got his name on the scoresheet, rising high to nod home Kalasur’s corner into the far post to make it 5-0.

Ishaan completed his treble with just three minutes left to play in regulation time after he was found unmarked outside the area by Gautam. In space and with time at hand, his low drive was past the outstretched arms of Fayaz.

Bengaluru FC U13s will step up their preparations for the final round of the Hero Sub Junior League, set to be held in Goa between 14th and 22nd May 2019.

Bengaluru FC U13s 5 (Ishaan 8’, 43’, 67’, Chandan 22’, Gautam 64’) bt Ananthapur Sports Academy 0

Bengaluru hammer Jain Academy 7-0 in Sub-Junior League

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC cruised to their seventh straight victory in the Hero Sub-Junior League after a massive 7-0 win over Jain Academy for Sporting Excellence encounter at the Jain Global Campus in Bengaluru on Thursday. 

In another match from the same group, Boca Juniors Football School defeated Ananthpur Sports Academy 4-1. 

In a completely one-sided affair, it was goals from Aditya Kalasur (24’, 33’), Chandan Biju (27’), Yodhin Rishyak (35’, 66’), Gautam Rajesh (46’) and Ayush Goel (56’) that handed Rajan Mani’s boys their second biggest win of the campaign, following their 11-0 hammering of the same opponent on the opening day.

The win also took the Young Blues’ tally to 21 points further increasing their lead in Group B of the Bengaluru Zone having already booked their spot in the final phase of the competition.

Bengaluru FC will now host Ananthapur Sports Academy at the Bengaluru Football Stadium on April 4 in their last game of the zonal phase. 

Bengaluru FC qualify for the final round of U18 Youth League

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC sealed qualification to the final phase of the Hero U18 Youth League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ozone FC in their final zonal phase game at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru on Sunday. 

A brace from striker Akashdeep Singh (51’, 68’) and a late penalty kick conversion from midfielder Lalrintluanga Chawnglut (90’) handed the Blue Colts their seventh win of the campaign. The result took their tally to 21 points as they qualified for the final phase of the competition as Karnataka-Andhra zone toppers. FC Mangalore who finished second with 16 points will go into the qualifying phase. 

After an end-to-end game in the first half, it was Bengaluru who broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Akashdeep’s close-range header from Robin Yadav’s freekick from the right found the back of the net. 

With the goal giving Bengaluru FC more confidence going forward, Akashdeep Singh doubled his and the Blue Colts’ tally in the 68th minute when he latched onto playmaker Lalrintluanga Chawnglut’s through ball on a counter attack and rounded off Ozone ’keeper Jeevan Kumar to slot home a left-footer, his 11th of the campaign. 

Bengaluru would have another goal late on as Lalrintluanga made it 3-0 with a calm penalty kick conversion in the 90th minute after Rahul Rajan had been fouled in the rival box by Ozone skipper Rohmingthanga.

U18 Youth League: Bengaluru register 5-0 win against Chennai City

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC continued their impressive start to their U18 Youth League campaign with an impressive 5-0 win over Chennai City FC in a Round-3 encounter at the BFC Residential Academy Ground in Vidyanagar, on Tuesday.

Having kept complete control of the game, Biswa Kr. Darjee broke the deadlock in the 11th minute before Lalrintluanga Chawnglut (30') and Lalrinfela (44’) made it 3-0 going into the break. Second half goals from Jacob John Kattookaren (75') and substitute Lalengzama Vangchhia (89') wrapped up the Blue Colts' third win on the trot.

The result also took Bengaluru FC's tally to 9 points as they stay top of the Chennai-Karnataka zone.

U18 Youth League: Bengaluru start their campaign with a big margin victory

Bengaluru FC media 

Bengaluru FC began their campaign in the Under-18 Youth League in style with a massive 9-1 win over Raman Vijayan Soccer School at the BFC Residential Academy Ground in Vidyanagar on Tuesday.

In a game that was majorly dominated by the Blue Colts, Lalnuntluanga (25', 47', 61') struck a hat-trick, while Kishori (38', 83') got a brace. Ajay Chhetri (4'), Dawanplielad Myrchiang (71'), Ragav Gupta (78') and Lalrinfela K. (90+1') completed the rout with a goal each. Ganesan U got RVSS's solitary goal in the 24th minute when he cancelled out Ajay Chhetri's opener before Bengaluru FC opened the floodgates.

The win sends the Blue Colts to the top of the Karnataka-Chennai Zone standings with three points and a goal difference of +8.

U15 Youth League: Bengaluru FC down Roots Football school 3-0

Bengaluru FC bounced back to winning ways in the U15 Youth League after a dominant 3-0 victory over Roots Football School at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Thursday.

Having dropped points in the previous round against Bengaluru zone leaders Ozone FC (15 pts), the youngsters kept pace with their rivals in the standings taking their tally to 12 points from five games, three behind the table toppers.

After an entertaining battle in the opening half hour, the Blue Colts finally broke the deadlock when medio Lalrokima ran free on an aerial ball before controlling and slotting it home from close range in the 33rd minute. The home side then made superior possession count in the second half with both striker Francis Vanlaldika (53rd) and Abhinav AR (78th) getting on the scoresheet to round off a 3-0 win.

Bengaluru blank 4.25 SC 3-0 in AFC inter-zone semifinal

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC showed absolutely no signs of rust or lack of time to prepare as Albert Roca’s side turned on the style to beat North Korean side 4.25 SC 3-0 and take a big step towards the Inter-zone final on a rain-soaked night at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday.

Goals on either side of the break by skipper Sunil Chhetri (32nd minute, Penalty) and Udanta Singh (51st) put the Blues 2-0 up before Lenny Rodrigues joined the party with a goal in the 77th minute to give the Blues a massive advantage ahead of the away leg on September 13 in Pyongyang.

Head Coach Albert Roca handed debuts to five new signings with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Rahul Bheke, Dimas Delgado, Erik Paartalu and Antonio Dovale all featuring in the starting XI.

The Blues went on attack mode right from the word go as Udanta Singh intercepted a pass in the rival half and attempted a shot in the first minute itself which was saved by the 4.25 SC custodian. Thereafter, visitors 4.25 SC had a spell of possession where they tried to make inroads into the Blues’ box, only to be thwarted by Roca’s boys.

Having had half-chances for most part of the first half, an intelligent move around the half-hour mark opened up the rival defence and handed Bengaluru their first goal. Juanan with a long diagonal ball found Harmanjot Khabra on the flank who headed it into box for Udanta whose pace was too much for the rival keeper to handle as he brought the youngster down. Chhetri then coolly chipped in the resultant penalty kick for his third goal of the competition to hand the Blues a 1-0 lead.

Bengaluru continued to push up and almost doubled their lead three minutes from the break. Chhetri timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap on a lobbed pass inside the box. The skipper controlled the ball and tried to chip an onrushing keeper who got a deft touch to divert it for a corner. The half ended with Bengaluru firmly in charge and a goal up.   

The Blues got off to the perfect start in the second half doubling their lead six minutes in. Udanta, once again, intelligently intercepted a pass on the right before running solo and making no mistake to slot home past Ri Kang in the rival goal.

The visitors created a few chances of their own, but the Blues’ backline led by ’keeper Gurpreet held firm under the torrential downpour. Midway through the half, Lenny Rodrigues almost pulled off a blinder. His pile driver from 30-yards out was headed for the roof of the goal, only for the keeper to palm it over.

With incessant rain pouring down, both sides were finding it difficult to control the game; however, the Blues adjusted to the water-logged pitch much better which translated into another goal. A quick release by Dovale down the left saw Chhetri run clear and float in a delightful cross to Lenny, who timed his run well at the far post to slide the ball home and seal the game.

Substitute Daniel Lalhlimpuia had a chance late on to get his name on the scoresheet, but he somehow scuffed his shot wide from inside the box as the game ended 3-0.

Bengaluru squad for 2017 AFC Cup knockout stage

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced their 25-man list for the 2017 AFC Cup knockout rounds as Albert Roca’s men prepare to take on North Korean side April 25 SC, at the Kanteerava Stadium, in a week's time. The new-look squad sees as many as fourteen new faces following the Indian Super League draft, and features two graduates from the Blues’ residential youth academy in Bellary.

Australian midfielder Erik Paartalu, along with Spaniards Toni Dovale and Dimas Delgado join defender Juanan Gonzalez to make up the Blues’ foreign contingent for the knockout rounds and Roca believes his side is ready for the task ahead.

“We’ve had very little time to prepare but the trip to Spain has been good exposure for the boys. We’ve tested ourselves against good opposition and this is the squad that we’ve been able to put together. We have a week more to prepare and I believe the boys will be ready for the challenge,” said Roca.

However, defensive mainstay John Johnson is set to miss the rest of the Blues’ 2017 AFC Cup campaign owing to personal commitments. The Englishman had joined the Blues for pre-season in Spain and though his absence in the 2017 AFC Cup will be a blow, Roca believes that his players will step up to the occasion.

“Johnson’s absence is a massive blow for us, but we are aware of his situation and it was the right decision to make for us to let him be at home. It is unfortunate for us, but his return for the club’s ISL campaign will be a boost,” he added.

The squad also features BFC academy graduates Leon Augustine and Prashanth Kalinga, who impressed Roca in pre-season with the club, as they took on FC Cartagena, UCAM Murcia CF and Baniyas Club.

The first leg of the Blues’ Inter Zonal semifinal against April 25 SC is set to kick off at the Kanteerava Stadium, on August 23rd with the return leg slated to played at the May Day Stadium, in Pyongyang, on September 13th.

FULL SQUAD 

Goalkeeper: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Abhra Mondal, Calvin Abhishek.

Defense: Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose, Zohmingliana Ralte, Collin Abranches, Joyner Lourenco, Juanan Gonzalez, Nishu Kumar, Prashanth Kalinga.

Midfield: Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, Antonio Dovale, Boithang Haokip, Lenny Rodrigues, Alwyn George, Harmanjot Khabra, Malsawmzuala, Robinson Singh.

Forward: Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Leon Augustine.

Bengaluru reserves gear up for Fukuoka clash

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC’s reserve side will look to put on a good show when they take on Japan’s Avispa Fukuoka U18s in an Asian Football Confederation approved friendly game at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Saturday.

U18s Head Coach John Kenneth Raj stressed at the importance of the clash, saying his boys will be looking to put on a show. “Many of our players are new and come into the side wanting to prove a point. Avispa are a strong team and we’ll have to be at our best,” he said.

Speaking at the pre-match Press Conference, Avispa Fukuoka Head Coach, Yusuke Ogura said, “We are very glad to be here for this game. We are looking forward to it and want to win. We haven’t seen Bengaluru FC play but we want to focus on our game and try to do our best.”

“The weather is very nice and cool and we’re comfortable here. It will be very good for the game. Back in Japan it’s summer, so we’re happy to be here. For the players, it’s (to play against foreign teams) a very good experience and will help them a lot,” added Ogura.

Meanwhile, the Blues’ Head of Youth Development John Kila was excited ahead of BFC Academy’s first ever game against an international opponent.

“This is an exciting opportunity for these youngsters. After a year of establishing our academy, we have had the chance to improve our scouting and strengthen the team. A few players have made the progress through from the U16 squad which is a positive sign. Since the season has just started we haven’t had much time to prepare for this game, however, we’re happy with this opportunity as it gives us a chance to assess our squad,” he said. 

Ozone enter Youth League final after thrashing Lajong 4-1

In the semifinal of the U-16 Youth League, Ozone boys beat the team from North-East, Shillong Lajong FC 4-1 and cruise to the final of U-16 Youth League. The Hosur-based academy boys will play the winner of previous edition (U-15), Minerva Punjab Football Club, who defeated other team from Bangalore, Bengaluru FC, in the second semifinal, 1-0. 

Ozone scored two goals in each half - Ignatius John opened the account early in the 20th minute followed by Ajay Alex in 28th minute. Parvaj Bhuiya reduced one for SLFC in the first half. Ignatius John and Manvir Singh scored the other two goals in the later half. 

The final will be played at the same venue, Cooperage Ground, on Friday, February 10. 

Ozone and Bengaluru take on Lajong and Minerva respectively in U16 Youth League semifinal

In what could be an all Bangalore affair in the ongoing U-16 Youth League, lads of Ozone Football Club Bengaluru play against Shillong Lajong Football Club and Bengaluru FC boys play against winner of last edition (U-15) Minerva Academy FC tomorrow at Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai. 

Both teams from the Garden City had an outstanding run thus far in the U-16 Youth League. Ozone maintained all-win record right from the zonal-qualifiers to quarter-final stage. Bengaluru FC too retained all-win record except an 1-1 draw match against DSK Shivajians in quarterfinals. 

• 10 AM: Ozone FCB Vs Shillong Lajong FC
• 3 PM: Bengaluru FC Vs Minerva Academy FC

Junior Bengaluru FC goes down to ASC in Super Division

Bengaluru FC Media 

A hat-trick from Jotin Singh scoring goals at the 11th, 54th and 71st minute sealed a 3-1 win for the ASC, as they held a young Bengaluru FC side that could find the net only late in to the game, in the BDFA Super Division League, at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Sunday. 

A simple tap-in by Vignesh was a consolation for the young Blues after Seiminlen Doungel, a second-half substitute returning from injury, beat the ASC goalkeeper to hit the cross bar, the ball dropped at the feet of the Blues number 8 who found his name on the score sheet.

Bengaluru FC, dressed in white, started on the offensive but failed to worry the ASC defence. It was mostly easy going for the ASC shot-stopper AK Balwanth, who had just one save to make in the first-half, a 30-yard attempt from Rizul Patiyal.

The ASC team were the stronger of the two and were running the game with their physical presence, finding their way around the Blues' high defensive line.

By the second-half Coach John Kila rung in some changes to bring in striker Seiminlen, who added the much-needed vigour into the Blues' offensive play. Coming back from injury, the number 7 who looks to garner some game time ahead of his return to the senior team, put in a few attempts at the ASC goal, but failed to hit the mark.

The highlight of the match was a 71st minute acrobatic finish by the ASC's Jotin Singh, who found enough space in the Blues' box to complete his hat-trick with an overhead kick which flew past a hapless Bengaluru FC goal-keeper.

A long-ball from the Blues' Ajay Chhetri in the 81st minute found Len Doungel, who beat the keeper but it was a tap-in from Vignesh that helped Blues find the scoresheet.

Bengaluru FC next face Rail Wheel Factory on February 1 at the Bangalore Football Stadium. 

Bengaluru FC academy lads to play in BDFA Super Division

Bengaluru FC Media

A Bengaluru FC side comprising mainly academy players will take on ASC in their opening match of the 2017 BDFA Super Division League, at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Sunday. 

The John Kila-coached side is set to be joined by first team youngsters Salam Ranjan Singh and Seiminlen Doungel, who will look to get some game time ahead of their return to the senior team.

Asked about his thoughts on the BDFA Super Division, Kila mentioned that the competition gives his young side a chance to play competitive games ahead of the U18 I-League.

“It’s a very good idea for the U-18 boys to play in this League. They can prepare themselves for the U-18 I-League final round and it is also a way to measure their progress as most of the opposition consists senior players. That is the next step for them in their bid to prove that they are worthy of playing in the first team,” Kila said.

Asked about his objectives from the League, Kila said that the U18s will look to take the chance to play with first team players Doungel and Ranjan, who will better the performances of the youngsters ahead of the U18 I-League.

“These boys will be looking forward to playing alongside some of the senior players, who are returning from injury. We will need those players, because it helps in the development of players. We know the League is not going to be easy for us, but it’s an opportunity to do well and increase our levels of performance,” he added.

The game kicks off at 3.15 pm.