Bengaluru FC lift BDFA Super Division League 2023-24

The young turks of Bengaluru FC lifted the 2023-24 edition of BDFA Super Division League by remaining unbeaten in the entire league. Previous year winner Sporting Club Bengaluru had to content with the second spot this time. 

The record 19-team league ended yesterday at the Bangalore Football Stadium while the prize distribution ceremony happened today noon at the same venue. 

The Bengaluru boys completed the won the league with two round to spare. They had an epic run in the league with 16 win and 2 draw. 

After eneding league engagement with least number of points, Young Challengers FC, Bangalore Dream United FC, and FC Deccan are relegated to BDFA A Division. FC Deccan must feel unlucky as they were tied at same points with Rebel FC with a better goal difference, however the latter came out of relegation scare with a head-to-head 3-2 win at the penultimate match of the Super Division League. 

• George Hoover Cup (Winner) - Bengaluru FC 
• CMH Basha Cup (Runner up) - Sporting Club Bengaluru 
• Fair Play Award - HAL 
• Top Scorers - Shlok Tiwari (17 Goals - Kodagu FC) 

 

Kickstart rally from two goals down in thrilling 2-2 draw

KSFA Media  

Kickstart FC pulled off another miracle as they came back again from 0-2 down to hold Chennaiyin FC to a 2-2 draw and shoot to the top of group D on the Safford Challenge Cup football tournament at the KSFA Stadium here on Sunday morning. Earlier, Sreenidhi Deccan FC defeated Kenkre FC 2-0 in group C.

In the later part of the day, Delhi FC came back from a goal down to register 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC. With back-to-back win, they seem to be a solid contender for the semi-final spot from Group C. In the final game of the day, ARA FC bouncing back from a defeat in their previous game thrashed Kerala United 5-0. 

A very compact and solid Chennaiyin FC took control of the match early on and even forged ahead in the very 16th  minute of the match.  After a one-two with Solaimalai, Givson Singh lobbed the ball into the box and skipper Senthamil dived forward to head it into the goal past goalkeeper Deepak. 

In trying to curb their attacking intent, Kickstart gave away a freekick to Chennaiyin just outside the box on the left flank. Givson Singh took the award and produced a low curling right footer which settled into the net beyond Deepak’s reach.

But Kickstart came back with some efforts of their own to no avail. In the second half, they changed their combinations and it paid rich dividends. Substitute Muzamiri was a thorn in the Chennai team’s defence and repeatedly broke through. He tacked goalkeeper Devansh Dabas once but failed to fill an untenanted net. However, he provided a fine through pass form Edwin Rosario to slot home a low left footer into the net. Once they had reduced the margin, it was Kickstart all over the opponent defence. In trying to check Muzamiri, stopper Buiswas Yumnan sent the ball rocketing into his own net for an own goal in the 82nd minute.

Both came close to snatching the winner but the defences held firm as they trooped out with a point each. Kickstart top the group with four points with a win and a draw.

Sreenidhi Deccan FC were the dominant lot all along and scored once in each half to emerge winners.

It was Mungong who scored the first goal in the 21st minute pushing home from close following a goalmouth melee. They played relaxed football and made it 2-0 in the 61st as Velmurugan took off on the right and slotted home past custodian Lovepreet Singh. Sreenidhi Deccan also topped group C with four points from one win and a draw while Kenkre have lost both games so far.

BFC play out 1-1 draw against Sreenidi Deccan, Chennaiyin beat ARA in Stafford Cup

KSFA Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

Chennaiyin FC, Chennai, became the first team to log full points defeating the ARA FC 1-0 in a Group D match of the Stafford Challenge Cup 2023 football tournament on Friday. In another match in Group C, local hopefuls Bengaluru FC drew with Sreenidhi Deccan FC, Hyderabad, 1-1 after leading by an early goal.

In the first game today morning, Bengaluru FC did well to take the lead in the 15th minute when Harmanpreet Singh rushed in to tap home the ball following a melee inside the box.  Harmanpreet, Thoi Singh, and captain Biswa Darjee combined well to threaten the opponents, but their finishing let them down.

Sreenidhi Deccan worked the ball at a fast clip and looked like finding the equaliser any moment. It did come in the 68th minute when skipper Arunkumar managed to chip the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Lara as the ball landed into the net.

After being on level terms, it was the Deccan side which let BFC off the hook when skipper Biswa Darjee failed to beat Lara in a one to one situation. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Chennaiyin beat ARA 1-0

Keeping up a steady flow of attacks, Chennaiyin Fc carved out the ARA defence and opened up scoring chances, but their finishing let them down. This was evident when their skipper Senthamil failed to fill an untenanted net with goalkeeper Sangramjit Roy Coudhury out of his charge. But he made amends soon after when a lob from Rajat Roy hit the crossbar and rebounded back into play. Senthamil was close on hand to fill the net.

ARA boys tried their best to force the pace and attack from both flanks but the CFC defence did not yield. They were backed well by goalkeeper Mohanraj who rushed out time and again to bring timely saves.

Chennaiyin could have made it 2-0 but midfielder Sharon’s long chip hit the crossbar and rolled out. In the dying moments, substitute Zomuansanga failed to tap home a pass from Senthamil. Though they tried hard, the Ahmedabad boys failed to break the compact opponent defence and crashed to defeat.

Bengaluru FC, ASC play 1-1 draw

Bengaluru FC Media 

A ten-man Bengaluru FC played out a 1-1 draw against ASC & Centre FC, in the BDFA Super Division League, at the Bangalore Football Stadium. Monirul Molla’s (24’) strike was canceled out by Elangbam Meitei (45’) as the points were shared on Friday.

Bengaluru started well and kept the ball in the opposition's box. The first chance came to Kamalesh P in the 17th minute when the ball ricocheted in the box before landing at the midfielder's feet. Kamalesh took a touch before firing a shot that Mutum Singh, in goal, saved. 

The Blue Colts capitalised on a loose pass from ASC & Centre FC less than ten minutes later. Molla’s constant press paid off as he took advantage of the situation before slotting it past the ’keeper from close range to make 1-0.

Bengaluru looked in control of the game, but a moment of madness cost the Blues the lead. Rajanbir Singh was sent off for sabotaging a goal-scoring opportunity with what seemed to be a reckless tackle. Meitei stepped up for the freekick and placed it in the bottom corner, beyond the reach of Sharon Padattil, to level the score at half time. 

Into the second period of action, Jan van Loon made some attacking changes to his squad, bringing on Shighil and Thoi Singh. The winger ran straight into the thick of things and was a menace down the left wing. 

The chances kept coming, but the Blue Colts couldn’t find the back of the net. With ten minutes left on the clock, Lalpekhlua was brought on as Bengaluru threw everything at ASC in a bit to score a late winner.

Bengaluru FC next face Bangalore Independents at the same venue, on 31st October. 

Bengaluru fail to break the deadlock as they play out a goalless draw against Roots

BFC Media

Bengaluru FC played out a 0-0 draw against Roots FC, in a BDFA Super Division League encounter, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Tuesday. Roots FC’s resolute backline marshaled by goalkeeper Arun H, kept the Blue Colts at bay, and saved a point for the hosts. 

The first half saw both sides battle for possession early on with the Blue Colts eventually finding the right rhythm. The first chance of the game fell to BFC midfielder Kamalesh P in the 28th minute, who rounded the ’keeper and slotted the ball into an empty goal, but referee Suresh Devraj, upon consultation with his assistant, ruled the goal out for a foul in the build-up.

Close to the end of the first half, Bekey Oram put in a low cross into the 18-yard-box, but Monirul Molla and Ankith Padmanabhan failed to capitalise as the ball deflected off Roots midfielder Gautam Rajesh, before being cleared away. 

Into the second period, the Blue Colts put the pressure on the RFC backline and kept the ball in the opposition's half. The biggest chance of the game came in the 68th minute when Ankith found Molla unmarked in the box, but the striker’s effort from distance went wide of the frame. 

The rub of the green failed to favour Bengaluru when another chance went begging in the closing stages. Felixson’s cross into a crowded penalty area found substitute Vinith Venkatesh unmarked. But Venkatesh, having struck the ball with his first touch, saw his effort come crashing back into play off the crossbar. Ankith managed to get another shot away on the rebound, but it was easy pickings for Arun. 

The Blue Colts kept pushing for the opener, but the Roots backline remained stubborn and saw the game out. BFC now sit in 4th place with 16 points on the board. Bengaluru next face ADE FC on October 14th, at the same venue.

 

Bengaluru cruise past FC Agniputhra

Bengaluru FC Media 

Jan van Loon’s Blue Colts picked up a 3-0 victory to get back to winning ways, against FC Agniputhra in the BDFA Super Division League, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Monday. Kamalesh (20’) and Shighil’s (34’) first half strikes ensured a two-goal cushion at the break, followed by Monirul Molla’s (80’) late strike that sealed the points. 

A physical battle ensued in the first period as both sides looked to get a foothold on the game. Bengaluru kept the pressure on the opponents and finally broke the deadlock at the 20 minute mark, with Kamalesh dropping his shoulder and skipping past his man before launching a shot into the roof of the net. 

Ten minutes later, the Blue Colts doubled their lead through Shighil. The midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the 18-yard-box and saw his low-driven shot go through several defenders and into the bottom corner.

Into the second half, BFC had several chances through winger Thoi Singh and striker Sudeer Kotikala, but luck didn’t favour the Blue Colts. Van Loon brought on Molla and Ankith Padmanabhan to bolster the attack and his substitutes made an instant impact.

Thoi’s shot on goal with ten minutes left to play was parried by Agniputhra ‘keeper Badusha only for Molla to pick up the ball and pass it into an empty net to ensure a 3-0 victory.

The Blue Colts next face Jawahar Union FC, on 16th September, at the same venue. 

 

Rebels surprise Bengaluru with 2-1 win, Students Union beat Independents

Bengaluru FC Media  

Bengaluru colts went down 2-1 to Rebels FC in the BDFA Super Division League in a tightly contested encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Wednesday. Amay Morajkar (19’) was on target for BFC, while goals from Carlos Challam (34’) and Muheeb (84’) secured the points for Rebels. 

In the other two games played later at the same venue, Young Challengers drew with Bangalore Eagles and Students Union won their second game in a row defeating Bangalore Independents 2-1.  

Bengaluru started the game brightly and pushed the Rebels FC backline deep into their own half in the opening stages. Thoi Singh made all the right noise on the wings and led the attack along with Akashdeep Singh and Kamalesh Palanisamy. 

Twenty minutes into the game, Thoi was brought down just outside the 18-yard-box, handing the Blue Colts a free-kick in a dangerous area. Amay stepped up and curled the ball into the far corner beyond the reach of Sanfeer K in goal to give Bengaluru the lead.

Rebels FC clawed their way back into the game against the run of play and scored the equaliser just past the half hour mark when Challam picked up a stray pass and smashed a half volley beyond Sharon from distance. 

Into the second half, Bengaluru took the lead back through Kamalesh, but his shot from close range went just wide of the post. 

Van Loon brought on Lalpekhlua, Sudheer Kotikala, Damaitphang Lyngdoh and Monirul Molla to boost the Blue Colts’ attack but against the run of play, it was the hosts that found the net. Having won a free-kick close to the corner flag, Sanjib Singh put in a cross for Muheeb, who nodded it beyond Sharon to give Rebels a lead they would protect until the final whistle.

The Blue Colts next face FC Agniputhra, on 12th September, at the same venue. 

Bengaluru boys go down 1-0 to Kickstart FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC suffered their  first defeat of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup against Kickstart FC, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Monday. The first half strike from Sharath Kumar (25’) was enough to see Kickstart pick up the victory.

In the earlier game played this noon, Roots FC defeated Kodagu FC 1-0. With Kickstart upsetting Bengaluru’s rhythm, both teams along with Roots FC from Zone B ended with 6 points. However, Bengaluru FC and Kickstart FC with a goal difference of +5 and +2 respectively made to the semis. Newbie Roots FC despite winning two games loose out by a small margin. 

It was a tight first twenty minutes, with both sides trying to break the deadlock. Bengaluru and Kickstart had their chances through routine set-pieces, but failed to make it count. Kickstart took the lead close to the half hour mark with a swift counter-attack. A quick run from Akshay saw him beat his man and put in a low cross for Sharath, who buried the opportunity.

The game was fought out in the middle of the park for majority of the first half before the referee blew the whistle for the break. Into the second half, the Blue Colts came out looking for an early equaliser, and almost found it through Akashdeep Singh, who was put through on by Bekey Oram, only for the linesman to raise his flag. 

The Blue Colts brought on Lalpekhlua, Lalhmingchhuanga, Ashik Adhikari and Monirul Molla in a bid to turn the game around. The substitutes pushed for an equaliser, but the Kickstart FC backline remained stubborn and kept the attackers at bay.

Bengaluru FC next face Bangalore Eagles in the semifinal, on 17th August, at the same venue.

 

Lightning first half display helps Kickstart beat Bengaluru FC and keep them in title contention

Bengaluru FC Media  

Kickstart FC’s four first half goals were enough to see pick up all three points, in a BDFA Super Division encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Tuesday. Goals from Ankith P (12’), Solaimalai (33’, 45’) and Princewill Olariche (42’) saw Kickstart get off to a flying start. The Blue Colts managed to score twice in the second half but it would count for nothing. Macarton Nickson (47’) and Robin Yadav (89’) got on the scoresheet for Bengaluru FC.  

It was Ankith’s in the 12th minute of the game who found himself in a great position during Kickstart FC’s first attack of the game, and managed to get a shot off his right foot to send the ball past Dipesh Chauhan in goal. Bengaluru FC kept pressing for the equaliser but their efforts were futile after Solaimalai’s initial shot was saved, but the rebound fell kindly to the same player only for him to curl it past Dipesh in goal to double the lead in the 33rd minute. 

The Blue Colts struggled to find their rhythm which resulted in Kickstart FC capitalising and scoring two more in the last five minutes of the game. Princewill Olariche scored KFC’s third of the afternoon after putting his laces through the ball on the volley and burying into the bottom corner. It went from bad to worse for the Blues as Solaimalai scored his second goal of the game in the dying minutes of the first half after finding himself in the right place at the right time in the box and booting it into the roof of the net from close range. 

The Blue Colts came out a different team in the second half and were on the attack from the get go. Bengaluru FC scored within the first two minutes of the second half after a beautifully threaded through ball from Thoi Singh found Macarton Nickson who made the perfect run to stay onside to find himself in a 1v1 position with the goalkeeper. 

The forward kept his cool and slotted it past Jayanthkumar Krishnamurthy to make it 4-1. Macarton made all the right noise after coming on in the second half creating multiple chances for the Blue Colts. The BFC number ten found himself through on goal again in the 80th minute and was brought down by the goalkeeper, but the referee chose to wave on play. Bengaluru did get a penalty awarded to them a minute from time, that Robin Yadav converted to make it 4-2.

Bengaluru FC run riot against Bangalore United

Bengaluru FC Media 

Attacker Thoi Singh put on a show at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Monday, as his Bengaluru FC side ran out 4-0 winners over Bangalore United FC, in the BDFA Super Division League. While Thoi found his name on the scoresheet twice, Monirul Molla and Omega Vanlalhruaitluanga added two more to seal the points for the Blue Colts.

The Blue Colts started the game on the front foot, creating chances aplenty in the early stages. The opening goal came only ten minutes in, when the ball fell kindly to Thoi in the box and his low driven shot had too much on it for BUFC custodian Nishit Nair to handle as it slipped through his grasp to give the Blue Colts the lead. 

Bengaluru continued to pile the pressure and almost doubled their lead when Harpreet Singh nodded the ball home from a well worked set-piece, only for it to be ruled offside. Soon after, Thoi was found in the box by Rakesh Likmabam whose low cross was converted by the winger on the bounce to make it 2-0 in the 33rd minute. 

Thoi continued to impress, turning provider when he ran past a number of BUFC defenders down the left flank before sending in an inch-perfect cross for Molla, who finished with aplomb at the stroke of half time. 

On the other side of the break, Bengaluru continued to push and came close in the opening stages when Shighil ran at the BUFC defenders and chipped a shot goalward, only to be pushed away by Nishit. The Blue Colts were gifted a fourth when miscommunication in the BUFC box allowed Omega the chance to pounce and bury his strike past a hapless Nishit. 

Striker Rahul Raju had the opportunity to make it five for the Blue Colts in the last ten minutes of the game, but his shot was dragged just wide off the post keeping the score at 4-0.

The Blue Colts next face Young Challengers FC at the same venue, on Thursday, December 23rd.

 

Bengaluru colts breeze past ADE FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC made it two wins on the trot, with a 7-1 defeat of ADE FC in the BDFA Super Division League, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Friday. Rahul Raju scored twice, in a game that the Blue Colts dominated from start to finish.

Sandesh Bhoite made two changes to the side that faced ASC&Center just three days ago, with Vinith Venkatesh and Manik Baliyan returning to the starting eleven. It took just a minute for Bengaluru to take the lead when Manish Chaudhary’s low cross into the box was finished by Rahul.

 

Seven minutes later, the Blue Colts doubled their lead through Lalremtluanga, who nodded home a free-kick from Omega Vanlalrhuatluanga with nine minutes on the clock.

 

Defensive frailties saw ADE concede two more in the space of two minutes. Under pressure, ADE ’keeper SK Sadekuddin conceded possession in a dangerous area, allowing Edwin to score the third goal, and only moments later Rahul poked home the fourth.

 

Bengaluru added a fifth goal before the break when Omega’s cross was deflected into his own net by ADE defender Suyash as the Blue Colts took a commanding 5-0 lead into the tunnel.

 

Picking up where they left off, Lalthangliana added his name to the scoresheet after being played through by Jagdeep with a clever pass over the ADE backline. The hosts were awarded a dubious penalty just past the hour mark allowing Sachin to slot past Baliyan to make it 6-1.

 

Bhoite rang in changes as Monirul Molla, Yaphathoi Magsatabam and Shighil NS took the field in place of Vinith, Edwin and Omega. Moments later, Abu Swalih came on to replace Lalthangliana, making him the youngest ever player to play for the Bengaluru FC Reserves at just 15 years of age.

 

Bengaluru scored a seventh goal on the night when Yaphathoi slipped through the defence, allowing him to finish past Sadekkuddin and make it 7-1. Shighil had a chance to find an eighth in the final minute of the game, but the midfielder’s shot from Abu’s cross went wayward.

 

The Blue Colts next face Bangalore Independents at the same venue, on December 13th.

 

Bengaluru FC beat ASC, record second win of the league

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC returned to winning ways in the BDFA Super Division League with a convincing 4-0 defeat of ASC & Center FC at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Goals from Rahul Raju, Jagdeep Singh, Lalthangliana and Robin Yadav sealed the points for the Blue Colts, who now have eight points from five games in the Division, with two wins, two draws and one loss.

The Blue Colts started the game on the front foot, dominating proceedings for the first 20 minutes, coming close on multiple occasions. A flurry of corners went begging as Bengaluru pushed forward in search of an opener. ASC had a chance of their own in the 32nd minute when Rajak Ahamed took a swipe from distance, but Dipesh Chauhan watched it go wide of his frame. 

Ambling towards the break, the Blue Colts broke the deadlock when Lalthangliana’s shot came off the post and fell kindly for Rahul. The striker controlled the rebound and lifted it into the roof of the net to give the Blue Colts the lead. 

ASC & Center came close to finding a response when a freekick found Saroj Rai unmarked in the box, only 15 minutes into the second period. His header towards goal, however, was collected by Dipesh without fuss. Bengaluru doubled their lead when ASC ’keeper Mutum Raj Singh came off his line in an attempt to dispossess Rahul. The striker turned away from goal and set up Jagdeep, whose shot from outside the box floated its way home to double the Blue Colts’ advantage. 

Bengaluru picked up the pace in the final ten minutes of the game as Bhoite sent on Monirul Molla and Vinith Venkatesh in place of Edwin Rossario and Rahul. Lalthangliana found the net soon after and on the break after Omega Vanlalrhuaitluanga’s inch-perfect pass fed the striker through. Lalthangliana made no mistake, rounding the keeper before rolling the ball into an empty net.

The Blue Colts added a fourth on the night on the stroke of 90 minutes when Jagdeep turned provider, lifting a cross over the ASC defence for Robin to attack and nod past Mutum Raj to make it 4-0 and seal the points.

 

Bengaluru FC, Students Union share spoils

Bengaluru FC Media 
Students Union Media  

Bengaluru FC were made to split the points once again as Students Union FC came from behind in a 1-1 draw in the BDFA Super Division League, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Tuesday. Macarton Louis Nickson (15’) gave the Blue Colts an early lead, before Student Union found the equalizer late in the game through Aaryan Amla (80’).

The Blue Colts made two changes from their 1-1 draw against Bangalore Dream United, bringing on Bekey Oram and Macarton in place of Omega Vanlalhruaitluanga and Rahul Raju. Eager to get their first win of the season, the team went on the attack from the get go and took the lead fifteen minutes into the game. Lalthangliana found Bekey free in the box, whose dummy saw the ball roll to an unmarked Macarton, and the forward placed his shot low into the far corner to make it 1-0.

Jagdeep Singh, who opened his account for the season against Dream United, almost doubled Bengaluru’s lead in the 41st minute when Lalthangliana found him in space inside the box. However, the defender’s shot was creeping into the top corner until Students Union goalkeeper Abhishek Ramesh’s outstretched arm pushed it over the bar.

Five minutes into the second period, Bekey stole possession high up the pitch and played Macarton through, but the forward’s lob into the box was cleared by Sujith Kumar. Immediately after, Union were down to 10 men following Shelton Nickson’s red card for a high boot that caught Edwin Rossario.

The Blue Colts, with the advantage of an extra man, created several chances to double their lead. First, Jagdeep cut into the box from the right and saw his effort saved at the near post. Later, Shighil NS, on as a substitute, found Lalthangliana’s run through the Students Union defence, but the forward shot well wide of the mark. In the 79th minute, Bekey won possession in the midfield and found Lalthangliana unmarked in the box, but his shot was saved by Abhishek.

Students Union were back on level terms only a minute later, when Amla managed to brush past Robin Yadav’s challenge and place the ball into the far corner. From the final action of the game, Biswa Darjee’s header off Omega’s cross beat the ’keeper but bounced off the crossbar and out of play.

The Blue Colts are back in action in the League on November 17, when they take on Kodagu United FC at the same venue.

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.

Shivasakthi score five, Bengaluru FC register massive win against Income Tax

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC continued their winning start to the BDFA Super Division campaign with a convincing 8-1 defeat of Income Tax FC, at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Wednesday. Eighteen year old Shivasakthi was the star of the day, with his five goals helping Sandesh Bhoite’s side climb to the summit of the table on goals scored.

Bengaluru’s early pressure paid off with the side taking the lead in the 3rd minute when Lastborn Mawphiang ran down the right flank and his low cross into the box was finished by Shivasakthi. The second goal, 12 minutes later, was almost a carbon copy of the first. The striker managed to get to the end of a low pass into the box, with Monirul Molla getting the assist this time. Shiva then turned provider, as his pass found Ratanbi Singh who took the ball past Goushik in goal and finished into an empty net.

Shivasakthi got his hat-trick just before the half hour mark, when he intercepted a pass on the halfway line, carried it into the box and finished low past Goushik. Only three minutes later, he got his boot to Lalthangliana’s cross and beat the ’keeper to put the Blue Colts 5-0 up. Income Tax scored with their first shot on goal, when Vasanth managed to capitalise on a defensive lapse before beating Dipesh Chauhan at the far post. 

The Blue Colts dominated proceedings on the other side of the break, and it took only five minutes for them to add to the scoreline again. Shiva latched on to N.S. Shigil’s through ball, managed to feint his way past the ‘keeper before sending his marker the wrong way and finishing into an open goal.

Things went from bad to worse for Income Tax, when their custodian Goushik was shown a second yellow card after he was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the box. Bekey Oram, on as a substitute, scored from a free kick only moments later to put the Blue Colts 7-1 up. From the edge of the box, Oram managed to find a gap in the Income Tax wall and Andreco could only watch as the ball sailed past him. 

Bengaluru’s final goal on the day came from a mix up in the Income Tax defence. Akashdeep failed to get enough on his shot, but a failure to clear their lines saw the ball deflect off Shashidharan and into the far post past a hapless Andreco.

The Blue Colts are back in action on February 2 when they take on Students Union FC.

Bengaluru kick off Durand Cup campaign against Army Red

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC will kick-off their campaign in the 129th edition of the prestigious Durand Cup against Army Red at the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata today. The oldest football competition in Asia will be played in the City of Joy for the first time ever and the Blues make their second appearance in the competition after making the semifinals back in 2014.

While the Durand Cup will kick off a tough season for the new-look Colts side under Naushad Moosa, the tournament will also provide a learning experience to the young members in the squad. “We are playing in a prestigious tournament. The boys are aware of the opportunity they have got to perform at this level, and with a team like East Bengal in our group they will be tested thoroughly. It’s great to have this competition at the beginning of the season where I can test my team’s strength,” said Moosa on the eve of the clash. 

The Blue Colts regrouped in the third week of July and have been training in Bengaluru for a few weeks now. Talking about the preparations, Moosa added, “We played two friendly games against Army Green and South United and I must say that the boys have adapted quite well and have been playing to our plan. This year, we have a very young squad which is technically very good. With the addition of a few first team players we get some experience in the squad as well as the youngsters get that extra motivation.” 

Army Red suffered a 2-0 loss to East Bengal in the opener and while this is a must-win game for the servicemen, it will be crucial for the Blues as well who need to get a result considering that only one team makes it out of the group. “We have an eight-day gap after our first game against Army Red. So, it’s important to get a positive result in the opener. Army Red suffered a tough loss against East Bengal so they will be looking to bounce back. We need to be alert in this game and make sure to give our best.” 

On the team news front, Army Red will be missing services of goalkeeper M. Shanoos who was sent off in the Group-A opener against East Bengal. Meanwhile, the Blues have named seven first team players in the squad including Aditya Patra, Parag Shrivas, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Sairuat Kima, Ajay Chhetri, Suresh Wangjam and Edmund Lalrindika. 

The game kicks off at 3.00 pm on Monday and will be streamed live on AddaTimes. 

Group A fixtures

• Aug 5: vs Army Red - 3.00 PM - Salt Lake Stadium
• Aug 14: vs Bengaluru FC - 6.00 PM - Salt Lake Stadium
• Aug 17: vs Jamshedpur FC - 3.00 PM - Salt Lake Stadium

Team

Goalkeepers: Aditya Patra, Dipesh Chauhan
Defenders: Likmabam Rakesh, FC Lalhmunmawia, Laishain Johnson Singh, Namgyal Bhutia, Rakesh Oram, Parag Shrivas, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Sairuat Kima
Midfielders: Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Fredy Chawngthansanga, Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha, Naorem Roshan Singh, Biswa Darjee, Advait Shinde, Bekey Oram, Ajay Chhetri, Suresh Wangjam
Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Akashdeep Singh, Leon Augustine

Bengaluru Reserves put eight past Hindustan

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC Reserves extended their winning run to three games, hammering Delhi-based Hindustan FC 8-0 in a completely one-sided affair at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Friday. The win took Bengaluru’s tally to 9 points as they cemented their position at the top of Group-A standings in the Hero 2nd Division League after they sealed their biggest ever win in the competition.

While Naushad Moosa’s boys controlled the entire game, it was a brace each from Parag Shrivas (16’, 43’) and Leon Augustine (51’, 57’) along with goals from Advait Shinde (11’), Myron Mendes (20’), Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha (60’) and Altamash Sayed (61’) that gave Bengaluru a well-deserved win.

Dominating proceedings from the word go, BFC broke the deadlock in the 11th minute through a set piece. Altamash found Myron on the right, whose low cross into the box was finished off by Advait on the second attempt after his first was blocked by the ’keeper. Five minutes later, Myron with a long ball found Parag free on the left who ran past his marker before finishing off at the far post with a low finish.

Myron had a penalty kick saved by custodian Varun Bisht in the 19th minute before making amends a minute later with a close-range finish at the far post on Parag’s cross from the left.

The Blue Colts missed another penalty at the half hour mark when Altamash hit his effort from the spot wide, before Hindustan FC missed the third penalty of the afternoon when Jaskaran Singh too fired off target after Aditya Patra had brought Franko Paul down.

The hosts finally made it 4-0 minutes from the breather when Parag completed his brace heading home Altamash’s corner kick in from the left.

Bengaluru struck four in quick succession in the opening quarter of the second half. First it was Leon who poked home from close on Advait's pass after Myron's effort from outside the box came off the crossbar in the 51st minute. Six minutes later, he completed his brace tapping home Parag’s low ball in from the left.

Emanuel and Altamash scored two in as many minutes from outside the box around the hour mark to make it 8-0 for the Blue Colts. The home side had quite a few chances in the remainder of the second half, but some poor finishing and last-ditch defending from the visitors meant the score remained unchanged.

The league now breaks for three weeks with Bengaluru Reserves resuming their campaign with an away game against Hindustan FC in Delhi on February 25.

BFC Reserves host Hindustan FC in 2nd Division League today

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC are set to host Hindustan FC in their first home game of the Hero 2nd Division League 2018-19 when they face off at the Bengaluru Football Stadium today.

Going into the game on the back of two successive away wins Naushad Moosa’s boys are riding high on confidence. However, he expects his team to stay away from any complacency against a side who is yet to pick up any points.

While the Blue Colts’ have taken a three-point lead at the top in Group-A after two rounds, they’ve also netted eight times so far which is the most by any team in the 2nd Division this season. On the other hand, Hindustan FC come into the game on the back of two disappointing defeats. While they opened their campaign with a narrow 3-4 loss to ARA FC in Ahmedabad, they went down 0-6 to FC Goa Reserves on Monday. Playing their third successive away game, the Delhi-based side will be eager to bounce back and get their first points of the campaign against BFC B.

“Hindustan FC have a lot of new players and it takes time for players to gel. After two games, they will definitely be in better shape and have an understanding of each other. They will be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their team and will definitely try to come back stronger at us. I don't want my players to be casual in any game and certainly not on Friday. Winning or losing is part of the game, but it's important that they stick to our plan and enjoy the football,” added Moosa.

While the game will be the last before the league takes a month-long break for the Santosh Trophy, Moosa believes it’s vital for his colts to get a positive result on Friday. “I honestly wish we didn't have a long break as we don’t want to halt the momentum. At BFC, our philosophy is to play attacking football with the aim of winning every game, so momentum plays a big role. A few of our players will join the Karnataka State Team for the Santosh Trophy and this is a platform for them as well. The exposure and the games that they play will help them build confidence when they return for the second half of the campaign.”

The game kicks off at 3.30 pm at the Bengaluru Football Stadium. 

Bengaluru FC colts crowned Super Division champions

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC were crowned Champions of the BDFA Super Division League in a glittering ceremony held at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Sunday. The Blue Colts, who had sealed the title with a game to spare after their victory over ASC on December 27, were handed the prestigious George Hoover trophy for the first time in their six-year history.

Post an exhibition game against second placed Ozone FC, Naushad Moosa’s boys received their trophy from M.P. Swamy, Chairman of the Bangalore District Football Association.

The Blue Colts set a few records en route to their maiden title as they finished as the only team to win ten games. In fact, with 34 points in their kitty, they finished with a seven-point lead over second placed Ozone FC (27 pts from nine games). Bengaluru's tally of 46 goals scored was the highest this season and they also put an impressive defensive performance conceding just four goals in thirteen games, the least among all 14 teams in the Division.

Speaking on the historic occasion, Bengaluru FC’s Chief Technical Officer Mandar Tamhane said, “We came close on a couple of occasions in the past but’s a great achievement for the club to finally get over the line and claim this elusive trophy. The BDFA Super Division League has provided a great platform for our Colts to get valuable game time which was the idea behind forming the team last season. Their triumph in the Puttaiah Memorial Cup earlier in the season and the Super Division title now just shows how much progress the boys have made under Naushad Moosa and also attests our player pathway. The league has been improving every year and the experience that our boys had this season will definitely help them in the 2nd Division League campaign that begins this week.”

Coach Naushad Moosa was delighted with the triumph but also highlighted the hard work put in by the boys throughout the season. “It was a tough competition overall for us and the early loss against MEG was a wake-up call. It was important to get out of the relaxed mode and the boys immediately bounced back with a big win over Students Union and there was no looking back since then. We managed to rotate the squad throughout the competition and everyone who got a chance put in a great performance. This year the competition has provided us with the perfect preparation for the 2nd Division League which will be the real test for the boys.”

Bengaluru FC B travel to Goa on Tuesday, where they take on FC Goa Reserves in their opening match of the 2nd Division League, at the Nagoa Ground.

Bengaluru hammer CIL 11-0

Bengaluru FC Media

Champions Bengaluru FC ended their campaign in the BDFA Super Division League on a high after a massive 11-0 win over CIL in their final league game at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Sunday. Having already sealed their title with win over ASC three days ago, Naushad Moosa’s boys didn’t take their foot off the pedal and sealed their eleventh victory of the campaign which incidentally was also their biggest-ever win.

The victory was powered by striker Edmund Lalrindika (20’, 24’, 37’, 43’, 62’, 78’) who netted a double hat-trick along with braces from Lalnuntluanga (13’, 46’) and Lalengzama Vangchhia (15’, 39’), and a late strike from Calvin Baretto (88’). The result meant that Bengaluru ended their victorious campaign with 34 points.

In a completely one-sided affair, it was Bengaluru who dominated right from the start and broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Striker Lalnuntluanga managed to chase down a through ball from Dawan on the right before firing home from a narrow angle from the goal line. Two minutes later, playmaker Lalengzama capitalized on some sloppy play by the rival defense outside their box and slotted home from close.

Striker Edmund scored the first of his six goals on the afternoon when he controlled Lalengzama’s delicate chip from the edge of the box to beat the rival custodian and score from close to make it 3-0. Four minutes later, Edmund had his second and BFC’s fourth when he picked up a pass from Advaith Shinde and unleashed a powerful drive straight into the top-left corner. The striker completed his hat-trick in the 37th minute with another close-range finish on Ajay Chhetri’s pass.

Lalengzama then doubled his tally as he tapped home from close after Ajay did well to get past a couple of defenders on the right inside the box before cutting it back. Edmund made it 7-0 going into the break with another top-corner finish from Prashanth Kalinga’s cutback from the left.

The breather didn’t break Bengaluru’s momentum as the Blue Colts struck inside a minute after restart with Edmund and Advaith combining well on the right before the latter set up Lalnuntluanga for an easy tap in from close.

Edmund the got his fifth of the afternoon with a good finish from Lalengzama’s pass on the edge of the box in the 62nd minute. He netted his sixth and the Blue Colts’ tenth in the 78th minute when Advaith did well to gain possession outside the rival box and dribbled past two defenders before squaring the ball to Edmund.

Attacker Calvin then sealed the 11-0 win when he finished off Ajay’s through ball from the edge of the box on the left into the far corner in the 88th minute.