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 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 fail to earn full-points against 10-men Sporting

I-League Media  

AIFF Media  

Bengaluru FC came back from two goals down but couldn’t do enough to eke out a win against a ten-man Sporting Clube de Goa at the Fatorda Stadium, in Goa, on Sunday. The game ended 2-2 after skipper Sunil Chhetri struck once in each half after a freak Mascarenhas goal and an Odafa Okolie strike gave the hosts a lead.

Bengaluru were dealt with an early blow after defender Curtis Osano had to be replaced by Keegan Pereira after the former pulled his groin just fifteen minutes into the game. The home side took the lead with a freak goal just two minutes later after Lalthuammawia Ralte’s clearance from a Lalchhuanmawia back-pass rebounded off an onrushing Marcus Mascarenhas and bounced into the Bengaluru goal.

The Blues tried their best to reduce the deficit recycling well in midfield to let Udanta and Chhetri attack the flanks. Striker Kim Song Yong came close to scoring the Blues equalizer but a cross into the box from Udanta was inches away from the diving North Korean.

Against the run of play, Sporting extended their lead through a long-range shot from Odafa Okolie. The Nigerian striker collected a pass from Mahmoud Al-Amna before taking a shot that found its way past a diving Ralte in the Blues’ goal.

But Bengaluru clawed right back into the tie at the death of the first half when Loveday Okechukwu brought down John Johnson in the box and referee Santosh Kumar promptly pointed to the spot where Chhetri found the Blues’ opener from. Booked for the foul, Loveday received marching orders only a minute later when he hacked down Udanta while the winger was charging down the right.

Starting the second half with a goal to show for and a man more than Sporting, Bengaluru switched gears, leaving the hosts to defend deep. Michael Collins came close to getting Bengaluru an equaliser and what could have been his first goal for the Blues only to see his goal-bound low drive pushed out by Arindam Bhattacharya.

Bengaluru eventually did find their equaliser when Chhetri tapped into an empty goal after Daniel Lalhlimpuia’s cross fell perfectly for the skipper. The Blues ventured forward with intent and came close to finding a winner when a strike from inside the area by Lalchhuanmawia went inches high of the Sporting frame.

The result leaves Bengaluru second on the table, level on points with Mohun Bagan, who have a game in hand over the Blues. Westwood’s men return to AFC Cup duties as they face defending Champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at the Kanteerava Stadium, on Wednesday. 

Osano on target as Bengaluru win two in as many away games

 - AIFF Media
 - Bengaluru FC Media


The lethal header by Curtis Osano in 26th minute ensured Bengaluru FC leaving Aizawl with full three points. With this narrow win over the debutants Aizawl FC, the 2013-14 champions earned their second successive away win in as many outings in the Hero I-League 2015-16.

The eagerly awaited match between Aizawl FC and Bengaluru FC kicked off at 1 pm at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium ahead of a cheering crowd. It was one of the historic day in Mizoram football history as they hosted their first ever Hero I-League match.

Ashley Westwood made just one change to the starting XI that beat Salgaocar the week before, bringing in Udanta Singh for Malsawmzuala. And the nippy winger did enough to show what he’s capable of bringing to the table. Darting off on runs that the Aizawl defence had a tough time dealing with, Udanta earned the Blues a free-kick in the 26th minute – one that led to Bengaluru’s opener.

With Eugeneson Lyngdoh standing over the ball, a quick change in decision saw Keegan Pereira swing in the take instead when Osano capitalized on a fumble by former Blues ’keeper Soram Poirei, to stab home in the muddle and give Bengaluru a much needed lead.

In an opening exchange where neither of the sides managed to stitch anything meaningful and the football was everything but pleasing to the eye, local boy Lalthuammawia Ralte pulled off the save of the game when he flung himself and got his fingertips to a dangerous shot from David Lalrinmuana that was heading for goal.

The Blues needed a little bit of luck when, in the 33rd minute, an Aizawl attack ended up bouncing off the post and to safety as Bengaluru tried to wrest control of the game.

Westwood tweaked the formation a bit and introduced another local boy in Malsawmzuala who came on for Udanta at the start of the second half, in a bid to seize more control and enjoy the kind of possession that the Blues are otherwise used to. 

With 10 minutes left to play for, CK Vineeth had the best chance to close the game after being set up by Kim’s header only to inexplicably shoot wide from five yards out. Aizawl were keen to make the lifeline count and battled hard for a point but a gritty and composed show from Westwood’s boys denied the home side the fairytale ending they were chasing from the start.

Bengaluru next play at home at the Kanteerava Stadium when they take on Shillong Lajong on January 24.

 

Bengaluru whack Salgaokar, take pole position

Propelled by a favorable result in Mohun Bagan’s match yesterday, the Blues whopped seventh-placed Salgaokar 3-1 at their fortress. 

Salgaokar coach Derrick Perriera preferred Karanjit Singh over National team skipper Subrata Paul. Something to do with Paul’s performance in their 2-4 loss against Royal Wahingdoh! They kicked off the game from right to left.   

Bengaluru began the game in a positive note. The game was only 3 minutes old, a big appeal from Bengaluru when CK Vineeth fell down inside the edge of box, referee Ajit Metei overruled the plea.

They forced the first corner in 6th after a beautiful wall pass between Shankar and Thoi, however the corner yielded any result. 

A horrendous pass from Salgaokar defender Augustin Fernandes in 10th minute almost gave an opening to BFC. 

Heavy downpour at the middle of the first-half made the ground heavy, players found difficult to play control the ball.

The first goal for the Blues came in 25th minute, Thoi Singh who was on the top of the box received the ball after a goalmouth melee from Eugenson’s corner, Thoi’s accurate attempt kept the ball into the back of the net. 

It was all Bengaluru after the goal with the strikers missed scoring opportunities at least three-times. The visitors came close in few occasions, the long rangers kept the Bengaluru defense perturbed, but proved futile for Salgaokar. 

Salgaokar came back well in the later half. Keeper Ralte put up a brave save at the beginning of the second-half, when Salgaokar was holding the game. That was one powerful shot from skipper Douhou, which was on target. 

Few minutes later, it was Douhou again in action, this time a curling shot from free-kick which Ralte managed to put away. 

The consistent pressure proved good for them. Striker Darryl Duffy came up with a world class equalizer from Douhou’s cross. 

However, within no time Bengaluru took the lead again courtesy Mr. consistent Eugenson Lyngdoh. It was Vineeth's header via Rooney’s cross which keeper Karanjit prevented only to find a marching Lyngdoh who coolly placed the ball in the goal. 

One cannot keep Lyngdoh out of action. Bengaluru took 3-1 lead and this time with his assist. Lyngdoh’s precise corner which central back Curtis Osano headed to goal. That was Osano’s first goal for Bengaluru FC! 

Pune and Bengaluru FC are the examples to follow in Indian Football: Kareem

Round 2 and the clash is between India’s two most professional clubs – Bengaluru FC (BFC) and Pune FC (PFC). Though both teams have failed to register a win in round 1, bet they are looking to win this game in the Hero I-League campaign!

Needless to say both teams are well prepared in this season, they played against each other few weeks ago during the Hero Federation Cup semifinal, where Bengaluru got the better of Pune in a hard fought battle. The former went on winning the cup.   

PFC has always been a tough opposition for BFC, they could not get past PFC in the last edition of I-League. Though BFC coach Ashley Westwood looked quite content with a draw against Dempo last week, he too is looking for a win.  

Westwood said, “We play every game to win, obviously PFC is a strong team, even they too play to win. Finally it would all come to who got the best formation and tactic in the day”. 

Pune is missing 3 players from their first squad, skipper Anas Edathodika, Prakash Thorat and Fanai Lalrempuia who were in excellent touch from the beginning of the season are out injured. 

PFC’s Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa assures, “We have 19 players in the squad, everyone is fit and in good form.” 

PFC is bolstered by two new foreign signings - striker Darko Nikač, Montenegrin international as a marquee player and Portuguese midfielder Edgar Marcelino who had plied his trade for FC Goa in the recently concluded ISL. However, Edgar seems to be a doubtful starter on Saturday delay to clearance formalities. 

Kareem trusts in the professionalism displayed by both clubs, “PFC and BFC are the examples to follow in India Football!”

The match between Bengaluru FC and Pune FC is slated to start tomorrow, Saturday, 7 PM, Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.

Gaffer Westwood and central back duo Johnson and Osano sign 2-year deal Bengaluru FC

BFC Media

Bengaluru FC head coach Ashley Westwood and the central defensive pair of John Johnson and Curtis Osano have all signed extensions to their existing deals that will keep them with the I-League champions till the end of the 2015-16 season, the club announced on Tuesday. 

“I am delighted and proud to be signing an extension of two years with the club and excited to carry on the dream and vision of the owners in making Bengaluru FC unique in Indian football. This club was all about long-term planning and I’m looking forward to the next chapter and trying to defend the title,” said Westwood. 

The Englishman was the focus of praise from all quarters last season when he guided Bengaluru FC to the I-League title on debut in stunning fashion, finishing four points above East Bengal. Club COO Mustafa Ghouse expressed his delight at the new deals. “We are very excited and pleased on extending Ashley’s contract with BFC. We have a very ambitious vision for the club and feel Ashley is the right person to drive it ahead. His work ethic and dedication toward the club and our dream is unparalleled.” 

Joining the gaffer with extensions are Johnson and Osano who have, by far, been the most reliable central defensive pair in the League last season. “I am delighted to have signed this new deal. It’s been a brilliant last season and I cannot wait to get back and start the new season. The club has been brilliant to me from day one and I hope to repay the Bengaluru FC and its fans with more success in the coming years,” said Johnson. 

The usually soft-spoken Osano said he was “over the moon and really excited” about signing the extension. “Since day one I was committed to Ashley and the club. It’s a great feeling to be wanted by a winning and efficient team.”

The duo had been linked to a few clubs at the end of the season but the signing of the extension has quelled all the rumours. “We at BFC are very excited by the fact that the two pillars of our champion team have agreed to sign an extension with the club. Both John and Curtis are an integral part of our team and philosophy and will continue to play a major role in the years ahead,” said Bengaluru FC CEO, Parth Jindal. 

Menyongar released, Rooney's contract extended for a year

Dependable medio, Liberian Johnny Menyongar has been released from the team.  

Aussie Sean Rooney, having a double hernia has flown back to his country. He has signed an extension, a two-year contract. 

Gaffer states, “He’s put in a good shift, scored 11 goals (they say 10 but they called the one against United SC an own goal). He worked hard, played through the pain barrier – a double hernia for four or five games. He deserved his new contract.”

After a long season, central defender duo Curtis Osano and John Johnson will be going back, so that they’re regenerated and ready for next year. 

Jindal Steel-backed team got only one foreigner slot. According to Coach Ashley, they’ll be bringing players in, got 3-4 available all of them having Premiership experience. 

They are looking for a foreigner for the midfield or central striker role. Coach adds, “I’ve always used strength down the spine – center-forward, central midfield, central defense. So, it’ll either be a center forward or a central midfielder. 

Upbeat Dempo meets unbeaten Bengaluru FC

AIFF press release 

Bengaluru FC will look to continue with their good run at home as they take on Dempo Sports Club of Goa in their Airtel I-League encounter at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Wednesday. With just one win from five outings so far, former champions Dempo have managed to gather their much-needed confidence after a thumping win against East Bengal in the last match. 
The hosts meanwhile are unbeaten so far in the four matches they have played this season.

However, the Goan outfit, presently seventh on the league table, will be wary of their opponents, who are one of the three unbeaten teams in the league and are presently second on the points table. 

Bengaluru FC, who have played all their matches at home so far, will once again be looking forward for another impressive performance from their English defender John Johnson. Johnson, who was the man of the match in the last three matches, has stood like a wall at the back and the Dempo forwards will have a tough time getting the ball past him. On the other hand, the Dempo defenders will also need to keep an eye on Johnson, as he has scored three goals for his team and all of them have come from corners. 

Upfront, Bengaluru’s Aussie striker Sean Rooney has managed to make life tough for opposition defenders and he, along with Sunil Chhetri will be hoping to do the same on Wednesday also. 

But Coach Ashley Westwood has admitted that he will be a bit cautious against Dempo. “Our team is in good spirits but Dempo are a good side. I saw their last game on TV. They have one of the best squads in the league. They’re certainly going to provide us with a big test,” said Westwood. 

On the other hand, having tasted success at last against East Bengal, Arthur Papas’ boys will be looking for another away victory. Under pressure after failing to pocket three points from their four matches, Dempo had put up a clinical performance on Saturday against the Kolkata outfit. 

“It’s always nice to come back to winning ways. We were always confident but it was just a matter of time before we started clicking as a team,” said Clifford Miranda, who scored Dempo’s opening goal against East Bengal.

While Beto and Miranda scored for the Goans in that match, Irishman Billy Mehmet impressed all with his runs down the flanks. These three players will once again have to play a key role, if Dempo wants to stop Bengaluru’s impressive run in the league so far. 

Miranda admitted that Bengaluru FC will have the advantage, but at the same time they too have a plan in place for the hosts. “They’ve played four home games and that gives them an advantage. Any team that plays these many home games in one stretch has an advantage,” said Miranda. “Set pieces have been their strength. We’ve worked on it but it only takes one moment to get it wrong,” he added. 

Bengaluru FC completes foreigner slot, sign Sean Rooney

The newly formed Jindal-owned club from the Garden City has signed Rooney - Sean Rooney from Blacktown City FC, Australia. With this signing, Bengaluru FC completes their share of foreigners including an Asian quota player. The other foreigners include John Johnson, Curtis Osano and John Menyongar. Rooney plays as a striker and has signed Bengaluru FC on a one-year deal.

Rooney is no stranger to the I-League having played a season for Goan side Salgaocar before moving back to Australia with Blacktown. "I'm delighted to be back in India and it seems that this club is doing everything right, so it’s good to be part of it. I did speak to a few people before signing and they all had good things to say about Bengaluru FC. Along with helping the team produce a good brand of football, the aim is obviously going to be winning trophies with them," said the 24-year-old who arrived in the city late on Friday. The Australian had a successful last season with Blacktown, scoring 14 goals for the club.

Rooney’s former stints include one with Newcastle Jets in the A-League – Australia’s top tier football league and he has also had three appearances for the national under-20 team. 

"We have been tracking Sean’s performances with Blacktown and he has had a fantastic season to say the least. What he also brings with him is experience in the I-League and it’s just the combination we are looking for," said Mustafa Ghouse, CEO of JSW Sports.

"Sean has been in form, scoring 14 goals last season. If we are going to be a successful side, we're going to need goal scorers. We have a good strike force in Sunil, Robin, Karan, Malemnganba and Beikho but we like to have competition for places and Sean's signing assists that. He looks in good shape and is a player who takes care of himself on and off the field," said coach Ashley Westwood on the club’s new signing.

Profile

• Name: Sean Rooney 
• Position: Striker Age: 24 years 
• Nationality: Australian 
• Clubs: Blacktown City Demons, Newcastle Jets, Deltras, Salgaocar 

More EPL touch to JSW squad

If you thought chief coach Ashley Westwood was the only EPL connection to JSW squad, then you were absolutely wrong. 

JSW Sports have added further arsenal to their squad, by announcing the signing of versatile defenders John Johnson and Curtis Osano today. While Englishman Johnson has turned out for Middlesbrough in the English Premier League for a season, Kenyan Osano is a product of the Reading academy and has last played for League Two side AFC Wimbledon. 

John Johnson

“It’s surely a big change but once the manager told me about the club, the vision and projects they have lined up, it wasn't hard to say yes. I've been doing my homework on the I-League and am looking forward to get there,” said twenty-four year-old Johnson who spent his last three season at Northampton Town. 

Johnson and Osano have played in the central defense and right back positions but are equally comfortable in the midfield. 

“I have played with and against John and Curtis and the two will bring a lot of experience to the team. The both have played over a 100 games and that says a lot. John is flexible with positions, is a great athlete and is really strong in the air. As for Curtis, he’s quick and dynamic and very comfortable with the ball. He has a nice mix of strength and discipline. The club has done well in signing the duo considering there were clubs in England interested in them,” said coach Ashley Westwood on the club’s latest acquisitions. 

Curtis Osano

Osano came through the ranks at Reading under the guidance of current Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. 

“I love challenges and the idea of getting into a league with a completely different style of football intrigued me. The manager is trying to bring a different brand of football and I consider it as a once in a lifetime chance, a blessing that’s fallen in my lap,” said twenty-six-year-old Osano. 

On whether the duo would struggle to adjust to the weather in India, Westwood had little doubt about John and Curtis adapting. “Both the players have been in the English system for eight years and have coped well while travelling and playing in hot countries. That apart, they are really fit and won’t have any trouble adjusting to the climate,” added Westwood.