Bengaluru play 1-1 draw with Mohun Bagan, make Hero Federation Cup semis

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media

Defending Hero Federation Cup Champions Mohun Bagan finished table toppers of Group B with seven points out of three matches, after playing out a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC in the ongoing 38th edition of the Hero Federation Cup in Cuttack, Odhisa today.

Both Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC qualified for the semi-final stage of the Tournament with the Blues finishing runners-up with four points out of three matches.

Alwyn George’s 12th-minute strike was cancelled by a 50th minute Sony Norde goal for Mohun Bagan as both Teams shared the points at the end of the match.

Bengaluru FC had to conjure a draw to progress to the semi-finals of the Hero Federation Cup and Alberto Roca’s team showed signs of taking the match by the scruff of the neck in the opening minutes itself. When the Blues took the lead in the 12th minute after Alwyn George cut in from the right flank and released a shot which beat Debjit Majumder on the near post and handed Bengaluru FC a solitary goal lead.

In the 30th minute, Katsumi Yusa’s header earned a reflex save from Amrinder Singh after the Japanese was found in the box by Jeje’s header, as Mohun Bagan pressed for the equaliser.

Despite Bagan dominating possession in the final third for the latter half of the first half, the Bengaluru FC defence kept out the trio of Jeje, Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde, giving them no time at all to shoot. While Norde who usually dropped deep to collect the ball was out-muscled off possession by Bengaluru bodies in defence. The half-time scoreline read 1-0 in BFC’s favour.

In the 50th minute, Sony Norde found the back of the net after his shot from distance curled into Amrinder’s goal to level proceedings as Bagan kick-started the second half.

Bengaluru FC pressed to score again and Doungel’s shot in the 59th minute went inches over the bar minutes before Bengaluru FC were awarded a corner kick.

Playing cautiously after scoring, Mohun Bagan beefed up bodies in the midfield to counter the free-flowing attacks of Bengaluru FC. With a draw enough to get both Teams into the knock-out stage, both teams played the match cautiously, not over committing to attacks was a common sight. The full-time scoreline read 1-1 as both Teams progressed to the semi-final stage. 

Bengaluru square off with Bagan as league switches gears

Bengaluru FC Media 
AIFF Media 

After witnessing a freaky Round 13 where all the home teams failed to register a win, Bengaluru FC take on Mohun Bagan tomorrow at their fortress Sree Kanterava Stadium. 

Bengaluru failing to register an away win against newbie Chennai City FC have been without their first choice keeper Amrinder for a while. The required understanding between defense is yet to build - resulting the first goal in their last match. 

Averting a close call against Mumbai FC at home, Bagan came in the Garden City sans custodian and most consistent performer of previous two seasons Debjit, out injured in the last match and medio Pranoy Halder. 

Bengaluru returning late evening yesterday (after playing Chennai) opted for evening practice today while Mohun Bagan practiced in the morning at the venue. 

Speaking to media in the pre-match press conference, Bengaluru coach, Albert Roca in his customary manner termed tomorrow’s encounter as a tough game, “Mohun Bagan is in title contention, they’ve come here to fight for three points. Also, it is time for us to play well and ensure we win.” 

Now that the hope of retaining Hero I-League is fading away, are they in a dilemma to focus on the AFC game, which they will be playing against the same opponent three days later?
“We always focus on our very next game. In our mind, we have the first game (tomorrow) to fight, and then we’ll take the next game. ” opined the Spaniard. 

He further added, “We’ve been generating lot of chances, but most important is to score - we need to be more aggressive inside the 18-yard box, strikers should score more goals.” 

Bengaluru have been fairly unlucky, few of their goals in away matches have been disallowed. Coach, not sounding frustrated, said, “We will not surrender, we will keep working, keep trying, and let’s see how we change our luck!” 

The champions of two seasons back, Mohun Bagan have task cut out should they want to be in title contention. Coach Sanjoy Sen is under immense pressure after giving away 5 points in last two rounds. 

“Priority is 3 points - this is important for us to stay afloat for championship and definitely I-League is our priority!”

Adding to the misery is the last two matches where team took lead and conceded two quick goals. However, what is comforting Sen is the performance of second-half in their last match, and hopes to continue that performance tomorrow. 

Sen feels that there’s no added pressure, “Teams from Kolkata always play for championship, now we have an addition in Bengaluru FC, who too are doing well. Of course there is pressure, but we’ve to overcome it by playing well, scoring and winning.” 

Defense seems to be the main worry and they’ve failed to hold lead many a times. There’s a long list of injured defenders in Raju Gaikwad, Kinshuk Debnath, and Kean Lewis. 

An exciting match in prospect as Bengaluru FC have never beaten Mohun Bagan at their fortress and failed to muster in previous two seasons.  

The match is scheduled at 7:05 pm and will be telecast live on Ten 2 television channel.