FC Bengaluru United lift Stafford Challenge Cup

FCBU Media 

FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) put in a stellar performance to keep a resurgent Chennaiyin FC down and emerge worthy Stafford Challenge Cup 2023 champions with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.  Vinil Poojary (31’) helped FC Bengaluru United get on the scoreboard but Chennaiyin FC fought back with a goal in the 70th minute. But once again, it was Irfan Yadwad, who has been in sharp form for his team right through the tournament, scored in the added time of second half (90’+3’) to seal a much-deserved win for FC Bengaluru United.

Chennaiyin FC looked to get into the groove early, controlling possession. FCBU goalkeeper Kabir Toufiq was pressed into action early on, smartly tipping a long-range shot over the bar. However, it wasn’t long before FCBU hit their stride, creating half-chances through freekicks and control possession. Nikhil Mali and Vinil Poojari were in the thick of things for FCBU, giving the Chennaiyin FC defence quite a bit of work.  It was Vinil Poojaray, with a free kick, who finally broke the shackles in the 30th minute. A beautiful freekick from the right side of the ground off his left foot beat the Chennaiyin FC goalkeeper and got FCBU up and running on the scoreboard. That goal seemed to galvanise FCBU; Mali, Poojari, Sudhir Kottikela, and Yadwad were at the centre of the action, crafting attacking moves as they looked to try and further the lead.

FCBU very nearly had their second goal early in the second half, which could have sealed the game, but Mali failed to convert the penalty. They kept taking the attack to Chennaiyin FC, but Chennaiyin FC equalized against the run of play in 70th minute through Senthamil, who evaded the FCBU defence and got a clean strike in, perhaps the first error made by the FCBU defence. 

Chennaiyin FC upped the ante after their goal, but the FCBU defence held strong. In the 85th minute, Aenam K Jyrwa dribbled into the box, only to have the Chennaiyin defence FC block his efforts. Minutes later, once again it was Aenam who tried to get the ball at the back of the net after Yadwad missed a bicycle kick – his shot just sailing over the goal.

Five minutes of extra time and both teams looked to press on. A corner taken by Selwyn Miranda was cleared out by Bedashwor Singh, which made its way back to Selwyn. The ball reached Irfan, who had been looking to get his first strike of the game – a well-controlled header sealing a spectacular win and tournament for FCBU with a deft header.

 

Sporting Club Bengaluru become Super Division champion in their debut season

FC Bengaluru United needed only a point to pocket the BDFA Super Division title for the third consecutive time. However, their worst fear came true as they slumped to a 1-3 defeat to Kickstart FC. 

With today’s result, FC Bengaluru United (45) help Sporting Club Bengaluru (46) with a point ahead in the table, became BDFA Super Division champion in their debut season. Kickstart FC (42), very much on the title race till round 16, salvaged some pride by spoiling FCBU’s party, they finish in third position. 

Two bottom-placed teams Bangalore Eagles and ADE along with Jawahar Union, who failed put a team in the league are relegated to BDFA 'A' Division. 

Top Scorers: 

Princewill Emeka Olariche, Kickstart FC(20)

Kouassi Bernard YAO, Sporting Club Bengaluru (18)

 

FC Bengaluru United lose their final game and Super Division Title

FCBU Media 

In their final league game, FC Bengaluru United slumped to their first defeat in the ongoing BDFA Super Division. The 1-3 loss to Kickstart FC put paid to any chances FCBU had of successfully defending their title. The two-time BDFA champions needed a win or a draw to get ahead of Sporting Club De Bengaluru, the current table toppers.

FC Bengaluru United had their chances throughout the game but failed to capitalize on them. Kickstart FC were the first to get on the scoreboard in the 50th minute off a corner. Nineteen minutes later a moment of brilliance from Irfan Yadwad, who had missed a series of easy chances, saw FC Bengaluru United equalize. However, a defensive error in the 72nd minute saw Kickstart FC edge 2-1 ahead. Six minutes later FC Bengaluru United earned another chance to equalize but against the run of play, Yadwad missed the penalty shot. Mohamed Kdouh scored off the rebound only for it to be declared offside. FCBU scrapped hard but were unable to convert any of the chances they created, Kickstart managing to sneak in one more goal, before end of play.

Unbeaten FCBU vie for a hat-trick of titles

FCBU Media 

The stage is set for a thrilling finale as FC Bengaluru United look to secure a remarkable third consecutive BDFA Super Division title in their last match of the campaign this season. The defending champions, who are placed second on the points table, are currently undefeated and carry with them strong momentum as they look set to take on last year’s runners-up, Kickstart FC, on the 10th of December at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

FCBU, who have 45 points from 17 games and the highest goal difference (56) in the league, currently trail Sporting Club De Bengaluru (who have finished their season) by just one point. Kickstart FC, who are currently on 39 points from 17 games have secured third place for themselves. FC Bengaluru United fans will be hopeful that their team can recreate their exploits from last season, where they clinched the title in a 1-0 thriller against Kickstart FC on the final day. A loss for FCBU will ensure Sporting Club De Bengaluru will secure the title in their debut season.

FCBU have been in strong form this season, scoring a whopping 65 goals in 18 games, while only conceding on nine occasions. In front of the goal, new signings Mohamed Kdouh and Irfan Yadwad have been the stars with 12 and 14 goals respectively. Aenam K Jyrwa has also been proficient with seven assists, while Brazilian defender, Jairo Rodrigues has displayed phenomenal defensive acumen along with an attacking flair, scoring six goals as well.

“We are excited and looking forward to rising to the challenge in the final game,” said Gaurav Manchanda, Owner, FC Bengaluru United. “Our boys have displayed stellar form this season and I look forward to them ending the season on a victorious note.”

FC Bengaluru United are all set to compete in the I-League Qualifiers early next year, and a third consecutive crown will be a welcome morale booster for Khalid Jamil’s men before the competition.

 

FC Bengaluru United beat Rebels in BDFA Super Division

FCBU Media  

FC Bengaluru United put on a commanding performances to beat Rebels FC 3-1, the goalscorers for FCBU were Mohamed Kdouh (14, 30) and Shibil Muhammed (56).

FC Bengaluru United started off strongly, creating chances from the very first minute. The trend continued; in the 8th minute a smart free-kick from Lalramzua Khiangte was headed towards the goal by Mohamed Kdouh, only to see it miss the bar by inches. FCBU continued to create chances and the deadlock was finally broken in the 14th minute. Ashok drove the ball into the box where Kdouh was waiting to smartly tap it into the goal.

FCBU continued to press on and soon enough a defensive lapse from Rebel FC saw the ball land at Shajan Franklin’s feet. He passed it on to Kdouh who made no mistake, netting the ball into the net. Against the run of play, Rebels FC scored on the brink of halftime.

FCBU continued to dominate the second half – after a series of great chances, FCBU got their third goal on the scoreboard courtesy Shibil Muhammed, to seal an emphatic 3-1 victory.

FCBU and Agniputhra game ends in a 2-2 draw

FCBU Media 

A late equaliser in extra time saw defending champions FC Bengaluru United held to a 2-2 draw by FC Agniputhra in the ongoing BDFA Super Division Championship at the Bangalore Football Stadium. The goal scorers for the defending champions were Mohmed Kdouh (14) and Irfan Yerwad (37) and they were leading 2-1 into extra time, but a last-minute goal from FC Agniputhra saw the defending champions record their third draw of the tournament. 

FC Bengaluru United started off trying to control possession and creating chances - in the fifth minute, an overlapping run from Ashok Singh set up a decent chance for Mohmed Kdouh to head the ball into the goal, only to see it miss the left post by inches. FC Bengaluru United continued to create chances but were unable to see them through. Finally, in the 14th minute, smart interplay in the midfield led to the wing where Ashok, courtesy a deft left foot, set up another header chance for Kdouh, who this time did not disappoint. Twenty one minutes later, after a series of missed chances, FCBU went up 2-0 - Lalramzhua Khiangte and and Ashok combined to send the ball into the heart of the opposition’s defence; Irfan got a touch on the ball to sneak in and score. 

FCBU suffered an early set back in the second half - 53 minutes in, Jairo Rodrigues was shown the red card to leave FCBU one man down and their defence under pressure. The defending champions scrapped hard to shore up their defence but finally succumbed in the 78th minute as FC Agniputhra converted the penalty opportunity. Three minutes into extra time, FC Agniputhra sneaked in the equaliser; the final score line 2-2. 

FCBU thrash Friends United in BDFA Super Division

FCBU Media 

FC Bengaluru United beat Friends United FC 5-0 in the ongoing BDFA Super Division tournament at the Bangalore Football Stadium. After a goalless first half which saw the two-time defending champions squander several easy chances, FC Bengaluru United came into their own in the second half to notch up five goals through Lalramzauva Khiangte (63), Bedashwor Singh (75, 89), Shibil Muhamed (84), Mohmed Kdouh (86).

As has been the trend in several of their games, FCBU started strongly, looking to create chances early on and control the game. They soon dominated possession and looked to create several chances through clever passes, corners and free kicks but were unable to nail the finish and find the back of the net. Chesterpaul Lyngdoh, Praful Kumar, Aenam Jyrwa, Lalramzauva Khiangte and Irfan Yarwad were all in the thick of the action but were unable to get their team on the scoreboard.

FC Bengaluru United started the second half in a similar fashion, controlling possession, and creating chances but were unable to convert any of them. The deadlock was finally broken in the 63rd minute, a brilliant freekick from Mohamed Kdouh was neatly finished by Lalramzauva Khiangte in the top left corner of the box to get the defending champions on the scoreboard. FCBU continued to keep up the pressure and soon after their second goal followed. Selwyn Miranda ran in from the left and his pass was neatly finished by Bedashwor in the bottom right corner of the goal. 

In the 84th minute, a piece of individual brilliance from Shibil Muhamed drew the Friends United keeper out, only to see the ball dribbled past him to get FCBU up 3-0. Two minutes later the fourth goal came when Kdouh smartly scored off a volley from a well-constructed corner from Selwyn Miranda.  In the closing minutes of the game, a defensive error from Friends United saw FC Bengaluru United get the fifth goal of the game through Bedashwor to seal a comfortable win.  

FCBU play out 1-1 draw against Sporting Club Bengaluru

FCBU Media

In an action-packed game at the Bangalore Football Stadium, defending champions FC Bengaluru United were held to a 1-1 draw in the ongoing BDFA Super Division Championship against Sporting Club Bengaluru. 

Both teams started on a positive note, trying to create chances, but it was Sporting who seemed to wrest the early advantage. The FC Bengaluru United defense was put under pressure for the first time; the early momentum that FCBU enjoyed in their previous games was missing as Sporting looked to create strong chances. As they pressed on, it was Manoj Kannan who was the star for the FCBU in the defense, holding fort like a rock. However, despite FCBU’s best attempts, it was Sporting who got on the scoreboard in the 41st minute. A strong drive from the right wing caught two FCBU defenders on the wrong foot, and an awkward bounce for FCBU goalkeeper Srijith set up an easy chance for Sporting to convert. 

Determined to keep their unbeaten record intact, FCBU came out much stronger in the second half, looking to counterattack and create chances. A cross from Aenam in the 51st minute was headed in just wide from Mohamad Kdouh.  The very next minute, Chesterpaul’s cross was headed just above the goal post by Jairo. FCBU continued to press on strongly and it was in the 71st minute that they got on the scoreboard, courtesy of a penalty taken by Irfan Yarwad. Both teams continued to press hard in the final 20 minutes but were unable to convert any further chances as the score line ended in a hard-fought 1-1.

 

 

FCBU record 5-0 win over Young Challengers

FCBU Media  

Defending champions FC Bengaluru United kept up their winning ways in the ongoing BDFA Super Division Championship with a 5-0 win over Young Challengers at the Bangalore Football Stadium. Irfan Yarwad (5, 25), Jairo Rodrigues (7), Chesterpaul Lyngdoh (66)., and Shajan Franklin (77) scored for FCBU. 

Much like their earlier games, FCBU started creating chances from the get-go and were soon rewarded with a goal within the first few minutes. Aenam Jyrwa crossed the ball in from a short corner to set it up for Irfan to head it in and get the defending champions on the scoreboard. Irfan nearly had another goal in the next minute, only to see his shot hit the goalpost. In the seventh minute it was Aenam in the middle of the action once again – this time his cross-in was put away by Jairo to get FCBU up 2-0.

FCBU continued to dominate and control most of the possession, creating half chances. In the 25th minute, a beautiful shot from Shajan Franklin cleanly split the YC defence to set up an easy finish for Yarwad.

It was a similar script in the second half with FCBU dominating possession and control. There was an early chance for Aenam as he went one on one with the YC keeper but was unable to finish it off. Soon after Jairo tried to lob the ball over the YC keeper in the 59th minute only to see the ball sail over the bar. 

A good run by Selwyn Miranda on the left flank in the 66th minute was followed by a shot on target, only to have it deflected by the YC keeper. The ball landed straight at Lyngdoh’s feet, and he didn’t make any mistake to get FCBU up 4-0. 

Eleven minutes later, Franklin secured his first goal of the game through a corner as FCBU went up 5-0. FCBU continued to create a few more chances but were unable to see them through; the score line ended with a strong 5-0 win for the defending champions.  

FCBU continue their winning streak in BDFA Super DIvision

FCBU Media 

Maintaining unbeaten run, defending champions FC Bengaluru United beat Roots FC 3-0 in the ongoing BDFA Super Division League at the Bangalore Football Stadium. Jairo Rodrigues (21’, 84) and Shajan Franklin (59’) were the goal scorers for FCBU.

FC Bengaluru United started strongly, trying to take control of the possession early on. They worked hard to create a few chances – six minutes into the game, Manvir Singh crossed the ball in; after a brief scrimmage, the ball reached Mohamed Kdouh, whose shot on goal sailed high above the bar. In the 14th minute, Shajan tried to make the most of a loose ball only to have it saved by the Roots FC keeper.  

FC Bengaluru United continued to pile on the pressure and attack and the shackles finally broke in the 21st minute. A long throw-in from Praful Kumar was smartly manoeuvred into the goal by Jairo to give FCBU the lead. FCBU continued to create chances; in the 43rd minute a short corner from Manoj Kannan was headed by Jairo towards the goal, only to see it narrowly miss. FCBU went into halftime leading 1-0, having controlled most of the game thus far, Roots FC having only one clear chance - a testimony to how FCBU were strong both in attack and defence.

It was a similar script in the second half, with FCBU setting up chances from the start. Three minutes in, a cross from Aenam Jyrwa set up a clear shot for Selwyn Miranda, only to see his diving header sail high over the bar; soon after an attempt from Shajan from outside the box sailed over the goal. In the 59th minute, Aenam’s cross into the box was misjudged by the Roots FC defender to set up an easy finish for Franklin to get FCBU up 2-0. FCBU continued to press on, controlling possession, and soon enough, in the 84th minute, it was Jairo again, making the most of a Rakesh Pradhan freekick to head the ball in and score his second goal of the match and push FCBU up 3-0.

 

FCBU score half a dozen against BUFC

FCBU Media  

Defending champions FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) stamped their authority on the ongoing BDFA Super Division tournament with a resounding 6-0 win over Bangalore United FC (BUFC) in their third game of the league. Jairo Rodrigues (15, 22 ), Irfan Yarwad (18), local boy Manoj Kannan (38), Selwyn Miranda (44), and Lalramzhuava Khiangte (85) were the goal-scorers for the two-time BDFA Super Division Champions as they rounded off a commanding performance.

FC Bengaluru United started aggressively and were soon on the attack creating a series of chances. Six minutes Aenam K Jyrwa made the most of a Jipson Justus pass to manage a great touch into the box but failed to find anyone to seal the deal. They continued to press on and soon enough were rewarded with their first goal. Irfan and Manvir Singh’s shots on goal were blocked leading to a corner for FC Bengaluru United. Manoj’s smart cross was neatly headed in by Jairo. 

Three minutes later a cross from Manoj was headed by Jairo to Irfan who scored. Soon after, Manoj and Jairo once again combined to get FC Bengaluru United 3-0 up. A few minutes later, BUFC had their first real shot on target, which was expertly blocked by Jairo to keep them at bay. Manoj, who had played a key role in setting up the three goals, soon scored one of his own in the 38th minute – heading a corner from Manvir Singh into the top corner of the goal. Four minutes later, Selwyn Miranda struck to get FC Bengaluru United 5-0 up.

Both teams scrapped hard in the second half with FC Bengaluru United once again creating a few chances. Manvir tried a flamboyant bicycle kick off Nabin Rakha’s cross which headed over the bar, while a corner from Manoj was headed wide by Jairo. Bicycle kicks seemed to be the order of the day with Mohamad Kdouh trying one off a Chesterpaul cross, only to see it saved by the opposing goalkeeper. The 65th minute saw a good half chance from Manvir that narrowly went past the goal. A screaming freekick from Lalramzauva Khiangte crashed into the right corner of the goal as FC Bengaluru United was the perfect way to close an emphatic victory for the defending champions.

FCBU and MEG play out goalless draw

FCBU Media 

Reigning BDFA Super Divison champions FC Bengaluru United and MEG played out a goalless draw in their second game in the ongoing BDFA Super Division Championship at the Bengaluru Football Stadium. 

It was an attritional first half with both teams struggling to get off the blocks. FCBU worked hard to create chances but failed to capitalise on them in the final third. FCBU had their first big chance in the sixth minute when a Rakesh Pradhan shot from outside the box just cleared the bar. Soon after, a shot from Irfan took a deflection and was easily parried away by the goalkeeper. 

Both teams looked to up the ante in the second half but once again it was a series of missed chances, the scoreline reading 0-0.

 

Spanish football giants Sevilla FC and FC Bengaluru United announce big plans for the India market

FCBU Media 

Spanish football giants Sevilla FC's top leadership team is here in the IT Capital of India - Bengaluru – on their first official visit, during which they will explore several opportunities along with their India partners FC Bengaluru United to expand their brand footprint in the country. The Spanish football club, which has won the prestigious UEFA Europa League six times, announced a five-year collaboration with FC Bengaluru United in early 2021 -- an endeavour that will see the two clubs focus on technological innovation, and development projects apart from increasing Sevilla FC's footprint in India.  

 

A team of delegates from the Spanish football club, including Mr. José Castro Carmona (President, Sevilla FC), Mr. José María Cruz (CEO), Mr. Jorge Paradela (Business General Manager) and Mr. Elías Zamora (Chief Data Officer) arrived in Bengaluru on Tuesday for a 5-day visit. Expressing his team's excitement about being here in Bengaluru, Sevilla FC President Mr. José Castro Carmona said, "It is a great pleasure to be here to be in Bengaluru. We know perfectly, the huge amount of enthusiasm for our visit and the tremendous cooperation between FC Bengaluru United and Seville FC. We share many common values and one of them is the willingness to grow.” 

“Sevilla FC is the second-oldest team in Spain (1890); we have won the largest number of trophies in the last two decades and we have the right momentum to grow. As part of our international strategy for the future, India is paramount; it is the first destination to expand our brand internationally. We chose Bengaluru as it is one of the most important centres for technology in the world,” he added.  

During their visit, Sevilla FC will launch their first official Indian fan club in Bengaluru as part of their World Club Alliance Program. The Fan Club will appoint its India President and Secretary from Sevilla FC fans in the city. The Fan Club will also conceptualize and host Sevilla FC engagement events in partnership with FC Bengaluru United across the city. 

The Spanish club together with FC Bengaluru United will also be launching a Football Hackathon on 10th June. This Hackathon will be a unique opportunity to effectively use data science in the space of professional football scouting and player performance analysis, and is the first time two football clubs have come together to host such an event. 

 

On 11th June, the club will be launching the Sevilla FC Junior Cup, which will be focused on growing and developing the youth footballing talent in the city of Bengaluru. The inaugural edition will feature teams across five age categories (U- 8s, U- 10s, U-12s, U-14s, U-18s) plus a women’s team (open age category) battling for top honours. 

 

The development of women’s football is a priority for Sevilla FC and today the leadership team officially launched FC Bengaluru United’s KSFA B Division Women’s team at the Bangalore Football Stadium.   

 

Speaking on Sevilla FC's visit to the city, FC Bengaluru United Owner Mr. Gaurav Manchanda said, “This is a momentous occasion for us at FC Bengaluru United to host Sevilla FC on their maiden trip to Bengaluru. We formalised our five-year-long partnership in early 2021 and since then, we have had several successes including being awarded the Best Internationalisation Strategy at the prestigious World Football Summit (WFS) Awards. This is the largest delegation of a leadership group from a top-performing European club to visit India. We have lined up exciting events during their stay and we wanted to reciprocate the wonderful hospitality Sevilla FC extended when we were in Seville earlier this year.”  

 

FC Bengaluru United appoints Khalid Ahmed Jamil as Head Coach

FCBU Media 

Khalid Ahmed Jamil has been appointed as FC Bengaluru United Head Coach for the upcoming season. Jamil was previously associated with Indian Super League (ISL) club NorthEast United FC. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian Head Coach of an ISL team and the first Indian coach to qualify for the ISL playoffs. He has also worked with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in a managerial capacity and was instrumental in leading Aizawl FC to their first I-League title in the 2016-17 season.

 

"Khalid has been one of the most sought-after coaches in Indian football," said Gaurav Manchanda, Owner, FC Bengaluru United, welcoming Khalid Jamil to the club. "He brings with him nuanced leadership and technical skills that stem for his decade-long management and coaching experience. FC Bengaluru United is on an upward growth trajectory; we are excited to be working with Khalid and are confident that we will see the club reach even greater heights under him," he added.

 

Speaking on his appointment, Khalid Jamil expressed excitement on his new role, "I am delighted to be joining FC Bengaluru United and am looking forward to helping the club grow stronger and add to their trophy cupboard. The FCBU squad is a blend of youth and experience, and I am eager to work with them and sharing all my learnings. I am confident we can work together and see the club reach its greatest potential – both from an individual player perspective as well as a team.”

 

Jamil, who was born in Kuwait to Indian parents, played as a midfielder for clubs such as Mahindra United, Air India, and Mumbai FC. He has represented the Indian national team in more than 10 games including playing in the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers. He began his coaching career with Mumbai FC in 2009 after which he joined Aizawl FC and led them to the I-League title in the 2016-17 season. 

FCBU thrash ADE, remains favorite to retain BDFA Super Division title

FCBU Media 

Defending champions ended their BDFA Super Division 2021-22 in empathic style, with a 6-0 victory over ADE in their final game of the campaign. Ronaldo Oliviera (7, 58), James Singh (43), Asrar Rehbar (68) Nihal Colaco (83, 91) were the goal scorers for the defending champions, who ended the tournament as table toppers – a position they have held from the start of the tournament.

Both teams started off slowly under sunny skies but it was FCBU who opened their account in the 7th minute. A well-crafted pass from Anup from the left wing allowed for an easy tap in for Oliveira to get on the scoreboard. Both sides struggled to pick up the pace after FCBU’s initial onslaught – the shackles were finally broken in the 43rd minute with Anup in the thick of things once again.  Anup’s corner was taken by Denil Rebello – his shot on goal was deflected but James was quick to seize the opportunity to get FCBU 2-0 up.

FCBU picked up the pace in the second half, looking far more positive and aggressive in creating opportunities. In the 58th minute, Asrar’s low ball on goal was cleared by the ADE defender only to see Ronaldo make the most of the opportunity and get FCBU up 3-0. Ten minutes later, Asraf Mondal’s free kick was capitalized on by Asrar as FCBU galloped to 4-0.

In the 83rd minute, Nihal was brought down in the box and the young striker didn’t waste the chance to convert the penalty. Lining up to take the shot, he powered it in with pin-point precision to get FCBU to 5-0.  And within a matter of minutes, Nihal had notched up his second goal of the tournament - spotting a Chelston Pinto header coming in, he set himself up to fire the header in to the back of the goal, putting in the finishing touches on what was a commanding victory for FC Bengaluru United.  

With this win, FCBU have retained their position as table toppers – a position they held right from the start of the tournament – as well as being the side to have conceded the lowest goals in the tournament thus far. With 52 goals scored, FCBU have bettered the 2018-19 record for most goals scored in the tournament. An emphatic performance from the defending champions, who have remained undefeated right through, underlining their complete dominance over the tournament.

 

United play out goalless draw with Jawahar Union

FCBU Media 

FC Bengaluru United were held to a 0-0 draw by Jawahar Union in the ongoing BDFA Super Division League 2021-22. While FCBU played attacking football and had a few chances, they failed to convert any of them.

The defending champions began aggressively, taking control of possession right away. FCBU looked to create openings and attack while JU looked content to sit back and play the defensive game. This was the trend that continued right through the first half. One of the attacking plays by FCBU was a corner taken by Asraf Mondal that was successfully dealt with by the JU defence - this in turn was volleyed by Batskhemlang Thangkhiew only to have it blocked by the JU defence again.

The second half mirrored the first half – try as they might, FCBU were unable to penetrate the JU defence and close any of their attempts. Some of their closest chances came in the dying minutes of the game, a cross from Subash Singh on the right set up a clear shot for Luka Majcen, only to see the Slovenian miss an easy header chance; Denil Rebello’s powerful shot on goal was blocked by the JU goalkeeper.

FC Bengaluru United beat Kickstart 1-0 in hard fought-clash

 FCBU Media 

In what could be described as season’s title-defining clash, giants FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) and Kickstart FC confronted under the sunny skies and before the cheering supporters at the Bengaluru Football Stadium. In the end, FCBU carved out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kickstart FC. 

Both teams had their moments in this see-saw game before Luka Majcen scored in the 82nd minute to give defending champions FCBU a well-deserved win. 

Both were slow to get off the blocks – but they gradually began to up the ante, creating half chances and trying to wrest possession. Luka, Aenem K Jurwa and Batskhemlang Thangkhiew were bright in attack for FCBU, while James Singh and Kinshuk Debnath were strong at the back. Soon after the water break in the first half, both teams came close to scoring – two chances for Luka Majcen were saved by the Kickstart goalkeeper, while FCBU goalkeeper Srijith put in a spectacular save to keep Kickstart at bay.

Coming out in the second half, both teams went on the attack right away, the game moving from one counterattack to the other. In the 55th minute a corner from FCBU taken by Aenam was set up for Luka but he was unable to see it through. This was followed by Kickstart failing to make the most of their freekick – as the pendulum continued to constantly swing. 

FC Bengaluru United were relentless in their charge; in the 76th minute a brilliant corner taken by Bedashwar was beautifully set up for Denil, whose shot just hit the post. FCBU’s dogged persistence finally paid off; in the 82nd minute, Kynsailang Khongsit’s smartly placed cross to Luka was adroitly controlled by the Slovenian striker and finished off in a thumping goal.

A thrilling win for FCBU that keeps their unbeaten run intact and sets them up well for the remainder of the tournament.  

FCBU record seventh win on the trot beating BUFC 3-0

FCBU Media 

FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) recorded their seventh win on the trot with a 3-0 victory over Bangalore United FC (BUFC). Luka Majcen scored a brace while Batskhemlang Thangkhiew chipped in with an early goal as the defending champions shone with a clinical performance in their BDFA Super Division League game under sunny skies at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

Both teams started slowly, but it wasn’t long before FC Bengaluru United hit their stride. In the 9th minute Ashraf Mondal’s long ball to Bedashwor Singh was passed to Kynsailang Khongsit whose cross to Batskhemlang was neatly chested by him into the right bottom corner of the goal to put FC Bengaluru United 1-0 up. That goal spurred FC Bengaluru United; they started to attack with greater consistency. Their efforts paid off in the 25th minute - Kynsailang’s cross to Luka was cheekily backheeled by the Slovenian striker to push FC Bengaluru United up 2-0.

FC Bengaluru United continued to attack in the second half, while not allowing BUFC to push through with any of their half chances. The defending champions were quick on the counterattack, with BUFC unable to penetrate the FC Bengaluru United defense. In the 58th minute, a smart run from the half-line was set up smartly for Luka to score FC Bengaluru United’s third goal of the match and seal a well-deserved win for them.

 

FC Bengaluru United thrash Deccan in a goal fest

FCBU Media 

FC Bengaluru United put in a commanding performance to thrash FC Deccan 9-0 in the ongoing BDFA Super Division Championship 2021-22. Subash Singh (48, 69, 83) scored a hattrick while Luka Majcen (40, 66), Ronaldo Oliviera (10), Bedashwor Singh (21,59), and Jaison Vaz (90+1) were the other goal scorers as the defending champions recorded their sixth win on the trot in style.

Both teams started off slowly at the Bangalore Football Stadium with neither gaining the upper hand early on. In the 10thth minute, Ronaldo made the most of a smart play between James Singh and Bedashwor to get FCBU on the scoreboard. FCBU slowly began to up the ante and in the 21 st minute, a long free kick from Kinshuk was smartly set up by Luka in the box for Bedashwor to get FCBU up 2-0. The match remained on fairly even keel till the 40th minute when a corner taken by Ronaldo was headed back into the box by Kinshuk for Luka to score his first goal of the match.  

The second half though saw the defending champions really stamp their authority on the game with a string of attacking plays and goals. It started off with a penalty taken by Subash in the 48th minute and within 11 minutes after, Bedashwor scored to get FCBU up 5-0. On the attack now, FCBU set up their goals with well-played pieces, James’ long ball from the midfield was smartly controlled by Luka to push FCBU to 6-0 in the 66th minute. Within minutes, Aenam K Jurwa’s pass to Subash saw him neatly take on the FC Deccan goalkeeper to score his second of the game. Not content with two, the striker soon notched up his second hattrick of the tournament in the 83rd minute as FCBU went up 8-0. Jaison Vaz chipped in with another goal in extra time as FCBU sealed a dominant win.

 

FC Bengaluru United beat Kodagu 4-0, record straight fifth win in BDFA Super Division

FCBU Media 

In a strong showing of attacking prowess against a spirited opponent’s defence, FC Bengaluru United beat Kodagu FC 4-0 in the ongoing BDFA Super Division Championship 2021-22 at the Bangalore Football stadium. Ronaldo Oliviera (38), James Singh (53), Luka Majcen (65), and Bedashwar Singh (68) were the goal scorers for the defending champions. A record fifth win in as many games played in the league. 

Majcen was seen attacking for the home team, creating a couple of strong half chances. The deadlock was broken in the 38th minute – Ronaldo’s first shot on goal was parried away by the Kodagu keeper; Ronaldo though was quick to make the most of the rebound. FCBU went into half-time, clearly with the upper hand. Kodagu, while strong in defence, failed to mount any strong attack, with Kinshuk Debnath holding the FCBU defence together.

FCBU came out looking to attack even more strongly in the second half. In the 53rd minute, James made the most of a strong Aenam G Jurwa run into the box after a free kick to get FCBU 2-0 up. Majcen, who had been on top of his game for most of the match thus far, finally managed to convert a chance in the 65th minute – making the most of a deflection off the Kodagu goalkeeper and adroitly avoiding two Kodagu defenders to score into the open net. Three minutes later, Kynsailang Khongsit took a shot on goal off a Ronaldo cross that deflected and landed neatly in front of an open net for Bedashwor Singh to get FCBU 4-0 up.

In the 84th minute Kodagu were awarded a penalty, but the chance was saved by the diving FCBU goalkeeper Kunzang Bhutia.