Bengaluru FC down Jain Academy 11-0

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC began their Hero Sub-Junior League campaign in style with a massive 11-0 win over Jain Academy for Sports Excellence at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Sunday. 

The victory was powered by a four-goal effort from Chandan Biju (1’, 29’, 37’, 46’), while Ishaan Raghunanda (4’, 52’), Yodhin Rishyak (12’, 31’) and skipper Gautam Rajesh (23’, 64’) struck braces. Vinith Venkatesh (9’) was the fifth goalscorer for Bengaluru FC who secured all three points and moved to the summit of Group-B of the Bengaluru Zone in the competition. 

In a completely one-sided affair, the Young Blues dominated right from the start and struck seven times inside the first half. The best of the efforts came from skipper Gautam, who let one fly from 20 yards into the bottom corner. Rajan Mani's boys continued to impress in the second period with four more goals to take the tally into double digits. 

Bengaluru FC will next play BOCA Juniors SC away at the Centre for Sports Excellence in Yelahanka on Thursday, February 28. 

Bengaluru FC announce 30-man squad for AFC Cup Preliminary and Play-Off Stages

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have named a 30-man squad for the upcoming Preliminary and Play-Off Stages of the 2018 edition of the AFC Cup, the club announced on Saturday. The squad which departed for Delhi earlier in the day, will travel to Thimphu in Bhutan on Sunday where they face Transport United on January 23rd. 

The qualifying stage squad consists of as many as seven young players from the BFC ‘B’ setup and making the cut are Asheer Akhtar, Myron Mendes, Cletus Paul, Robinson Singh Khumukcham and Bidyananda Singh. Joining them are BFC Academy Graduates Leon Augustine and Prashanth Kalinga, who were also part of the 2017 AFC Cup squad and along with Robinson, travelled with the first team to Spain for the preseason. 

Among the foreigners, Erik Paartalu fills the Asian quota as Juanan Gonzalez, Dimas Delgado and Toni Dovale complete the four-man line-up.

The Blues who fell short of making it to their second successive final in one of the biggest competitions in Asian football, are eager of improving on their performance this season after booking their place in the competition courtesy of the Federation Cup win in May 2017. However, Bengaluru who finished as the South Zone toppers in 2017, will have to go through the two-stage qualifying phase to make it to the group stage this year.

Up against Bhutan National League 2017 champions in the first leg of the Preliminary Round on Tuesday, 23rd January, the Blues will host the second leg against Transport United at the Fortress a week later, on 30th January. Should they make through to the Play-Off stage, Bengaluru will be up against the winner of the second preliminary round tie in the South zone between Bangladesh’s Saif Sporting Club and TC Sports Club from Maldives. The winner of the two-legged Play-Off scheduled on 13th and 20th February will grab the fourth spot in the South zone of the AFC Cup Group Stages. 

Ahead of the team’s departure to Thimphu, Head Coach Albert Roca said, “It’s very important for us to make use of the entire squad. We’re the only ISL team playing Asian competition this season, and our schedule is hectic. But this is what we always wanted, to represent India in Asia, so there’s no complaints. With the competition rules, we can only play four foreigners so that provides a good opportunity for all our Indian boys, especially the youngsters to rise to the occasion. Our ‘B’ team players have been working hard, and that’s why they have been brought into the squad and I hope they will respond to the occasion.”

Squad

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Lalthuammawia Ralte, Abhra Mondal, Calvin Abhishek

Defenders: Zohmingliana Ralte, Juanan Gonzalez, Joyner Lourenco, Asheer Akhtar, Rahul Bheke, Collin Abranches, Harmanjot Khabra, Prashanth Kalinga, Nishu Kumar, Subhasish Bose

Midfielders: Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, Lenny Rodrigues, Malsawmzuala, Leon Augustine, Robinson Singh Khumukcham, Bidyananda Singh, Myron Mendes, Boithang Haokip, Alwyn George

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Daniel Lalhlimpuia. Toni Dovale, Cletus Paul, Thongkhosiem Haokip

U15 Youth League: Bengaluru and Ozone play to 1-1 draw

Bengaluru FC boys halted Bengaluru Zone table topper Ozone FC's all-win record today by playing an 1-1 draw game. 

Parthib Sunder Gogoi gave Ozone the lead in the first half, Lalro Kima restored parity for the Blues in the early second half. 

Ozone still lead the points table with 22 points in 8 games, Bengaluru is in second spot with 16 points after having played a game less than Ozone. 

BFC colts begin U15 Youth League against Roots Football School

Bengaluru FC Media 

It’s the start of the competitive season for Bengaluru FC Under-15s as they kick off their campaign in the 2017-18 edition of the U15 Youth League against Roots Football School at the Centre of Sports Excellence in Yelahanka on Friday, 27th October 2017. 

Drawn in the Karnataka Zone, the Blues are grouped with five other city-based teams in Bangalore Youth Football League, Stadium Sports Foundation, Boca Juniors Soccer School and Ozone FA apart from Roots Football School.

Led by Ghanian coach Sadiq Abubakar, the Under-15s are based at the BFC Residential Academy in Bellary and have played a host of friendly games in Karnataka, Navi Mumbai and Goa preparation for the competition.

All the home games of the Under-15s will be played at the FSV Arena in Hennur, while the other teams will host their games Bangalore Football Stadium in Ashoknagar and the Centre of Sports Excellence in Yelahanka.

Meanwhile, newly formed BFC ‘B’ will also be in action in their first ever competitive tournament, when they take on Viva Chennai in the quarterfinal of the 12th G. V. Raja All India Football Tournament at the Chandrassekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala.

Organized by the Thiruvananthapuram District Football Association, the annual G. V. Raja Tournament kicked off on 23rd October, and features 12 teams from all over India. Led by Naushad Moosa, BFC ‘B’ left for Kerala on Wednesday, and are seeded directly into the quarterfinals, and will play their semifinal game on the Sunday 29th, if make it through to the last 4. The final is scheduled on 5th November. 

Bengaluru FC ‘B’ ready for inaugural season

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC announced a 28-member squad which will be part of the club’s first ever reserve side, known as Bengaluru FC ‘B’, for the 2017-18 season.

The squad, led by AFC Pro-License holder Naushad Moosa, is formed with a view of bridging the gap between the BFC Academy and the first team. Keeping the player pathway as the focal point of the Blues’ newest project, the management is committed on providing the best facilities at a professional level for up and coming Indian talent and has signed several young players for the season.

While two graduates, Leon Augustine and Prashanth Kalinga, from the inaugural batch of BFC’s Residential Academy in Bellary have been drafted into the squad, seven exciting players from the India U-19 set-up have also been signed. These youngsters, along with six other BFC Academy players who are part of BFC ‘B’, are eligible to represent the Blues in the U18 I-League.

Meanwhile, five players from the squad - Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Robinson Khumukcham, Prashanth Kalinga and Leon Augustine - are part of the Blues squad for the ongoing AFC Cup 2017.

Club CTO Mandar Tamhane said, “When we started the BFC Residential academy, we also had plans for BFC ‘B’. With competitive action at the national stage only available till the Under-18 level, it’s very crucial for youngsters graduating out of the academy to get competitive action. At 18, not all players are ready for the intense demands of the first team, and so with the ‘B’ side we are trying to bridge that gap. It’s no different than our first team, and along with a few graduates from our academy, we have scouted for some talented young players from all over the country who do have the potential to progress through to our first team.”

Head Coach Naushad Moosa said, “It is very important to have a reserve side in a club. With Bengaluru FC ‘B’, there’s a platform for youngsters to improve their game while rubbing shoulders with the established stars and getting a ton of competitive action at the same time. We know this season is going to be a challenge for us, but the management has provided with a great structure.”

The squad, formed predominantly with Under-23 players, has been training over the last few weeks at the Bangalore Football Stadium, and will be playing in the 2nd Division League, conducted by the All India Football Federation, apart from the upcoming BDFA Bengaluru Super Division, and other all-India level tournaments.

Bengaluru sign Indian National Keeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC have completed a major signing for the 2017-18 campaign, roping in Indian National team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu from Norwegian side Stabaek FC for an undisclosed transfer amount, the club announced on Thursday.

While securing the services of India’s No.1 goalkeeper, the Blues have also completed the official paperwork in time for him to be part of the 2017 AFC Cup campaign. The lad from Chandigarh will be available for selection for the home leg of the crucial Inter-Zonal semifinal against North Korean side April 25 SC on August 23.

Gurpreet who completed formalities on a one-year deal on Wednesday night, becomes the first Indian player to be signed from a European club by an Indian club in a move involving a transfer fee. 

The ’keeper, who arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday, was ecstatic ahead of the newest chapter in his career. “I’m extremely delighted to have signed for Bengaluru FC. While the experience of playing in Europe was fantastic, lack of game time was an important factor in making the decision of moving back to India. I had an offer from another top-flight club in Europe, but the need to play regularly ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in 2019 was something that was on my mind.”

“The fact that Bengaluru FC was interested in me was encouraging considering what they have achieved over the last few years. With BFC playing on the continental level this season as well as the next one will provide the perfect platform for me,” he added.

Club CEO Parth Jindal was pleased with the Blues’ latest acquisition. “It’s a matter of pride that Gurpreet has chosen to play for BFC. For us, he as big as an European signing. His presence and leadership will add immense stability to the team. While he is with us we will provide him with all the support he needs to be back among Europe’s elite.”

Having already played in front of the Blues’ faithful on a number of occasions while representing India, Gurpreet is eager to take the field at the Fortress. “The fans here are fantastic. The atmosphere we had at the Kanteerava was unbelievable and probably one of the best I’ve seen. I’m now excited to be playing in front of them on a regular basis and hope we can achieve something special.”

Turning pro in 2010 where he had a brief loan spell with AIFF’s developmental side Pailan Arrows (2010-11), Gurpreet returned to East Bengal, going on to become the first-choice custodian in the latter part of his three-year spell. At East Bengal, Gurpreet won the 2012 Federation Cup apart from topping the Calcutta Football League on numerous occasions.

Standing tall at 6’ 4”, Gurpreet moved to Europe as a 22-year-old, signing for Norwegian club Stabaek in August 2014 where he featured in a number of cup games, including the entire 2016 Cup run. He eventually made his League debut in May 2016 in an away match against IK Start, and in the process, became the first Indian footballer to play in a European top division league. In June 2016, the Punjabi lad put another feather in his cap, becoming the first Indian footballer to feature in a UEFA Europa League match by playing against Welsh side Connah's Quay Nomads FC in the competition’s qualifiers.

Having represented India (U19 & U22) numerous times at the youth level, Gurpreet was called up to the senior national team for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, and made his debut couple months later in the AFC Challenge Cup. After playing second fiddle to Subrata Paul, Gurpreet finally cemented his position as India’s number one during the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers while even skippering the side on a few occasions.

Bengaluru squad for 2017 AFC Cup knockout stage

Bengaluru FC Media 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FULL SQUAD 

Goalkeeper: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Abhra Mondal, Calvin Abhishek.

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

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

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

Bengaluru sign Bidyananda and Robinson

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, today, announced the signings of midfielders Bidyananda Singh and Robinson Singh on two year contracts. While Bidyananda joins from ISL side Atletico De Kolkata, Robinson Singh joins the Blues from Mohun Bagan.

A defensive midfielder who progressed through the AIFF Academy ranks, Bidyananda joins the Blues after having represented India at the U13, U14, U15, U16 and U17 sides. The 19-year-old faced the Blues while playing for the AIFF U19s in a friendly in Bengaluru in 2015, a match in which he found the net.

“Bengaluru FC are the best in India and it is a big moment for me to sign for a club that wins trophies and competes with the best in Asia every season. I’m happy to get this opportunity and I’m looking forward to making the most of it,” said Bidyananda following the move.

Robinson, meanwhile, joins the Blues having represented Mohun Bagan for the last two seasons. The 20-year-old has also represented India at the U16, U17 and U19 levels. He was also part of the India team that took part in the AFC U23 Championship qualifiers in Doha, earlier in July.

“I’ve always believed that a move to BFC would be the best path for my career. In terms of the coaching, the professionalism and every aspect of football, this is the right place to be for any young footballer. This move is one that I’ve been working hard for, for a long time,” said Robinson.

Bengaluru FC sign another Spaniard Antonio Dovale

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC have added more Spanish flavour to the side, signing winger Antonio Rodriguez Dovale for the 2017-18 campaign. Twenty-seven-year-old ‘Toni’, as he is widely known, joins Bengaluru FC from Spanish Segunda Division side Rayo Vallecano with whom he spent the 2016-17 season. He also becomes the third Spanish player in the side alongside Juanan Gonzalez and Dimas Delgado.

Born in A Coruña in Northern Spain, Toni spent his formative years at Obradoiro and FC Barcelona before joining Celta de Vigo in 2005 as a youth player. Two years later he was promoted to the reserve side before making his first team debut in the Segunda Divsion in 2009.

A brief loan spell at fellow Segunda Division side SD Huesca in 2010-11 was followed by a return to Celta, where he made 30 appearances helping the side achieve promotion to the La Liga at the end of the 2011-12 season. Over the next two years, Toni played an important role for Celta in the top-flight with the highlight being an impressive 9th place finish in the 2013-14 season.

Toni crossed the Atlantic in the year 2014 as he signed for Sporting Kansas City in the Major League Soccer (USA) where he helped the team reach the post-season play-offs. But he returned back to Spain with CD Lugo in 2014-15 before once again achieving promotion to the La Liga in the following season while playing for CD Leganes.

Having penned a one-year deal, Toni was eager to begin his journey at Bengaluru FC as soon as possible. “I am very excited about this new challenge in my career. I know I am coming to a big club and just can’t wait to start training to achieve our objectives this season. I have a good experience as a professional player, and I think that this is a step forward in my career which will be very important,” he said.

Toni was also excited with the prospect of playing in front of the Blues’ faithful, which he regards as a vital part of the club. “The fans are very important for us and I know that they are always supporting the club. I want to assure them that I will do my best to help the club achieve our goals for the season. I am feeling the good vibes and hope that this season will be a successful one,” he added.

Albert Roca, Bengaluru FC Head Coach, welcomed Toni into the Blues’ fold. “Antonio is a good young player and a crafty winger. Having played at the highest level in Spain, he brings in vital experience which will help us in the season ahead. He still wants to continue improving and his desire to learn will help him settle in quickly,” said Roca. 

Bengaluru sign Spanish midfielder Dimas Delgado

Bengaluru FC Media

Strengthening their squad ahead of the 2017-18 season, Bengaluru FC have completed the signing of experienced Spanish midfielder Dimas Delgado, the club announced on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Catalan joins the Blues after skippering Western Sydney Wanderers in the Australian A-League and the AFC Champions League.

The midfielder becomes the Blues' fourth foreigner and joins fellow countryman Juanan Gonzalez, along with John Johnson and recently signed Erik Paartalu in the side.

Santa Coloma-born Dimas, who began his career at Catalonia-based Spanish lower league side Gramenet in 2002, made the move to FC Barcelona in 2006. He represented FC Barcelona Reserves for two seasons, before joining newly promoted La Liga side Numancia in 2008. He was a mainstay in his side’s midfield, racking up 20 top-flight appearances in the club’s third La Liga stint post-2000.

A three-year stint at Numancia was followed by spells at Cartagena (2011-12) and Recreativo Huelva (2012-15) in the Segunda Division. Having played over 400 games in Spanish football, Dimas made his first overseas move joining Western Sydney Wanderers.

His experience proved vital for the team as they finished runners-up in the 2015-16 season after being placed ninth in the previous campaign. The following year, Dimas was named captain of the side and led them to the finals series as well as in the AFC Champions League. Over two seasons, Dimas made a total of 59 appearances, while netting six goals in all competitions for the Sydney-side.

“I’m very excited to join Bengaluru FC and it will be a fantastic experience for me and my family in India. I can’t wait to start and get to know everyone at the club along with my teammates and staff,” said Dimas having put pen to paper on a one-year deal.

“I will give my best every single day to help my team and all the players, and hope to take the club to even bigger heights,” he added.

Coach Albert Roca, who was assistant at Barcelona when Delgado was with the B side, said he was aware of the quality that the midfielder will bring to Bengaluru. “I’ve seen Dimas from close quarters and have no doubt about his quality and experience. He is a hardworking and good professional and we’re confident this stint will be a successful one.”

Naushad Moosa joins Bengaluru FC as 'Indian' Assistant Coach

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC on Thursday, announced the appointment of AFC Pro-Licensed Coach Naushad Moosa as Indian Assistant Coach for the first team. Also, he will be the Head Coach of the newly formed BFC reserve side.

Moosa has formerly served as Head of Youth Development and Head Coach of the U19 side at Pune FC and was head coach of Air India Limited in 2012. A former youth Coach at Mumbai FC, his most recent appointment was as U14s coach at Reliance Foundation Young Champs.

“As a coach, it is a privilege to join a club that has a winning mentality. Bengaluru FC has won a trophy in each of its four seasons and the professionalism of this team is second to none. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the setup here,” said Moosa following his appointment.

A former footballer himself, Moosa has turned out for Air India, Churchill Brothers, East Bengal FC, Mahindra United and Mohammedan Sporting in a career that spanned over 12 years. As coach of the Pune FC U19s, Moosa claimed the U18 I-League twice in three years and won the Pune League in 2016.

“We are very happy to add Naushad to our backroom staff. His experience as a player and coach will add a lot of value to our team and the added responsibility of managing the reserve squad will see him nurture the future stars at BFC,” said club COO Mustafa Ghouse.

While joining Albert Roca and Carles Cuadrat as  the Blues’ first team coaches, 46-year-old Moosa will also be at the helm of things for the newly formed BFC reserve side, which looks to bridge the gap between the clubs Residential Youth Academy in Bellary and the first team. 

U18 I-League: Bengaluru and DSK play out goalless draw

Bengaluru FC Media 

A dominant Bengaluru FC U18 Academy side drew with DSK Shivajians in their opening Group C game of the U18 I-League, at the Barasat Stadium, in Kolkata, on Firday. The Blue Colts dominated proceedings by giving little or no space to their opposition and extinguishing any signs of an attack from he Pune outfit in midfield.

The John Kenneth Raj-coached side had a chance to go ahead in the 30th minute when Amay Morajkar, with only the ’keeper to beat, shot the ball straight into his hands. Sourav TP too came close when he dribbled past his marker and had only the ’keeper to beat. His shot, however was wide off the mark. The Blue Colts’ final chance came from a corner in the final minute, when a ball from Vignesh V fell to an unmarked Sourav who was unable to hit the target.

The Blue Colts face Minerva Punjab Academy in their second Group C clash at the same venue on Sunday.

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

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

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

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

Bengaluru FC boys qualify for U16 Youth League semifinal

Bengaluru FC Media 

A goal from Rahul Rajan gave Bengaluru FC’s U16s side a 1-0 win over Red Star FC in the U16 Y-League, sending the John Kila-coached to the semifinal of the tournament for the first time. Sudeva FC’s win over DSK Shivajians was not enough as the Blue Colts ended the group stages with 7 points from three games, one more than the Delhi-based side. 

Despite attacking with intent for most of the first half, the young Blues were unable to find the Red Star net as Joseph Vanlalhruaia and Lalrintluanga squandered opportunities to take the lead. 

Starting the second half with renewed vigour, a pass from Vanlalhruaia over the Red Star back-line found Rajan unmarked as he trapped the ball and shot past the ’keeper to give BFC the lead. Red Star’s attempted forays into the Blue Colts’ area were thwarted away. 

Against the run of play, the Blue Colts almost doubled their lead as Chequvara’s attempted shot was parried away after the striker was sent through on goal. Kila praised his young side, who will now face one of Minerva Football Academy or Tata Football Academy in the semifinal. 

“I am proud of this team, their performances and the staff who’ve worked so hard in getting them to the semifinals of this tournament. There’s a lot of room for improvement and I’m sure that with the right direction, there’s more than just good results to come for these boys,” said Kila.

U-16 Youth League - Bengaluru win against Sudeva FC

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC’s U16 Academy side grabbed a late win against a resilient Sudeva FC from Delhi, in the U16 Y-League, at the Nagoa Ground, in Goa, on Thursday. After conceding in the early stages, the persistent Colts scored two in the 66th and the 82nd minute of the game to clinch their first win in the campaign.

Bengaluru suffered a setback in the 15th minute as Bupender Singh, Sudeva’s striker gave the opponents a lead early in the game. Just when the Colts seemed to have settled into the pace of the game, youngster Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, the goal scorer from the previous clash against DSK Shivajians, was stretchered off with an injury. The first half saw many chances for the Bengaluru side but Sudeva took the lead going into the break.

The Colts came out all guns blazing in the second half as they continued to display their dominance in possession and were rewarded with a goal in the 66th minute. A mistimed tackle by Sudeva’s defender allowed Lalrintluanga Chawnglut to score from the spot.

The game remained level until the 82nd minute when a delicate lob by Amay Morajkar saw the ball fall to the feet of Rahul Ranjan who got his name on the score sheet with a neat finish to give the Blue Colts their first win of the campaign.

The Colts next face Redstar Football Academy from Thrissur on Sunday.

Bengaluru FC Begin U16 Youth League with a draw

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC’s U16 academy side were held to a 1-1 draw by DSK Shivajians in an U16 Y-League Group C game in Nagoa, Goa, on Tuesday.

The Pune-based side took the lead in the 12th minute though a goal from . But the Colts were the clear attacking force in the second half, as they piled on attack after attack but failed to capitalise.

Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia saved the Blue Colts their blushes, controlling a long diagonal from Saqlain Khan before slotting past the DSK ’keeper five minutes from time. Kila’s side next take on Sudeva FC at the same venue on Thursday.

Bengaluru FC colts set for U16 Youth League

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC’s U16 Academy side will take on DSK Shivajians in the U16 Y-League, at the Nagoa Stadium in Goa, on Tuesday. The John Kila-coached side will look to build on their strong performance in the Rest-of-India Zone 1, where they topped the group, scoring ten goals and conceding just one.

Grouped with Red Star Academy (Thrissur) and Sudeva Football Club, a Delhi-based outfit apart, from the Pune-based DSK, Kila mentioned that the aim was to put out good performances to match those in the zonal stages.

“These boys have done well in the zonal round and we’ll be looking to build on that. Some of them have played with the U18s, so there is quality in the side and I’m sure it will reflect on the pitch tomorrow as we look for a win,” said Kila.


The game kicks-off at 9 am.    
 

Junior Bengaluru FC goes down to ASC in Super Division

Bengaluru FC Media 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bengaluru FC academy lads to play in BDFA Super Division

Bengaluru FC Media

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

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

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

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

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

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

The game kicks off at 3.15 pm.