Bengaluru look to seal AFC Cup berth

Bengaluru FC Media

Armed with the advantage of three away goals, Bengaluru FC will look to seal qualification in the group stages of the AFC Cup when they take on Maldivian side TC Sports Club at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday evening.

A Thongkhosiem Haokip brace and Erik Paartalu’s goal gave Albert Roca a 3-2 win in Male last week after the Spaniard saw his side allow TC to come back from two goals down to level things in what was a strange second half.

The visitors need to win by either a two-goal margin or win scoring more than three goals at the Fortress if they are to edge Bengaluru out and Roca, while sounding confident, warned his side against complacency. “This tie is far from over. Yes, we’ve scored three away goals but we’ve also conceded two and I don’t see why they won’t take the game to us on Tuesday. That said, we are always confident of our abilities and more so at home. We need to focus and get the job done,” said Roca.

Bengaluru seemed to be cruising with two quick second-half goals at the National Stadium when lapses in defence saw the hosts hit back through Anatolii Vlasichev and Ibrahim Mahudhee. But a Haokip screamer in the 78th minute killed the fight from TC in what were difficult conditions. “We had a tough time coping with the weather and pitch conditions in Maldives. Thankfully we have the chance to get the job done at home and we need to make most of the familiar conditions.”

The win came at the cost of an injury to defender Harmanjot Khabra who had to be substituted after he picked up a hit to his chest. The No.10 missed out on the ISL fixture against FC Pune City and won’t be available for selection on Tuesday as he continues to recover.  

Roca chose to rest names like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Juanan Gonzalez, Dimas Delgado and Lenny Rodrigues and whether the Spaniard hands them a role in the fixture at home, remains to be seen. “I am happy with the way the youngsters on the team have responded to responsibility and they surely need more game time. I will leave the decision late on whether or not I include players who didn’t travel to the Maldives, on the squad for Tuesday,” said Roca.

Group E, as it stands, has three slots filled with Abahani (Bangladesh), Aizawl FC and New Radiant (Maldives) booking their place in the continental competition.

Bengaluru to face North Korean side 4.25 SC in AFC Cup Inter-Zone semifinal

Bengaluru FC Media

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Federation Cup champions JSW Bengaluru Football Club were drawn to face North Korean side 4.25 SC (April 25 Sports Club) in the 2017 AFC Cup Inter Zone semifinals, at the AFC club competitions draw, held in Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday.

While the Kanteerava Stadium is set to host the North Korean side on August 23rd, the reverse leg of the tie will be played at the 1,14,000 capacity May Day Stadium, in Pyongyang, on September 13th.

4.25 qualified to the Inter Zonal playoffs after winning the East Zone group, which consisted of Kigwancha SC and Mongolian side Erchim SC. The club, run by the North Korean Army and appearing on the continental stage for the first time in 25 years, scored a total of 14 goals in four matches in the three-team group, winning two and drawing two.

“April 25 SC are a side we’ve got very little information about so this will be a challenge of a different kind. We’ve got a good two months to prepare for this fixture and that’s what we’ll do. We did well in this competition and it is our aim to go one better than last time and win the cup,” said Blues’ boss Albert Roca.

Should Roca’s men get past 4.25 SC, they will face one of Tajikistan's FC Istiklol Dushanbe and the ASEAN Zone tie winner between Singapore's Home United or Philippines' Ceres Negros.

The Blues were also, by virtue of being South Zone Champions, awarded a cheque of $100,000 by AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John at the commencement of the draw. Bengaluru qualified for the knockout rounds of the tournament for a third consecutive season after defeating Maziya S&RC to top Group E. 

Bengaluru set to host the first South Indian derby of the season

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

In a battle between clubs from the southern India, defending champion Bengaluru FC (BFC) take on the newbie Chennai City FC (CCFC) in the second round of Hero I-League at Shree Kanterava Stadium, Bengaluru tomorrow. 

Not many times the city witnessed a South Indian derby. Last time it was played was in 2011-12 season, between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Chirag United Club Kerala. Last time a match between clubs from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was played in 2002-03, the seventh edition of erstwhile National Football League. In that season, Chennai had Indian Bank and Bengaluru had Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Indian Telephone Industries (ITI). In a 12-team league, Indian Bank survived relegation while HAL and ITI finished 11th and 12th respectively and were relegated in the next season. 

After a convincing win in the starting of the new season, Coach Albert Roca was upbeat, “We are at a stage to build up something, have to be consistent, and try to make things that we are prepared for. Our intention is to keep the team spirit that we have shown to our supporters in the first game.”

BFC have bolstered defense department by adding National player, Sandesh Jinghan, “Sandesh is a good player, he can help us to be stronger, but we have to give him time to settle down mentally, we can’t pressurize him for tomorrow’s game. I know I’m counting on him and I am sure he’ll be important for us in the future. 

Former Barcelona assistant coach looked content with the existing squad. “We have enough good players, I don’t expect any other players joining us. I am happy, we have a good balance in all departments. This is the squad I like!” 

Roca sounded cautious about his opponent, “CCFC got a good squad with most of the players having experience in playing I-League, they will also be hoping to score and put us in trouble. I am expecting tomorrow’s game to more difficult than the last one”, adds the Spaniard. 

He is not in favor of making too many changes, he concludes, “Our first game was good, I don’t want to make too much changes, but the other players must be ready to get in as we are playing the next two matches within a week. 

Coached by Robin Charles Raja, Chennai City bolstered their lineup by adding players having experience in I-League - Karanjit Singh, Debabrata Roy, and Denson Devadas, foreigners Haroon Amiri and Echezona, and local boys Dharmaraj Ravanan and Dhanpal Ganesh. 

Charles is hopeful for tomorrow’s match, “We have started on a positive note, our first game was a draw, and we surely want to do well in the other matches.”  

With not enough preseason and late signings, they have task cut out. 

CCFC must be seeking inspiration from the other big club from South,”BFC maybe a different club but they too are from the same zone. Heard a lot about BFC. We are looking BFC as a role model, we’re learning, and hopefully we’ll catch up with them in coming days.”

Raja further adds, “We’ll give a tough time to BFC tomorrow, and we’ll do well as a team!”

Sandesh Jhingan join Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

I-League champions Bengaluru FC, on Thursday, announced the signing of defender Sandesh Jhingan on a season-long loan deal from Indian Super League side, Kerala Blasters FC. The 23-year-old becomes the Blues’ seventh signing, adding to their roster, and coach Albert Roca feels Jhingan’s introduction into the side will provide depth to an already formidable defensive line-up.

“In Jhingan, we have signed a player who can turn out as a central defender and provide cover in full-back positions. He is coming off the back of a very good ISL campaign and his introduction adds to a squad that will need his presence as we look to compete in both the I-League and the AFC competitions,” said Roca.

The towering Jhingan, who is known for his aerial prowess, started his career at United Sikkim in 2011 and moved to Mumbai FC before joining ISL side Kerala Blasters in 2014. The Indian international, who has turned out for the country on 12 occasions, then went on loan to Sporting Clube de Goa and most recently to DSK Shivajians in the previous edition of the I-League.

Asked about his shift to the Blues’ camp, the Chandigarh-born defender said he is elated to have joined the club and had no second thoughts about the move.

“It feels great to be here. Bengaluru FC are the champions and one of the best clubs in India right now, so it’s an honour to have been approached by them. I had no doubts in my mind and when the offer came about I just said yes,” he said.

Coming into a Blues side that won its opening game in the I-League, the defender maintains that his aim is to contribute towards winning Albert Roca’s first League campaign.

“Bengaluru FC are the champions, so to maintain the momentum and retain the top spot come the end of the season, is the main aim. What this club has is a complete and competitive squad, so for me personally, the aim is to fit in and help the team win matches,” Jhingan added.

Bengaluru FC teams up with Karnataka Tourism

Bengaluru FC Media  

I-League champions Bengaluru Football Club announced a partnership with Karnataka Tourism to promote the state as a sporting destination at a press conference held at the Vidhana Soudha, in Bengaluru, on Thursday. 

Minister for IT, BT and Tourism Shri Priyank Kharge, Director, Tourism Dr. Manjula, club COO Mustafa Ghouse and skipper Sunil Chhetri addressed the gathering, speaking of the various ways in which sport can promote tourism in the city. 

BFC begin their I-League title defence with a clash against Shillong Lajong at the Kanteerava Stadium, on Saturday.

Bengaluru set to take on Johor Darul Ta'zim tomorrow

AIFF Media 

Hero I-League champions Bengaluru FC are taking on AFC Cup champions Johor Darul Ta'zim in the much-anticipated second leg of the AFC Cup semifinal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on October 19, 2016. The first leg ended in a 1-1 stalemate where Eugeneson Lyngdoh scored a peach of a goal against the Malaysian outfit in their home. 

Johor Darul Ta'zim gaffer Mario Gomez, who has to deploy his pawns sans the attacking trio comprising of Jorge Pereyra Díaz, Mohd Amri Yahyah and Juan Martín Lucero, sounded pretty cautious ahead of tomorrow's match against Bengaluru FC.

"Obviously it's (missing three key players) going to hurt us but we have to work on other strengths to seal the spot in the AFC Cup final."

He didn't mince his words to praise Bengaluru FC as well, "Bengaluru have done a splendid job back at our home and they are obviously having an advantage, thanks to their away goal. But I'm a person who prefers to work and obviously we're coming tomorrow to win the tie."

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca stated that "this could be special for Indian Football."

The astute Spaniard coach shared with the media that his team won't shy away to play an attacking brand of football tomorrow as they have been doing under his stewardship.

"We know that we have scored against them in Malaysia, which is important. But, our intention is not to sit back and defend. We want to go out and try to score more goals because we will not be able to reach the final with a defensive mindset."

Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who scored a peach of a goal against the defending AFC Cup champions Johor Darul Ta'zim in the first leg, addressed the media as well and cleared his intentions of rewriting the Indian Football history tomorrow.

"Obviously it's about the representation of our country on the bigger stage. We have played up to our potential, but the job is far from done and we need to step up tomorrow to get it done ahead of our home crowd."

Albeit the mercury is soaring up regarding tomorrow's high-octane encounter, Albert Roca mentioned that 'this is a game of football and there will be more such games in the future.'

"I consider that this is a very important match for Indian because only two teams have reached the semifinals and none have reached the final. The people are realizing that this could be special for Indian football. As for me, I try to be calm because I want the team to be calm as well. I do not want them to be overconfident because this is a game of football and there will be more such games in the future. As of now, there is a game tomorrow and we will try to do our best", he signed off on a positive note.

The match is scheduled at 7 PM on October 19, 2016, and it'll be telecast on Star Sports 1 & Star Sports HD 1.

John Johnson signs two-year deal, to stay with Bengaluru till 2017-18 season

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC have signed defensive mainstay John Johnson on a new two-year deal that keeps with the champions of India till the end of the 2017-18 season, the club announced on Monday.

Johnson had signed with the Blues since the club’s inception before going on to spend three seasons during which he won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup crown with BFC. He was named the League’s ‘Best Defender’ for the 2015-16 last month as the Blues put behind the disappointment of being edged out by Mohun Bagan in the 2014-15 season at the death to bring back the title to Bengaluru.

“John Johnson has been immense for the club and has been the kind of leader who doesn’t need an armband. We are at a very crucial phase at the club and getting him on board for another two seasons puts us in a very good position. He’s always inspiring the lads on the pitch and is a great character to have in the dressing room, needless to say he’s a fan favourite,” said Mustafa Ghouse, COO, Bengaluru FC.

Ever since his first season in India, Johnson has been on the radar of a fair number of clubs but the No.6 said signing a new deal with the Blues was one of the easier choices he’s made. “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract. Bengaluru FC is home to me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of the three seasons that I’ve spent here and I still feel I have a lot more to offer and achieve with this team. I’ve personally enjoyed great support from the fans and it’s nice to know I will be seeing them again. It’s going to be an important season ahead and I’m already looking forward to it,” said Johnson.       

Bengaluru FC part ways with Gaffer Westwood

Bengaluru FC, on Tuesday, announced that the club would be parting ways with coach Ashley Westwood by mutual consent, bringing to end a successful three-year association during which the Blues won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup crown. The Blues have also made the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup this season under Westwood and will look to go a step further when the continental competition resumes in September. 

The Englishman was at the helm of affairs since the club’s inception in 2013 where the Blues went on to stun Indian football by winning the I-League in its debut season. 2014 too was a successful season where Bengaluru won the Federation Cup, finished second in the League and made the knock-out stages in the AFC Cup. 

In his parting note Ashley said, "I am extremely proud of my time and achievements during my tenure at BFC. I came to the country with a blank canvas, tasked with helping to build a club from scratch, improve Indian football and to try to produce some players to go on to represent the country. I feel with 3 major trophies, multiple ‘Coach of the Year’ awards and developing as many as 10 players to go on to represent India across different ages, I have achieved all of my objectives. I would like to thank the players, staff and management team for their efforts and support and I also want to thank the most important and fundamental part of this club, the fans." 

Gaffer further added, "My time with BFC has been a memorable one and I'll never forget all that we achieved. I'm saddened to leave but I know I have left the club in a very strong position as Champions of India once again and safely through to the quarter finals in the AFC Cup. I wish the club all the best for the future."

From the club, their CEO Parth Jindal stated, "It's been an extremely difficult time for the management of the club to part ways with Ashley Westwood. The decision hasn’t been the easiest to take but like always, it is one made in the best interests of Bengaluru FC."

Bengaluru FC march into Last-8 of AFC Cup

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC carved history for themselves as the Blues marched into the quarterfinals of the AFC Cup beating Kitchee SC 3-2 in a pulsating game at the Mong Kok Stadium, in Hong Kong, on Wednesday. A brace from skipper Sunil Chhetri (31^st and 33^rd minute) and a winner from young Daniel Lalhlimpuia (51^st) sent Ashley Westwood’s boys through to the last-eight making them the only Indian club left in the competition.

The Blues bowed out at the same stage in the same stadium last season when they went down 2-0 to South China AA. But Bengaluru did more than just exorcise the ghosts rolling out a fantastic performance in every department on the pitch.

Kitchee shot into a 7^th minute lead when Rufino sneaked into the box and nodded home skipper Lo Kwan Yee’s cross from the right, on the bounce. Bengaluru got to work without much ado, passing the ball around and forcing freekicks and corners out of the hosts.

The Blues got really close from one such chance when Eugeneson Lyngdoh chose to smartly roll a freekick in the box, catching the Kitchee defence by surprise. But ’keeper Wang Zhenpeng charged out to keep attempts from Curtis Osano and Daniel Lalhlimpuia at bay.

However, the equalizer came just a minute later when Lyngdoh was brought down by Huang Yang in the box, prompting referee Fu Ming to point to the spot. Skipper Chhetri stepped up and sent an audacious chip over Zhenpeng who already committed to make it 1-1.

Chhetri’s second came only two minutes later and just like his first, it wasn’t short on class. A beautifully stitched move saw Rino send in a cross that was headed away by a Kitchee defender only to reach as far as Chhetri who smashed it home on the volley after picking his corner and silencing the Mong Kok.

But a moment of weakness in defence three minutes from half-time saw Kitchee capitalize to make it 2-2. Christian Kwesi slid one in the box as Paramo Jorge sneaked ahead of the Blues defence line, got past Osano and fired past Amrinder.

The tie being a knock-out meant that the away goals rule would not come into play and Bengaluru would need only a win to progress and Lalhlimpuia responded with what would eventually be enough. The youngster made the most to pounce on a poor back-pass by Kwesi, intercepting the ball and putting it past Zhenpeng to make it 3-2.

After the third it was the Blues’ show who kept the attacks constant but were let down by some wayward finishing.

Daniel had probably the best chance of the game in the 88^th minute when, after being sent through on goal and getting past Kitchee’s high line, the striker skipped past Zhenpeng only to shoot wide as the Blues bench watched in disbelief.

The misses however didn’t come back to haunt Bengaluru as the defence kept things tight to see the Indian champions past the line.

Bengaluru face exuberant Salgaocar to seal the league

I-League Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC’s eye on the coveted Hero I-League is pretty apparent. They played with a second string side in their 4th round AFC Cup match against Ayeyawady United, Myanmar last Wednesday. Gaffer Westwood refrained from fielding a full-strength squad which included stars like Sunil Chettri, Eugenson Lyngdoh, and all four foreigners - ensuring he gets his best eleven against Salgaocar tomorrow. 

A win and they take home the Hero I-League. Winning the silverware twice in their three-season existence. That would be an impressive record for Bengaluru FC. 

Salgaocar have been on a late upsurge - they are unbeaten for the past five rounds and fared extremely well in their Round 16 match against Aijwal FC. Playing an away match versus the newly-promoted I-League team, they won 1-0. The win took Santosh Kashyap’s team out of the relegation threat.

Bengaluru Gaffer looked poised, in his usual manner he said, “I have no expectations, it is a normal game of football – we will play for win. Everything is in our hands, hope we’ll put up a good performance, and get results thereafter.”

Ashley further added, “We are at home, chance for us to put up a good performance in front of our fans.” 

Eugenson has been a mainstay in the Bengaluru team. His return after six-weeks of injury has made most of the difference for his team. Citing how tormenting it is to stay away from the game, he responded, “Always tough for a player to be on the sideline, but then Injury is a part and parcel of football.

“When Eugene got injured, Shankar came in and did a good job for us, then he got injured! We always got the capability to shuffle around. Should Eugune being fit throughout the season, he probably wouldn’t have played all the games, we would have rotated him. It is just another opportunity for players to step into his shoes”, Ashley added. 

With two more rounds to go (including tomorrow’s match), Salgaocar would surely like to climb up the points table, and finish as the 4th best team. But most importantly they would be spoiling Bengaluru’s party and keep the I-League alive till the last round. 

However, one major worry for Kashyap’s is his star performer Daryll Duffy’s absence. Duffy, who has scored eleven goals for Salgaocar in HeroI-league, is not considered for the match owing to card suspension. 

“We are not in pressure, the pressure is on Bengaluru, giggled Kashyap.

”We will see how we can put more pressure on them, so that they crack.”

Santosh Kashyap added, “We’ve achieved our first objective, which is to avoid relegation. Now we are aiming to finish at the top for and we will achieve only by playing well in the last two rounds.”

Salgaocar coach is unperturbed by Duffy’s absence, “Duffy is an important member, in his absence, we’ve defeated East Bengal, also, fared well on other matches in his absence.” 
The Goan team missing few more players due to injury, Kashyap added, “It is not just only Duffey, there are several other members like Gurjinder Kumar, Calvin Mbarga, Clifton Dias, who are injured and not in the recent scheme of things. But we have a big squad, it is up to the players like Manandeep and rest to rise to the occasion.” 

When the title of the league is decided in the last 4 minutes of the final round, it is too early to decide, considering there are still two rounds left. 

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 share points with DSK, miss chance to grab the pole position

Bengaluru FC Media 
I-League Media 

Bengaluru FC squandered the chance to top of the League as sole leaders after the Blues played out a 1-1 draw against DSK Shivajians at the Balewadi Stadium, in Pune, on Wednesday. Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s first goal for the club this season was cancelled in a matter of minutes by DSK striker Asier Pierrick Dipanda’s header in the 37th minute to share spoils in what was a game played at a very fast pace.

The draw takes Bengaluru to 26 points, equal with Mohun Bagan who have played a game more than Ashley Westwood’s side. East Bengal are in third with 24 points, having played as many games as the Blues.

Bengaluru’s opener came in the 34th minute when Lyngdoh was at hand to tap home a rebound from close after Sunil Chhetri saw his freekick pushed to the post by Subrata Paul. But DSK found their equaliser just minutes later when Dipanda rose to nod home Juan Barraso’s cross from the left.

The hosts switched gears after the goal with Douhou Pierre, Dipanda and Barraso linking up well but the Blues defence refused to buckle under pressure, seeing the half through at 1-1.  

Westwood rang in three changes from the side that beat Mumbai FC on Saturday. Skipper Chhetri and defender Keegan Pereira made the starting XI along with young Daniel Lalhlimpuia who came in for Kim Song Yong.

The Blues began the second half with a change, Westwood bringing in Ranjan Salam Singh for Curtis Osano. The Englishman’s second change of the night came on the hour mark when he replaced Daniel with Lalchhuanmawia. The introduction of the nippy defender saw Chhetri move up to join CK Vineeth in attack.

The two almost combined for what looked like the lead when the skipper’s nod down from Rino Anto’s cross was intercepted by Milan Singh with Vineeth waiting at the other end. Minutes before the move, DSK were denied by the post after Pierrick’s diving header from a Baljit Sahni cross, grazed the woodwork on its way out. Pierrick came close in again in the 85th minute but this time Amrinder Singh didn’t need the post, diving on his left to push the strike out.

Bengaluru could have had the winner in the 87th minute but were left to rue woeful decision making by Thoi Singh. The midfielder, in the box with the ball at his feet and Chhetri to square a pass to, chose to strike instead. But with Paul having his angles covered, Bengaluru could only wonder what could have been.

The Blues next host East Bengal in Bengaluru on Sunday. 

Udanta, Kim rule as Bengaluru register their first win in Shillong

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC broke the jinx beating Shillong Lajong FC by unassailable margin of 2-0 in the Hero I-League encounter at the JN Stadium tonight. Goals by Udanta Singh (36') and Kim Song Yong (82') in either half summed up the first win for the Steelmen over the Reds in Shillong.

Placed second in the standings now behind the league leaders Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC are certainly on course to stake a claim on their second Hero I-League title.

Earlier, youngster Udanta Singh started on a high note for Bengaluru FC to make a breakthrough in the fifth minute when he smashed just wide of the nets. Bengaluru continued to press hard but the efforts by John Johnson and Kim Song Yong were unable to bear results. 

Udanta, meanwhile, had another unsuccessful shy at the nets in the 20th minute. He was finally rewarded 6 minutes after the half-hour mark when he found the back of the net from close range in the second attempt. The free kick by Osano was received calmly by Kim Song Yong and delivered towards the youngster who did no mistake to net his maiden goal of the season. 

The scores remained 1-0 at half time in the favour of the away team.

Luck was surely not with Lajong today, two minutes into the second half, the Reds were deprived of a certain goal when Samuel Lalmuanpuia's screamer rattled the crossbar. 

Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, balanced out their tasks by then and were doing well on both fronts. After being turned down for an offside in the 80th minute, Kim Song Yong made sure he features in the scorers' list with a thudding header a couple of minutes later. 

A well-directed corner kick by Udanta was flicked into the net by the North Korean striker as Vishal Kaiht was completely off his position.

The score remained at 2-0 till the full time, even as Uilliams Silva was guilty of squandering an opportunity for the hosts in the stoppage time.

Bengaluru FC have the monkey off their back now and they are travelling to Goa to settle the score with Sporting Clube de Goa on 6th March. 

Bengaluru FC thrash DSK Shivajians, snatch the pole

AIFF Media 

Putting a much-improved show, Bengaluru FC thrashed DSK Shivajians 4-1 at the Sree Kanterava Stadium, Bangalore. Bengaluru scored two goals in each half - Sunil Chhetri opened the account for them, followed by Kim Song Yong. Shankar Shampangiraj and Seimilen Doungel scored one each in the second half. 

Other day Bengaluru coach Ashley Westwood expressed his worry about continuing with the same set of eleven players, particularly for the matches that his team will be playing in quick succession. He drafted Siam Hanghal, Keegan Perreira, Beikhokhei from the bench. Also, Medio Shankar returned after missing out the previous game. 

DSK Shivajians could only field two foreigners, coach Derrik Perrera could not get the services of their their third foreigner Aser Pierrick Dipanda owing to injury. 

First chance for the visitors came in 6th minute – right-half Israil Gurung got enough free space to carry the ball close to the box, however the shot was feeble and missed the target. 

Gurung got another chance the 11th minute when he anticipated Osano’s thru to the wing, he ran down for 10 meters only to deliver a harmless center. The ball was easily collected by Amrinder. 

Meanwhile BFC looked in no hurry, concentrated on ball possession.  

The host took the lead in 14th minute of the game via Captain Sunil Chhetri. DSK defense fouled Kim Song on the top of the box, a free kick was awarded, Chhetri’s accurate curler was out of keeper Subrata Paul’s reach. 

In 28’ minute DSK got a free kick from an identical position, unlike Chhetri, Douhou missed the target. 

DSK’s effort to come back on the game was put down by Kim Song Yong in the 32’ minute. Rino Anto came up from the flank and delivered an accurate center to unmarked Kim, the Korean’s header got the ball back of the net and gave his team 2-0 lead. 

DSK pulled one back in the added time of the first half - Douhou came to the right flank following the ball, took a short center, local boy and former Bengaluru FC player Sampathkumar Kuttymani smartly tapped the ball to the goal. 

Post lemon-break, BFC continued putting pressure. Third goal for the Blues came from a lovely move from the right flank. Rino Anto puts a low cross to the center, short-satured Beikho heads the ball diagonally to the goal, keper Paul could just about keep his hand to avert the goal. Following the ball, Shankar puts the ball to the net. 

Young Seimilen Doungel after replacing Kim Song joined the party and scored the fourth goal for his team in the 80th minute.  

Bengaluru FC were a far better team today, they could have pumped a few more in the later half, only if their strikers could find the target. DSK were up against a far superior team, they were nowhere in the game mainly in the second half. 

Local hero Shankar Sampingraj was adjudged the Hero of the Match. 

Bengaluru FC meet DSK Shivajians tomorrow

AIFF Media 


Coming from contrasting results in the previous round, Bengaluru FC and DSK Shivajians FC will meet in Round 7 of the Hero I-League to be played tomorrow, February 10, 7.05 pm at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. 

Bengaluru FC suffered a setback when they lost 2-1 to 10-men Sporting Clube de Goa at home last Saturday while new entrant in Hero I-League, DSK Shivajians, struggling in 8th position in a 9-team competition defeated Mumbai FC in the Maharashtra derby at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune on last Sunday. 

Bengaluru’s midfield looked unstable in the previous round, perhaps to do with the absence of lively Eugenson Lyngdoh, out injured for five weeks owing to a hairline fracture. Also, holding medio Michael Collins, who debuted for the Blues could not make an impression.  

DSK Manager Derrick Pereira is having fair deal of experience in coaching in Pune with Pune FC till few seasons back is a worried man - mainly because of injury to several key players. 

“We are building the team and we’re yet to get the best combination,” points Pereira. The team from Pune have scored only one goal thus far from 5 matches. Forwards’ inability to convert goals is a matter of concern for Derrick. 

Bengaluru FC Gaffer is not taking his opponents lightly. “Derrick Pereira is an experienced coach, tomorrows match will be a tough game for us. They have few good foreigners in Douhou Pierre and Zohib Amiri who got loads of experience playing in India”, adds Ashley in his usual tone. 
“We have seen their game and done our homework”, assures Ashley.   

Medio Shankar Sampingiraj who had a brilliant game against East Bengal had to sit out in the last match. Coach clarifies, “Shankar was physically stressed after a great game against East Bengal. In our last game against Sporting, we fielded the best team. We have to play 3 games in 7 days. It is not possible to play the same 11 players for all the matches.” 

Bengaluru would be looking to make amends before they clash with the previous season’s Hero I-League winner Mohun Bagan on Saturday, February 13. 

Bengaluru FC brace for Lajong challenge

AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media 

With a shortened league leaving very little margin for error, Ashley Westwood called on his side to build on a good start and fall back on their consistent performances as the Kanteerava Stadium gets set to host Bengaluru FC’s first home game on the new season with Shillong Lajong.

With away wins in the first two rounds, the Blues from the Garden City has made a perfect start in their Hero I-league campaign. Bengaluru FC are back in their fortress in Round 3 of Hero I-league.

Shillong Lajong failed to capitalize the home advantage in first round battle against Mumbai FC as the match ended in a stalemate. To the start of the Hero I-league season, Ashley Westwood’s team had a few injury concerns. Robin Singh, who suffered a knee injury during the SAFF Cup last month is still out and there is no news of him coming back anytime soon.

Medio Josh Walker, another knee-injury victim missed the first two games of the season. The latest from the Bengaluru FC camp is that he is out for the rest of the season. Englishman Michael Collins brings in loads of experience of playing in England and he will be filling Joshua Walker’s shoes.

With a good number of players from the North-Eastern region in Bengaluru FC’s roster might work in favor for the host. Also, young striker Seminlen Doungel joined the Blues from Shillong this season.

Shillong Lajong FC missed to register a win in the first round and haven’t played last week. “Bengaluru FC got the best group from the North East.” reckons Shillong coach, “We always get a good support here, I can say we will have half of the crowd supporting Lajong”, quips Thangboi.

In a league, where the championship will be decided in 16 rounds, it is extremely important to garner early points. Ashley Westwood shows faith in his players but doesn’t forget to mention that they could have scored more goals in their last two matches.

The game kicks off at 7.05 pm and will be live on Ten Action.

 

Bengaluru replace injured Walker with Michael Collins

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced that the club would be replacing injured midfielder Joshua Walker with fellow Englishman and midfielder Michael Collins. Walker, who missed the first two games of the season with a knee issue, faces a long enough layoff to keep him out for the rest of the season, prompting Ashley Westwood to ring in the change.

“It’s under unfortunate circumstances that we have to replace Josh with another player but this is a short, congested season which means we had to move quickly. We’ve done our due diligence on Michael and I’ve spoken with former coaches, players and current scouts on the basis of which I’ve made my choice. Michael has more than 300 games in English football under his belt, is a good character and will be a good example of a professional to everyone around,” said Westwood.

Twenty-nine-year-old Collins started his career with Huddersfield Town with whom he spent six seasons, playing a 173 times and scoring 19 goals. His second substantial spell was with current League One team Scunthorpe United where he played 79 games before moves to AFC Wimbledon (loan), Oxford United and York City (loan).

Interestingly, Walker and Collins have been teammates at Scunthorpe and the duo have been exchanging notes. “I’m very excited to start this chapter of my career. I got a call from the gaffer who gave me a lowdown about the League and more after which I had a word with my family and decided that this is the right time in my career to try something new. I’ve even been speaking with Josh who keeps filling me in,” said Collins who hails from Halifax.

Collins is slated to arrive in the country over the coming week, ruling him out of the Blues first home game against Shillong Lajong on Sunday. “There’s no time to settle in and I’m going to have to blend in right away. But I don’t think that should be a worry because I’ve been keeping myself fit. I can’t wait to come over and play my part in helping the club win the League,” said Collins who has 6 caps for the Republic of Ireland at the under-21 level.

While Walker has been replaced and de-registered from the I-League, he continues to be a Bengaluru FC player. “It’s unfortunate what happened with Josh Walker but it’s a call that had to be taken. However, he still remains a Bengaluru FC player and we wish him a speedy recovery. He was brilliant for us last season and had a big hand in the successful season the club produced. We will be working with him closely to see him recover to full fitness at the earliest,” said Mustafa Ghouse, COO of Bengaluru FC.

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.

 

A stronger, balanced Bengaluru FC to start their I-League campaign

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC head coach Ashley Westwood said his side are raring to go as the club take on their third season in the I-League, at a press conference held at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Having made eight new signings in the summer, Westwood said that his side are stronger and more balanced than before.

“We’ve managed to work fairly consistently over the last four weeks. We’ve got some new boys in and it’s always nice to have new faces to push the ones that are here who are getting a little comfortable. We’re stronger and we’ve got a nice balance about us with the new players who have the potential to go straight into the starting XI,” said Westwood.

Asked about how this season is different from the last two, the gaffer mentioned about how competition for places has increased.

“In year one we only used 13 or 14 players, last season we used 16 or 17. Now we’ve got 23 outfield players of which most of them have got a real chance of being in the first eleven which makes us a bit stronger and a bit more competitive,” the gaffer said.

With eight new signings including the likes of Alwyn George, Kim Song Yong, Len Doungel, and Amrinder Singh, Westwood said his side were well conditioned, which will be the focus ahead of the upcoming I-League season.

“It’s just a case of how you prepare and recover. The work we did before the Indian Super League has stood the players in good stead. We did a lot of conditioning before they went and not one Bengaluru FC player got injured in the ISL, which I don’t think many clubs can say. We prepared them well for the ISL and we’ll prepare them well for the I-League,” he added.

Club captain Sunil Chhetri, who was also in attendance at the press conference, said the Blues side looked stronger than ever.

“The side looks strong this year and so many new players have come in who can go straight into the starting XI. Robin Singh’s injury is a big blow to us, but it only means that somebody else has the chance to step up in his absence,” said Chhetri.

With two new sides in Aizawl FC and DSK Shivajians joining the I-League fray this year and with the Blues’ AFC Cup campaign set to begin with an away trip to Laos, the gaffer said that the season would be tough.

“Until we start the season on Saturday and have a good look of what’s coming, anything can happen. We see Royal Wahingdoh had a decent season last year, it could be Aizawl from the North East this time. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be competitive and may the best team win,” he signed off.

Bengaluru FC will take on Salgaocar FC at the Tilak Maidan, in Goa, on Saturday.

• Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh (1), Lalthuammawia Ralte (28)
• Defenders: NS Manju (3), Curtis Osano (4), Keegan Pereira (5), John Johnson (6), Rino Anto (13), R. Vishal Kumar (15), Nishu Kumar (22), Lalchhuanmawia (23), Salam Ranjan Singh (24)
• Midfielders: Joshua Walker (10), Thoi Singh (12), Eugeneson Lyngdoh (14), Shankar Sampingiraj (16), Len Doungel (17), Beikhokhei Beingaichho (18), Siam Hanghal (19), Alwyn George (20), Malsawmzuala (30)
• Strikers: Sunil Chhetri (11), Kim Song Yong (7), Udanta Singh (21), Daniel Lalhlimpuia (25) 

Bengaluru FC fans flock to stadium to welcome the team

Pic source: Bengaluru FC and West Block Blues 

Carried on by the West Block Blues, a premier fan group of Bengaluru FC, around 70-odd fans gathered at the Bangalore Football Stadium prior to the training session, setting up banners and chanting the team bus on its way in. 

They assembled at the stadium for the Bengaluru players, for their initial pre-season training.