Avispa Fukuoka win 2-1 over Bengaluru FC Reserves

Bengaluru FC Media

Striker Jinya Kishi scored twice as Bengaluru FC Reserves went down 2-1 to Avispa Fukuoka U18s in a friendly held at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Saturday. Vice-captain Prashanth Kalinga’s 86th minute effort was a consolation in a clash that saw Blue Colts’ custodian Jafar Mondal named Man-of-the-match for an inspired show in goal.

The Blues started cautiously, keeping possession in midfield as Head Coach John Kenneth Raj started with Robinson Singh in midfield alongside Biswa as captain Leon Augustine and Nonganba Singh manned the flanks.

Shots from Leon and Isak Vanlalrutfela went inches wide of the target before Jafar stepped up to pull saves off strikes from Minato Kai and Kojito Omori in the first. Despite some fine build up play, both sides lacked the finishing touch required as half-time arrived with the scores unchanged.

Kenneth sent on Alwyn George on in the second half as he joined Robinson in midfield for the Blue Colts, adding more solidarity to the attack. However, it was the Japanese side that took the lead early in the second half. After a stubborn run and cross from Yuji Kitajima, Kishi found himself in space to slot home from close.

A tense final ten minutes saw BFC fight back as Lalrintluanga’s effort was saved by Ryuya before Avispa extended their lead in the 82nd. Poking past the slide of Tonmay Saha, Kishi advanced into the Blues’ area and sent his shot into the far corner to make it 2-0. 

There was to be more drama as Jafar brought down Kitajima in the area with seven minutes to play. The midfielder stepped up to take the spot-kick but Jafar was equal to it, as the scores remained level.

Refusing to back down, a short corner collected by Kalinga was curled in off the upright, as BFC cut the deficit with five minutes left to play. But it wasn't to be the comeback that the young Blues wanted as Avispa claimed the narrow victory.

“I saw a good effort from our boys today. They’ve only had a few sessions together and I’m happy with the performance they put out. Avispa were technically very good and I’m sure the boys have learned a lot from this experience,” said Kenneth following the clash.

Bengaluru reserves gear up for Fukuoka clash

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC’s reserve side will look to put on a good show when they take on Japan’s Avispa Fukuoka U18s in an Asian Football Confederation approved friendly game at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Saturday.

U18s Head Coach John Kenneth Raj stressed at the importance of the clash, saying his boys will be looking to put on a show. “Many of our players are new and come into the side wanting to prove a point. Avispa are a strong team and we’ll have to be at our best,” he said.

Speaking at the pre-match Press Conference, Avispa Fukuoka Head Coach, Yusuke Ogura said, “We are very glad to be here for this game. We are looking forward to it and want to win. We haven’t seen Bengaluru FC play but we want to focus on our game and try to do our best.”

“The weather is very nice and cool and we’re comfortable here. It will be very good for the game. Back in Japan it’s summer, so we’re happy to be here. For the players, it’s (to play against foreign teams) a very good experience and will help them a lot,” added Ogura.

Meanwhile, the Blues’ Head of Youth Development John Kila was excited ahead of BFC Academy’s first ever game against an international opponent.

“This is an exciting opportunity for these youngsters. After a year of establishing our academy, we have had the chance to improve our scouting and strengthen the team. A few players have made the progress through from the U16 squad which is a positive sign. Since the season has just started we haven’t had much time to prepare for this game, however, we’re happy with this opportunity as it gives us a chance to assess our squad,” he said.