Karishma hat-trick helps Kickstart to floor East Bengal in IWL

Playing their first home game of Indian Women’s League (IWL) this season, Kickstart FC girls rolled past East Bengal 3-1 played at Bangalore Football Stadium today evening. With two back-to-back 3-goal win, Kickstart tops the IWL points table. 

It was the talented Karishma Shirvolkar again who drew the first blood in the dying moments of first-half regulation time from a misunderstanding from East Bengal defence. 

After changing ends, Kickstart ensured their cushion goal again from Karishma. She then completed her hat-trick in the 90th minute after East Bengal scored a consolation goal via Sulanjana Raul. 

Kickstart play their next game against Sports Odisha on Thursday, December 21, which also happens to be a home game.

Sporting Club Bengaluru qualify for I-League 3 final round

Making a complete turnaround in the final thirty minutes of the game, Chinta Chandrasekhar Rao’s boys came back strongly with two goals down to settle for a draw in the final Group D game of I-League 3 between Diamond Harbour FC and Sporting Club Bengaluru. The draw meant both teams completing their group engagement with equal points but that ensured the Bengaluru team moving to the Final Round by the virtue of superior goal (+4) difference. 

The Kolkata-based Diamond Harbour looked a better team on paper. They took the much-needed lead at the dying moments of first half via Carlos and just when the Sporting Club were planning for a comeback to the game, they conceded the second goal from a Tuhin Sikdar strike.

After changing ends, Sporting Club took control, Diamond Harbour looked fatigued, and failed to regain composure. 

A smart header from a set-piece from experienced center back Prabin Tigga reduced the margin for Sporting. In the 81st minute of the game, Shaiborlang Kharpan brough much joy to the spectators with the equaliser that caught the Diamond Harbour defenders napping. 

The other team from Bengaluru, who were in Group C and played their games in Goa finished third in their group. 

Sporting Club Bengaluru will join the winners from other groups, Sporting Clube de Goa and Dempo Sports Club (Goa), KLASA FC (Manipur), and Kerala United FC (Kerala) in the final round of the I-League 3. 

Sporting Club play Diamond Harbour to clinch I-League 3 Final Round berth

With I-League 3 played in the Garden City without much buzz, Group D host, Sporting Club Bengaluru (SCB) thrashed Daoba United FC 6-0 in their previous game to make it an exciting final Group game against Diamond Harbour Football Club (DHFC) on Monday, 3 PM.

In another game played Saturday morning, Diamond Harbour Football Club earned a late win against resilient Abbas Union FC.

With both teams winning all three of their group games, SCB vs DHFC makes it a virtual final of this group.

I-League 3 is a new addition by the AIFF in the Indian football league system, which apparently forms the fourth tier, after ISL, I-League, and I-League 2.

Five groups comprising of five teams are playing I League 3 in a single-legged round robin format with the group topper moving forward to the final round.

Barring Group D, formalities have already been completed - Sporting Clube de Goa (Group A), KLASA FC (Group B), Dempo Sports Club (Group C), and Kerala United FC  (Group E) have made the final cut.

Kickstart brush aside former champions Sethu, Madurai to cruise into the IWL final

 Kickstart FC Media 

Kickstart FC secured their place in the final of the Indian Women's League after a convincing victory over former champions Sethu, Madurai in the Indian Women’s League being held at Ahmedabad. Kickstart FC dominated the first half of the match and pinned Sethu to their half for most periods and scored the two goals that mattered in the first half itself.

Before the match, Coach Langam Chaoba Devi made two changes to the line up that faced HOPS FC in the quarterfinal, bringing in Kioko Elizabeth and Oinam Babita Devi for Renuka and Sonia Marak respectively.

The match started with Kickstart FC controlling the game for most parts. Their dominance paved the way for some early chances as Dalima’s free kick in the third minute missed the goal by a whisker and Sethu, Madurai was being overrun by an enthusiastic Kickstart FC side. In the 11th minute, Banti Sharma's lobbed ball found Kioko Elizabeth, who skilfully bypassed a defender and slotted the ball between the legs of the onrushing Sethu, Madurai goalkeeper, giving Kickstart FC the lead.

The first goal provided the much-needed confidence for Kickstart FC against the former champions and then they put on a dominant show. Meanwhile, Sethu Madurai was trying hard to get into the match by scoring the equalizer. Chances fell to Kajol D’souza and Priyanka Devi as their shots hit the woodwork twice. At the other end, Nepali international Saru Limbu who has been in sublime form all through this campaign latched on to the ball and fired an incredible shot that found the back of the net, doubling Kickstart FC's lead.

The second half saw Sethu, Madurai trying to reduce the deficit, but Kickstart FC's defense held firm and thwarted their attacking threats. As the match progressed, both teams felt the effects of the demanding climate, resulting in a slower pace. Sethu, Madurai piled on the pressure in search of goals but was unsuccessful. Kickstart FC's defense, led by Captain Dalima Chhibber and Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, delivered an outstanding performance.

In the final, Kickstart FC will face the winners of the match between Eastern Sporting Union and Gokulam Kerala FC.

Defender Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi of Kickstart FC was awarded the Hero of the Match title for her outstanding performance.

Kickstart beat HOPS, secure semi final spot in IWL

Kickstart FC Media 

Kickstart FC advanced to the semi-final stage of the Indian Women's League by defeating HOPS FC, Delhi with a score of 2-1 in the quarter-final match held in Ahmedabad. The opening goal was scored by Kaviya Pakkirisamy for Kickstart, but HOPS FC managed to equalize in the second half. However, substitute Kioko Elizabeth scored the winning goal in injury time, securing Kickstart FC's place in the semi-final.

Before the match, Coach Langam Chaoba Devi made one change to the line-up that won against CRPF FC in the last league stage match. Kaviya replaced Susmita Lepcha in the starting eleven.

In the first half, Kickstart FC dominated the game, keeping most of the action in HOPS FC's half. There was an early goal scare in the Kickstart FC penalty box due to a mix-up, but it was eventually cleared by the goalkeeper Maibam Linthoingambi Devi. After that, Kickstart FC put immense pressure on HOPS FC to find the opener. In the 17th minute, Sonia Mark delivered a good cross after some excellent work on the flanks. The HOPS FC goalkeeper parried it away, but it fell to Kaviya, who took a shot that deflected off the woodwork and found the back of the net. Despite taking the lead, Kickstart FC continued their pursuit of a second goal, but HOPS FC's defense held strong against all threats. In the 43rd minute, Kaviya's cross from the right flank hit the woodwork and fell to Sonia Marak, who set up Astam with a nice pass. However, Astam's shot missed the target. The first half ended with a score of 1-0 in favor of Kickstart FC, with six minutes of injury time added.

The second half started with HOPS FC intensifying their efforts to find the equalizer, putting immense pressure on Kickstart FC's defense. In the 62nd minute, they succeeded in scoring the equalizing goal through Renu Rani. Following HOPS FC's goal, Kickstart made substitutions, bringing in Babita Devi for Sonia Marak, Kioko Elizabeth for Renuka, and Susmita Lepcha for Kaviya. In the 85th minute, Saru Limbu, who had been in outstanding form during the league stages, sent a precise through ball to Bibicha Devi, who passed it on to Kioko Elizabeth. Unfortunately, her attempt was cleared off the goal line by the HOPS FC defense, averting the danger. However, in the 90+1' minute, Banti Sharma's high ball into the HOPS FC penalty box was headed in by Kioko Elizabeth, extending Kickstart FC's lead to 2-1. After taking the injury-time lead, Kickstart FC controlled the game and tried to increase their advantage, but HOPS FC's defense managed to hold on, and the final whistle blew with a score of 2-1 in favor of Kickstart FC.

In the semi-final, Kickstart FC will face the winners of the match between Sethu, Madurai, and East Bengal FC.

Captain Dalima Chhiber of Kickstart FC was awarded the Hero of the Match title for her outstanding performance.

 

Kickstart go down to Eastern Sporting Union in their opening match

Kickstart Media 

Kickstart FC fell short at their opening match in the Indian Women’s league as they suffered a narrow defeat to Eastern Sporting Union on Thursday. A 27th-minute goal from Mandakini Devi was enough for the Ronibala Chanu-coached Eastern Sporting Union to overcome Kickstart FC.

Kickstart FC coming into the IWL campaign after a dominant performance in the Karnataka Women’s League fielded a strong XI captained by Indian international Dalima Chhibber. Meanwhile, Eastern Sporting Union from Manipur was captained by the vastly experienced Irom Prameshwwori Devi.

Eastern Sporting Union took the lead in the 27th minute through Mandakini Devi. Kickstart FC strived to clear the deficit all through the match, but the resolute defense of Eastern Sporting Union stayed its course and saw out the match.

Kickstart FC is placed in Group B of the IWL 2023, along with Celtic Queens FC, CRPF, Churchill Brothers, Eastern Sporting Union, Lords FA, Odisha FC, and Sethu FC.

Kickstart FC will take on Odisha FC in their next encounter on 30th April, 8 AM.

 

 

Chennaiyin pip Kickstart to qualify for Stafford Cup semi-finals

The Group D final round matches of Stafford Challenge Cup were interestingly poised. Before taking their opponents today, local favourite Kickstart FC and Chennaiyin FC were equal on points (3), head-to-head (2-2), and goal difference (+1) - their opponents were ARA FC and Kerala United FC respectively. ARA RC too were in contention, they needed to win against Kickstart, which also required Chennaiyin to lose against Kerala United). 

Both games were scheduled on the same time today morning - Kickstart FC Vs ARA FC at the Bangalore Football Stadium and Chennaiyin FC Vs Kerala United FC at the HAL Ground. 

Kickstart FC did convincingly win 3-1 against ARA FC, however their win was not enough compared to Chennaiyin FC’s 9-0 thrashing to Kerala United FC pipping Kickstart to qualify for the semi-finals.

Kickstart rally from two goals down in thrilling 2-2 draw

KSFA Media  

Kickstart FC pulled off another miracle as they came back again from 0-2 down to hold Chennaiyin FC to a 2-2 draw and shoot to the top of group D on the Safford Challenge Cup football tournament at the KSFA Stadium here on Sunday morning. Earlier, Sreenidhi Deccan FC defeated Kenkre FC 2-0 in group C.

In the later part of the day, Delhi FC came back from a goal down to register 2-1 win over Bengaluru FC. With back-to-back win, they seem to be a solid contender for the semi-final spot from Group C. In the final game of the day, ARA FC bouncing back from a defeat in their previous game thrashed Kerala United 5-0. 

A very compact and solid Chennaiyin FC took control of the match early on and even forged ahead in the very 16th  minute of the match.  After a one-two with Solaimalai, Givson Singh lobbed the ball into the box and skipper Senthamil dived forward to head it into the goal past goalkeeper Deepak. 

In trying to curb their attacking intent, Kickstart gave away a freekick to Chennaiyin just outside the box on the left flank. Givson Singh took the award and produced a low curling right footer which settled into the net beyond Deepak’s reach.

But Kickstart came back with some efforts of their own to no avail. In the second half, they changed their combinations and it paid rich dividends. Substitute Muzamiri was a thorn in the Chennai team’s defence and repeatedly broke through. He tacked goalkeeper Devansh Dabas once but failed to fill an untenanted net. However, he provided a fine through pass form Edwin Rosario to slot home a low left footer into the net. Once they had reduced the margin, it was Kickstart all over the opponent defence. In trying to check Muzamiri, stopper Buiswas Yumnan sent the ball rocketing into his own net for an own goal in the 82nd minute.

Both came close to snatching the winner but the defences held firm as they trooped out with a point each. Kickstart top the group with four points with a win and a draw.

Sreenidhi Deccan FC were the dominant lot all along and scored once in each half to emerge winners.

It was Mungong who scored the first goal in the 21st minute pushing home from close following a goalmouth melee. They played relaxed football and made it 2-0 in the 61st as Velmurugan took off on the right and slotted home past custodian Lovepreet Singh. Sreenidhi Deccan also topped group C with four points from one win and a draw while Kenkre have lost both games so far.

Kickstart rally back to win 3-2 against Kerala United in Stafford Challenge Cup

KSFA Media

Kickstart Football Club began their Stafford Challenge Cup campaign in group D with a stunning 3-2 come from behind victory over Kerala United FC here on Friday. In the last game of the day, from Group C, Delhi FC got the better of Kenkre FC 1-0.

Kickstart were down 0-2 in the first half. A lob from Velayudhan was palmed away by goalkeeper Deepak S. but right on to the head of his stopper Rahul who as retreating. The ball struck him on his head and landed inside the net in the 13th minute.

Kerala United made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute when Akmal Shan put away a cross from Muhammed Fasal from close range.

Kickstart came up for the second half full of energy and enthusiasm. They built up a series of attacks and threatened the opponent goal from both flanks. Edwin Rosario went clear of the defence off a through pass from Ryan Wilfred. But he only hit wide. But a goal was imminent, and it duly came in the 55th minute when Edwin Rosario made amends and this time placed home Ryan Wilfred’s lob into the net over the head of the onrushing goalkeeper Mohammed Sinan. But Ryan himself muffed an open chance hitting wide. But in the 61st minute, it was 2-2 when Satish Kumar went in and banged home his left footer.

Once they restored parity, it was 3-2 when Muzamiri Mtanga dashed in and banged home a measured pass from Edwin Rosario. Once they hit the front, Kickstart never looked back and kept their opponents at bay to win and take home three points.

Delhi FC managed to score once and hold on to the lead.  They dominated play but had to wait till the 55th minute for the goal. Khyriem pieced together a fine pass form Gaurav Rawat to bang home a curling left-footer. Earlier, Lalrunzuala muffed a sitter placing ide despite an empty net staring him in the face. Though they attacked often, Kenkre FC did not manage to find the net and the confident Delhi FC held firm to hang on and gain full points.

 

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)

 

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.

 

Roots FC continue fine run, beat Eagles 2-0

Debutant Roots FC, continuing their fine run created another upset beating Eagles FC 2-0 in BDFA Super Division played at the Bangalore Football Stadium today. Earlier on the day, favourites Kickstart notched a five-goal win over Young Challengers.

Roots took lead in 20th minute from young and talented Vishal, Anirudh scored the second goal from a penalty in the later half. With 2 win and a draw, Roots FC look impressive on the points table. 

Kickstart in their usual style meant business right from the beginning. They were 2-0 in the first half. Emeka and Nikhil Raj both scored a brace and Sarath getting his name on the scoreboard. 

It is three-on-three for Kickstart and yet to concede a goal. 

File Pic

 

Kickstart rout BUFC, Deccan and Roots play 1-1 draw

Kickstart was seen in energetic form in their second round of BDFA Super Division League drubbing BUFC 6-0 at the Bangalore Football Stadium today. In the second match of the day, FC Deccan rally back to hold Roots FC 1-1 in a thriller. 

It was Princewill Emeka again who scored the bulk of goals for Kickstart today but not before Prashanth Kalinga opening the account in the 18th minute. The score was 2-0 in the first half. 

Abhishek Powar-56' made 3-0 after changing ends followed by two from Emeka thus completing his hattrick. 

Promising Nikhil Raj, who was loaned out to Indian Arrows and Odisha in previous two seasons respectively completed the sixth goal in the added time. 

The Roots FC versus FC Deccan game saw the latter pressing early in the game. Roots boys took time to settle down, they had to replace defender Afsal early in the game owing to an ankle injury, but defence held tight not allowing shots from the vicinity. 

While Deccan’s game was constructed mainly thru medio Shelton Nickson, their forward Lijith was troubling Root’s defence. 

Roots did manage to take control of the mid-field later in first half, they had couple of goal scoring opportunity one from a howler from opponent keeper. 

The half-time score read 0-0. 

Post lemon break saw, Roots taking charge having an urgency to score. They took lead in the 59th minute from a move that was orchestrated from defence. Nikhil controlling the ball from back gave to Amogh on the right flank, who in turn passed to Anirudh, the later played to Amogh. Anirudh again got the ball back and put on the back of the net. 

Roots joy did not long last. An inch perfect cross from Shelton reached Kaviarasan, whose free header was out of keeper Mani’s reach. There was no one from Roots defence seen following Kaviarasan’s jump. 

Roots injected three fresh players that resulted more attack from their end but could not convert to a goal.

Kickstart begin league with win over Deccan, Dream United and Kodagu settle for draw

Kickstart started their campaign with a 1-0 win over FC Deccan, while Dream United and Kodagu played 1-1 draw at the BDFA Super Division league played at Bangalore Football Stadium today. 

Princewill had his Puttaiah Memorial scoring boots on when his team faced Deccan in the afternoon. Even after having maximum control, Kickstart were unable to open the score in the game, which finally came from the Nigerian in the 83rd minute.

The game between Dream United FC and Kodagu FC saw the former, taking the lead in the 16th minute from talented player from Meghalaya Elvis Nongtdu. Kodagu was quick to equalize via Deepak Raj.

File Picture 

Parikrma, Kickstart FC win big in KWL

Playing with domination, superpowers Kickstart FC defeated Roots FC 9-0 at the second round of 5th KWL (Super Division) played at the Bangalore Football Stadium today. In the other two games played at the same venue, Parikrma girls thrashed Rebels Women's FC by 11 goals and Maatru Pratisthana overcame Pink Panthers late challenge with a 4-3 win. 

Kickstart FC versus Roots FC game saw the former taking lead in the 5th minute from an Aarushi goal. Attacking from both flanks, Kickstart girls kept Roots’ defence under pressure; kept scoring regularly in the first half. Roots girls just could not keep with the pace of Kickstart forwards and conceded few easy goals. 

Star striker Kaviya completed hattrick in the first half itself with Aarushi scoring her second. On the half time, score-line read 5-0 in favour of Kickstart FC. 

After changing ends, Roots FC combined well in defence, though the attacks were still coming from the Kickstart end, but Roots girls were resilient to thwart Kickstart assault. This was going well for Roots with occasional counters, however striker Sanjita was easily apprehended by Kickstart defence. 

Kickstart again came to scoring thanks to opponent’s silly defending. Roots defence crumbled further conceding 3 goals in last 8 minute. 

 

Kickstart begin title defence with 5-0 win against Maatru Pratishtana

Winner of the last three edition of KWL Super Division, Kickstart FC started their campaign this season with a bang defeating Maatru Pratishtana FC 5-0 at Bangalore Football Stadium today evening. Matru Pratishtana girls were down by two goals in the first half, after lemon break, Kickstart girls pumped thee more. 

In a keenly contested first game of the day, Super Division new comer Modern Girls FC beat another new comer Pink Panthers FC 5-3. The latter team took lead in 8th minute, however, Modern Girls dominated proceedings there on, they rallied back to equalize, and scored two more. Pink Panthers reduced one to make the score 3-2 for Modern in half-time. Modern Girls conceded after changing ends, but Mira Devi’s brace, sealed the fate on Pink Panthers. 

KWL will resume on Thursday, Aug 25 with the following matches: 
 - 12:00 PM: Rebels Women’s FC Vs Parikrma FC 
 - 2:00 PM: Maatru Pratishtana FC Vs Pink Panthers FC 
 - 4:00 PM: Kickstart FC Vs Roots FC 

KWL Super Division 5th edition kicks-off tomorrow

Karnataka State Football Association will kick-off its fifth edition of the Karnataka Women's League (KWL) Super Division 2022-23 season tomorrow, August 21. Three-time champs, Kickstart FC Karnataka will be looking to clinch the title for the 4th time in a row. 

Kickstart FC Karnataka, Misaka United FC, Kemp FC, Maatrupratishtana FC, Parikrma FC, Rebels Women's FC, Modern Girls FC, Pink Panthers FC, and Roots FC are the nine teams participating in this edition.

The best player for every match will receive a Rs 2000 voucher from Plaeto and Rs 1000 voucher from Barley & Grapes Cafe.

The league will be played in a single-leg round-robin format hence giving each team a minimum of 8 games. The tournament is scheduled to go on till October 10.

This season, all teams will be donning the #NoFoulPlay logo on the right hand sleeve of their jersey in support of indiscrimination, anti-sexism, and equality. The #NoFoulPlay campaign was launched recently under the aegis of KSFA.

In Sunday's opening matches Kemp FC will face Rebels Women's FC at 2:00 pm while Roots FC will face Misaka United FC at 4.00 pm.

 

Kickstart lift Puttaiah Memorial Cup

Kickstart started the 2022-23 season on a brilliant note by winning Puttaiah Memorial Cup played at the Bangalore Football Stadium this evening. Kickstart lost the inaugral game at the group stage but improved from then on, and peaked when it mattered the most. In the final today, Bangalore Eagles FC could hardly match up to their ability, and handed a 3-1 loss. 

I-League veteran, Princewill Emeka was quick enough to latch on a slow Eagles defense to give Kicstart an early lead. 

Eagles too had their share of chances after conceding, but their strikers lacked finesse and most often than not the ball landed in Kickstart defence.   

Just when everyone was hoping for an equilizer, central midfielder Ryan Wilfred with his astute football sense scored a goal. The game was only 28 minuted old and by then Kickstart we sitting pretty with a two-goal cushion. 

Eagles reduced the margin in the added time when Eagles striker Sanju Kumar was unnecessarily tripped down inside the box and defender Bhanu Prakash made no mistake to score from a penalty spot.   

Princewill was seen in action again after changing ends. Abhisekh, with his speedy run from the right flank floated for one Princewill, which the later made no mistake in putting the ball on the back of the net. 

Kickstart failed to score more despite making enough moves. Bangalore Eagles looked good but in patches and lacked the skill to match Kickstart in all department. 

Kickstart and Bangalore Eagles to play Puttaiah Memorial final

Bengaluru FC Media 

Kickstart put up a much better show in the knockout stage defeating ASC 2-1 in the first semi-final of Puttaiah Memorial. In the later semi-final, it was heartbreak Bengaluru FC Colts as they bowed with a shootout loss against Bangalore Eagles, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Tuesday. it was Goalless at the end of regulation time, Jan van Loon’s side went down 2-4 on penalties.

Bengaluru started on the front foot, creating multiple chances through Damaitphang Lyngdoh, Thoi Singh and Sudheer Kotikala. The Blue Colts came close to finding the opener in the 13th minute when Kotikala was put through on goal by midfielder Bekey Oram, but his shot rolled wide off the post. 

Minutes later, Kamalesh found Thoi Singh in the box, but the winger’s touch was too heavy and his shot was off-target. BFC came close on multiple occasions but couldn’t find the finishing touch against a stubborn Eagles backline. 

Into the second period, the Blue Colts sent on Monirul Molla and Amay Morajkar in place of Kamalesh Palanisamy and Lyngdoh, in an attempt to add more attacking impetus. Close to the hour mark, Lalpekhlua joined the fold. Bengaluru almost scored through an outrageous attempt when Monirul and Sudheer attempted overhead kicks at the same time, but the ball went over the crossbar. 

In the 75th minute, Lalpekhlua ran down the wing and broke into the 18-yard-box before putting in a low cross for Morajkar, who connected well with the ball, but saw his effort go wide. With five minutes left on the clock, Fanai found Lalpekhlua with a defence-splitting pass. The striker took a touch and struck it goalward, but the ’keeper was there to parry it away. 

The referee blew the whistle for full-time with both teams failing to break the deadlock, signaling penalties to decide the winner. Fanai and Amay failed to score from the spot, while the Eagles scored all their attempts, consigning Bengaluru to a semifinal exit. 

The Bangalore Eagles will face Kickstart FC in the final of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup.

Bengaluru boys go down 1-0 to Kickstart FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC suffered their  first defeat of the Puttaiah Memorial Cup against Kickstart FC, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Monday. The first half strike from Sharath Kumar (25’) was enough to see Kickstart pick up the victory.

In the earlier game played this noon, Roots FC defeated Kodagu FC 1-0. With Kickstart upsetting Bengaluru’s rhythm, both teams along with Roots FC from Zone B ended with 6 points. However, Bengaluru FC and Kickstart FC with a goal difference of +5 and +2 respectively made to the semis. Newbie Roots FC despite winning two games loose out by a small margin. 

It was a tight first twenty minutes, with both sides trying to break the deadlock. Bengaluru and Kickstart had their chances through routine set-pieces, but failed to make it count. Kickstart took the lead close to the half hour mark with a swift counter-attack. A quick run from Akshay saw him beat his man and put in a low cross for Sharath, who buried the opportunity.

The game was fought out in the middle of the park for majority of the first half before the referee blew the whistle for the break. Into the second half, the Blue Colts came out looking for an early equaliser, and almost found it through Akashdeep Singh, who was put through on by Bekey Oram, only for the linesman to raise his flag. 

The Blue Colts brought on Lalpekhlua, Lalhmingchhuanga, Ashik Adhikari and Monirul Molla in a bid to turn the game around. The substitutes pushed for an equaliser, but the Kickstart FC backline remained stubborn and kept the attackers at bay.

Bengaluru FC next face Bangalore Eagles in the semifinal, on 17th August, at the same venue.