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Bengaluru FC Media
BFC have completed the signing of former player Eugeneson Lyngdoh on a one-year deal, the club announced on Monday. The 32-year old midfielder once again joins the Indian Super League champions after a two-year stint with Kolkata-side ATK, who had signed the Shillong-born playmaker during the ISL draft in 2017.
A favourite among the supporters, Lyngdoh first joined Bengaluru FC in 2014 after stints with Meghalaya’s Shillong Lajong and Rangdajied United. Going on to become a vital part of the side under Ashley Westwood and then under Albert Roca, Lyngdoh scored some crucial goals for the Blues en route to winning three major trophies apart from helping the club to a maiden AFC Cup final in 2016.
“Ever since I first signed for Bengaluru FC I knew I was making the right decision. Now that I’m here again I want to relive those moments and create new ones. I'm looking forward to being back on the pitch and fighting for titles once again,” said an elated Lyngdoh who becomes the third Indian signing for the season after youngsters Prabhsukhan Singh Gill and Suresh Wangjam.
Bengaluru coach, Carles Cuadrat said he was delighted at having Lyngdoh back in BFC colours. “I have worked with Eugeneson before and I know the kind of influence he has on the dressing room. He is a good professional with good habits and I have no doubt about the fact that he will help the side improve and more specifically, the youngsters on the squad. He knows how we like to play, so we already have a head start with him,” said Cuadrat.
At Bengaluru, Lyngdoh scored 16 goals in 74 appearances in three seasons while winning the Federation Cup in 2014-15 and 2016-17 and the I-League in 2016-17. The creative midfielder even bagged the AIFF Player of the Year award for 2015.
Bengaluru FC Media
Bengaluru FC got their Federation Cup campaign off to a winning start but not without some drama as Albert Roca's men beat Shillong Lajong 3-2 at the Barabati Stadium, in Cuttack, on Monday.
Goals from Udanta Singh (35') and Eugeneson Lyngdoh (46') seemed to put the Blues in control before they conceded two penalties, one of which was put away. But Sunil Chhetri forced an own goal from Aiborlang Khongjee (74’) to give Bengaluru some breathing space to get the job done.
The Blues came close in as early as the second minute when Sandesh Jhingan saw his thumping header from a Cameron Watson corner come off the crossbar and bounce inches outside the goal line before the Lajong defence dealt with danger. The chance set the tone for the half and it was all Bengaluru then on.
Harmanjot Khabra and Udanta Singh were fantastic to watch in tandem down the right, sending in crosses that unsettled the Lajong defence. Bengaluru should have shot to a lead in the 33rd minute when Chhetri put Udanta through on goal with a perfect pass. But in looking to chip an onrushing Vishal Kaith, the young winger skewed his shot wide.
However, he needed only two minutes to set things right. Picking a pass close to 25 yards from goal, Udanta’s rasping drive took a deflection off Nimdorjee Tamang before looping past Kaith to give Bengaluru a lead they thoroughly deserved, one which Roca’s men took to the dressing room at half-time.
Bengaluru didn’t wait long after the restart to get a second when Eugeneson Lyngdoh rose to nod home Khabra’s cross in the 46th minute. Bengaluru were dealt a blow moments later when John Johnson, who picked up a knock, had to be replaced by Salam Ranjan Singh. Johnson’s withdrawal was followed by the introduction of Lenny Rodrigues in place of Cameron Watson, who had picked up a yellow for a foul in midfield.
Lyngdoh came close to scoring his second of the night as his swipe from distance produced a fine save from Kaith on the hour mark. Lajong had a chance to reduce the deficit when a handball from Jhingan prompted the referee to point to the spot but Asier Pierrick Dipanda’s effort from 12 yards was miscued.
Lajong made amends just moments later when a pass from midfield sent Kinowaki through on goal. The Japanese midfielder made no mistake as his deft lob beat Ralte to make it 2-1. The Blues though, had their two-goal cushion restored in the 74th minute when a cross from Chhetri found an off-balance Aiborlang Khongjee whose clearance went straight into the Lajong goal.
Lajong had a second penalty awarded in the 85th minute when a moment of hesitation from Ranjan caused the Blues’ centre-back to bring down Samuel Lalmuanpuia. The Lajong striker took over spot-kick duties and sent Ralte the wrong way to make it 3-2.
The introduction of Cornell Glen in place of Daniel added steel to the Blues’ attack as they pressed on for a fourth and shut down Lajong’s forays into the Bengaluru area.
Earlier, Roca rolled out a 3-4-2-1 with Daniel in attack while new signing Glen was named on the bench. First choice goalkeeper Amrinder Singh missed the game owing to a bout of fever as Ralte replaced him in the Blues’ goal.
Bengaluru next face DSK Shivajians at the same venue, on Wednesday, at 4 pm.
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.
Bengaluru FC Media
A late Bengaluru FC charge wasn't enough as Ashley Westwood's side went down 2-1 to Lao Toyota FC in their Group H opener of the AFC Cup, in Vientiane, on Wednesday.
Bengaluru found themselves a goal down in as early as the third minute through Kazuo Homma and a Phatthana Syvilay free-kick in the 35th minute made it 2-0 before half-time. The second half sending off of defender Moukda Souksavath turned the tide towards Bengaluru, who pulled one back in the 91st minute through CK Vineeth but it was too little too late for the Blues who should have done better in the box.
Earlier, Westwood, missing skipper Sunil Chhetri with an injury, started with Kim Song Yong, CK Vineeth and Beikhokhei Beingaichho in attack.
But before the Blues could settle down and string together a rhythm, Lao Toyota capitalised on a defensive lapse to grab the lead. Squirming out of the box from a muddle, Curtis Osano had the ball stolen from his feet by Itsuki Yamada who slid in the experienced Homma through and the seasoned Japanese striker obliged with the simplest of finishes.
But despite the early hiccup, Bengaluru regrouped rather quickly and had a couple of half chances. Being picked out by a pass from the middle, Vineeth beat the off-side trap before cutting back for Alwyn George who Bengaluru players thought was brought down before he could take a shot but referee Yu Ming Hsun would have none of it.
Just when Bengaluru were getting into some sort of a groove, Lao landed a blow through a free-kick that the Blues needlessly conceded. It started when Ralte's attempt to pick out Alwyn was intercepted forcing the 'keeper to charge out of his box to thwart the shot at goal. However, the Blues were livid after the assistant referee raised his flag for a handball while the ball had struck Ralte square in the stomach. Hsun waived off the angry protests before booking Ralte and awarding Lao with a free-kick five yards outside the box that eventually lead to the goal.
Westwood effected two changes at half time, bringing on Udanta Singh and Malsawmzuala for Beikhokhei Beingaichho and Alwyn. The injection of pace down the right quickly began causing Lao trouble and Bengalauru could have had a goal in the 51st minute when Udanta slid Collins in, only for the midfielder to shoot straight at Lao 'keeper Vathana Keodouangdeth.
The red card in the 65th minute gave Bengaluru time to capitalise on the man advantage and Westwood soon introduced striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia who played his first game for Bengaluru, in the 70th minute.
The last twenty minutes was all Bengaluru FC where Kim, Collins and Udanta, all had chances that they should have put away. The goal did come when Vineeth, slid in down the left, lost his man and shot past Vathana in the first minute of additional time. With four minutes of additional time to play for, Lalchhuanmawia had a flash at goal only to see it clip the shoulder of the post and fly out. A free-kick was the final throw of the dice for Bengaluru but the equaliser just wasn't meant to be.
The Blues return to the city where they host Aizawl FC on Sunday as action in the I-League resumes for Westwood's side.
BengaluruFC & AIFF Media
Eugeneson Lyngdoh and CK Vineeth scored on either side of the half as Bengaluru FC wrapped up their Pune tour with two wins from as many matches and joined Mohun Bagan at the top of the table with 28 points.
The Blues, who only two days earlier churned out a near-flawless performance in the 2-0 defeat of Pune FC, picked up from where they left as an answer to coach Ashley Westwood’s call to reproduce a similar show if three points were to be taken.
Lyngdoh’s strike in the 29th minute came when Sean Rooney intercepted a poor pass from Surajit Bose before teeing up the ball for the midfielder, who placed a peach of a strike past ’keeper Shahinlal Meloli from 20-yards out. The goal was a striking replica of the one Lyngdoh scored in the home tie that Bengaluru won 1-0.
Westwood started with an unchanged XI that took field in the 2-0 win against Pune FC on Tuesday while the only change on the bench was the inclusion of Robin Singh, back from serving a one-game suspension. Bharat, meanwhile, had a string of absentees owing to a combination of suspensions, injuries and a family emergency. But despite the goal, the half was an absorbing one where possession and attacks swapped hands swiftly. However, post the break was a different tale.
Ten minutes into the second half and Bengaluru struck again when CK Vineeth scored his second goal in as many games. Receiving the ball on the break and down the left, Rooney made a run before passing to Lyngdoh, in the box. Skipping the option to shoot, Lyngdoh squared the ball to Vineeth who drew Meloli out before turning and placing his shot calmly, making it 2-0.
With a two-goal cushion and Bengaluru completely in control, Westwood pulled off his goal scorers within a few minutes after the hour mark, replacing Lyngdoh and Vineeth with Robin and Sunil Chhetri. The changes added a fresh impetus to Bengaluru’s attacks and Robin came close to grabbing a brace of headers.
Midfielder Joshua Walker threw in a fantastic shift in his role ahead of the defence while the back four were clinical in stuffing out every half chance to make it two clean sheets in as many games.
Bengaluru next travel to Maldives on Sunday where they take on Maziya S&RC in a game, if they won, would send them to the pre-quarterfinal stages of the AFC Champions League.
AIFF & Bengaluru FC Media
Bengaluru FC after thrashing Sporting Clube three days ago meets their closest adversary Royal Wahingdoh tomorrow 7 pm at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.
Making debut in Hero I-League, Royal Wahingdoh have sprung surprise. They've displayed a good brand of football and tied with same points with BFC, the latter is ahead in head to head and goal difference.
Bengaluru gaffer Ashley sounded cautious, “They’ve been playing well, they are a confident side, got some excellent individual attacking players, don’t think too many would tick them off. Wahingdoh have beaten East Bengal and Pune, considered as top three teams this season.” He adds, “we need to play hard, be at our best, and try to get something!
The host gets a fully fit side despite of playing their third game in last eight days. Also, Shankar and Siam’s return from National U-23 side last night have boosted their strength. They will be training with the team today evening. Ashley reckons, “they might get into the squad if feel we need them.”
Ashley is perhaps still searching for the best attacking front as most of their goals have come from midfielders. “Our strikers have not clicked as much as we would have liked. We've not got the consistency as an out-an-out forward would have done. He assures, “We’re performing well as a team and that is taking away the pressure from the central forwards!”
Royal Wahingdoh, though termed as the giant killers, have received solid drubbing against Bengaluru FC at home.
Wahingdoh coach Santosh Kashyap rubbishes that the loss is in their mind. He states, “It was long back and we’ve moved on. Believe we are a much organized now, playing fantastic football, and confident. Kashyap quickly adds, “We are in a good run and up against a team who too are in an excellent run!”
“Though we lost against BFC by a big margin, but played a better game, that was not our day, ball hit the crosspiece thrice, and we conceded goals on counter attack. Our last two games have been exceptional, my boys executed what they’ve been taught, and as a coach what else you want!”
Kashyap is a highly promising coach, he is performing a very similar role like last season. He was the coach of Rangdajied United, a newly promoted I-League team last season and this season he’s with another debutante Hero I-League team Royal Wahingdoh. His association with this team from Shillong has been a real success story!
Kashyap admits he is a better coach now surrounded by talented players, who can quickly adapt the technique; the result has come out in a very short term. His strict instruction to his players is to keep their mind-off from top finish or relegation threat, and concentrate match by match.
Tomorrows match would also see local boy, team’s goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard in action. He represented Karnataka in various age groups - U-16, U-19, and U-21, and then had a two year stint with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Nikhil will be playing his first I-League match at his hometown tomorrow evening.
With medio Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s smart strike in the 77th minute, Bengaluru FC tasted their first home win in the Hero I-League by defeating Bharat FC.
Gaffer pulled no surprise this time in the Bengaluru starting lineup, successful trio of captain Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh, and Beikhokhei Bengcaichoo formed the attacking front. For Bharat FC, Rahim Nabi was making debut for his new club.
Bharat FC kicked-off from left to right. They could have gone ahead in the very first minute of the match - missed the chance of the season when Bengaluru FC defender Osano’s horrendous pass was collected by Lester Fernandes, which he relayed to striker Kris Bright, his shot went way outside the target. Visitors missed another scoring opportunity in 11th minute.
Bengaluru defense looked jittery often failing to clear the ball. However, captain Chhetri looked in good touch maneuvering from the mid field. In the first half, Bengaluru was controlling the game from the midfield, forcing 5 corners in quick succession.
Bharat FCs defense lead by captain Gourmangi Singh looked solid and Beninese international Roumald Boko gave stability in the midfield.
Second half started in a positive for host – Robin Singh missed to follow the ball inside the box, which could have resulted in a goal followed by another one from Eugenson in 58th minute.
The most important juncture came when Eugeneson footed the ball way outside the box, he took time to pick his spot and put the ball back of the net. The match came alive when a solo run from CK Vineeth missed the post by an inch.
Bharat FC failed to square up after making several attempts later in the game.
Goal scorer Lyngdoh was declared the Hero of the match!
