Bengaluru dominate Mumbai, lose points again

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC were left frustrated, this time against Mumbai FC at the Cooperage Stadium, in Mumbai, as they were held to a goalless draw once again. On a night when the Blues should have come away with three points, skipper Sunil Chhetri’s shot was cleared off the line while CK Vineeth and Daniel Lalhlimpuia saw shots come close to breaking the deadlock, but it just wasn’t to be.

Back from a two-game suspension, Juan Gonzalez replaced Sena Ralte in defence while Alwyn George earned a start ahead of Eugeneson Lyngdoh as Roca stuck to two changes from the side that drew at Aizawl on Wednesday.

While Mumbai relied on lumping the ball ahead only for Salam Ranjan Singh and Sandesh Jhingan to win every aerial duel, Bengaluru had more than a few spells of slick possession.

 The Blues best chance came from a counter where Alwyn, after exchanging passes with Udanta Singh, shot straight at Lakshmikant Kattimani when he should have picked a corner. Roca’s men had a chance to make amends within seconds when Udanta sent in a cross only for Daniel to head inches over the Mumbai crossbar.

Roca was forced into a substitution five minutes from the half when Amrinder Singh’s thigh, for which he received treatment early in the game, kept troubling the Blues’ shot stopper as Arindam Bhattacharya came on to mark his debut for the club since signing this summer.

Wanting to up the ante in attack after a first half that yielded no goal, Roca threw on CK Vineeth for Alwyn on the hour mark. With fresh feet and a bag of tricks, Vineeth came close soon after coming on. He waltzed past three yellow shirts, sneaked into the Mumbai box but shot wide. Only minutes later, playing off Chhetri’s smart dummy from a Watson pass, Vineeth shot straight at Kattimani where he should have looked to place the ball in.

But an under-pressure Daniel Lalhlimpuia missed the chance of the half in the 71st minute. Charging out to deal with a long ball played from the centre, Kattimani was left stranded on the edge of the box and with the ball at Lalhlimpuia’s feet. The young striker, looking to make the most of an open net but with yellow shirts on his back, ended up shooting wide.

Bengaluru looked to have got the lead they had been chasing all evening when Chhetri, deftly turning to lose his man in the box, shot on target and past Kattimani only for defender Djelaludin Sharityar to turn up with a save on the goal line. Lyngdoh, who came on for Lalhlimpuia, shot wide in the 87th minute after he was picked out by a perfect cross from Udanta.

The draw leaves the Blues at fourth on the League table, with 13 points from nine games. Roca’s men next face East Bengal at the Kanteerava Stadium on 25th February.

Bengaluru pressing for turnaround as Mumbai FC stand in way

Bengaluru FC Media

Albert Roca said he hoped for a drastic change in luck to compliment the kind of football Bengaluru FC have been playing as the Blues take on Mumbai FC at the Cooperage, in Mumbai, on Saturday. Winless in five games now, Bengaluru FC have often found themselves on the short end of fortune to share points in games they should have comfortably won.

“It’s frustrating for sure to control large parts of the game and then come away with a point. But that’s football and like I have been saying, it’s important to keep any negativity away. We back the kind of quality we have and we will need to show it against Mumbai,” he said.

Bengaluru come into this game on the back of three straight draws and the Sunil Chhetri-led side will have to be more clinical with the chances they have been creating in attack if the trend has to be bucked.

The game also marks the first of the reverse legs for the Blues this season. CK Vineeth scored the first hat-trick in the club’s history when Mumbai came to the Kanteerava in January and Bengaluru will hope the striker, who hasn’t scored since then, finds form in front of goal.

Mumbai, meanwhile, are struggling with a winless streak of their own, having gone on to lose five straight games after the 3-0 defeat in Bengaluru. The Santosh Kashyap-coached side picked their first points since then after playing out a goalless draw against Mohun Bagan on Wednesday and find themselves above only Churchill Brothers on the points table.

But much has changed for Mumbai in terms of their squad since they last played Bengaluru. Four foreign singings in Densill Theobald, Djelaludin Sharityar, Alex Willian and Anderson da Silva have joined Kashyap and showed in glimpses against Bagan what they bring to the side.

“Like us, Mumbai too have been chasing a win for some time now and that is what makes them dangerous. They have even added four foreigners who look experienced and that changes a lot from the last time we played them,” said Roca.

In what is surely some respite for Roca, who has missed key players owing to injury and suspensions, central defender Juan Gonzalez has made the trip to Mumbai having served his two-game ban and will add some much needed strength to a Blues defence that has had a few weak moments in the recent past. John Johnson, however, continues his rehabilitation after fracturing a rib and will miss out on Saturday.

The game kicks off at 7 pm and will be telecast on Ten 2. 

Vineeth’s hat-trick moves Blues to the top

AIFF Media

The battle between the Blues and Yellows, Bengaluru FC (BFC) and Mumbai FC (MFC), the top and third placed team in Hero I-League played at the Kanterava Stadium ended in one-sided affair, with hosts thrashing MFC 3-0. Star from Kerala, CK Vineeth scoring all three, first hat trick for the Bengaluru FC.  

BFC gave start to CK Vineeth and Nishu Kumar for the first time in this edition of I-League. MFC sported an all-Indian team having two former BFC player in Thoi Singh and Siam Hanagal in their lineup. 

Both teams looked confident at the start – BFC relying on a pressing game and their opponent counter attack, also resorting to physical game. 

While the majority of the chances in the first half were created by the Bengaluru, but Mumbai were no pushovers, creating chances from the right-flank via former-international Steven Dias.   

The script so far looked very similar to BFC’s previous match. 

In the one minute of added time, just when everyone thought the first-half will end goal-less, host scored. Udanta played to Cameroon Watson, which the defender horribly missed, CK Vineeth was there at the top to bang the ball inside the goal. 

Vineeth again came back in action after changing end. This time from a Khabra’s cross, which the former smashed home. The cross from Khabra apparently looked harmless, with no one marking Vineeth, MFC defense made a complete mess of the situation. 

Vineeth completed his hat trick in the 65’ minute from an identical combination with Harmanjot Khabra. Keeper Laxmikant Kattimani, who failed to follow Vineeth’s turn, fell short, while the ball went past him. 

Post third goal, Bengaluru was all over and Mumbai FC couldn’t match their performances from last two Hero I-League fixtures.

CK Vineeth was adjudged the Hero of the Match. 

Nail-biter on card as blues take on nemesis Mumbai FC

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

With the sole intent of consolidating the good start, Hero I-League title contender Bengaluru FC (BFC) take on Mumbai FC (MFC) tomorrow at the Sree Kanterava Stadium, Bengaluru. 

Both teams have made a perfect start to their league campaign – BFC winning both their home ties convincingly and MFC winning a home and away. Bengaluru tops the points table with a better goal difference. 

MFC have always been a hard nut to crack for the champions. In the last three editions of I-League, they’ve manage to beat them only once, that is last year at home. 

Roca, whose two timely substitutions in the last match paid rich divided sounded cautious. He said, “After two wins, they’ll come stronger mentally and they have enough talents to put us in trouble, but we’re ready for a hard battle.”  

Thoi Singh and Karan Sawney, two former BFC men have truly prospered for Mumbai in the last match. 

Bengaluru have signed few Indian players lately - Lenny, Harmanjot Khabra, and Mandar Rao Dessai among them have featured in the starting eleven. 

According to Roca, “It is not easy for the new players to understand the philosophy of the new club from the first week. What I want from them is to be at par with the existing team at the earliest. But we have to give them time for that.” 

“We are trying to build a superior team, this team is under construction, we’re adjusting things, and not completed yet!” added coach. 

Roca is completely aware of opponents’ strength, which is speed. They have a good forward in Victorino Fernandes, he plans to cut the supply of long balls. 

BFC’s philosophy is to build the game from behind against MFC’s counter attack theory. So for Roca it is important not to lose the ball and give Mumbai the opportunity to counter attack.
Bengaluru would want to bag full points before they play a difficult away game against East Bengal this weekend. 

The Essel Group-owned MFC is trained by Santosh Kashyap, a shrewd coach capable of upstaging the big-wigs! 

Talking to the media, coach sounded positive, “Great start for us in I-League, our players have put in the best effort, and team is high on confidence.” 

Kashyap is targeting for a top three finish. “I have great respect for BFC, we are going to meet the strongest opponent. Believe tomorrow’s match is going to be a championship match for us.” he adds.   
Mumbai will take the field sans foreigners, owing to transfer formalities, which is yet to be completed.

Kashyap is content with his current batch, “I believe in Indian players and they have responded positively in such a short span of time. Boys have been fantastic on home as well as away matches.” 
“I have trust and confidence in them; they are doing good job!” adds the Mumbai-based coach who believes in playing attacking style of football. 

The match is scheduled at 7 pm and will be telecast live on TEN2.

Chika Wali to join Ozone FC

If sources are to be believed, football fans of the Garden City might see another top footballer playing in the namma city. Nigerian central defender, a veteran in Indian domestic football scene, Chika Wali is set to join  Ozone Football Club, Bengaluru. 

Playing his 10th season in India, Chika has earlier played for various I-League teams like Pune FC, United Sports, Salgaocar, and Mumbai FC. 

Bengaluru FC break Mumbai jinx via Daniel Lalhlimpuia goal

AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media

Maintaining pressure all through the second half, Bengaluru FC defeated Mumbai FC 1-0 from a Daniel Lalhlimpuia goal at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Bengaluru have been a bogey team to Mumbai FC. The outcome of the Kolkata derby also worked in favor of Bengaluru, provided an added incentive to outperform Mumbai FC. 

Eugenson made a comeback today after staying out for more than 2 months owing to injury but Captain Sunil Chettri had sit out for his injury. 

Bengaluru pressed and gained corner in the very first minute, followed by a couple in the next 10 minutes. However none gave way to goal.

For Mumbai FC, medio Eric Brown was controlling the middle, something that Bengaluru was missing most of the time in the first half. Few positive attack from Bengaluru centered on Kim Song kept the Mumbai keeper busy. 

In the 30th minute Pawan Kumar, who turned for Bengaluru until few seasons ago came out of the charge chasing the ball, collided with rushing Kim Song, and conceded a free kick from the good position. Eugune’s low trajectory kick was timely rescued by Mumbai defense. 

Vineeth made some valiant runs but lacked the final touch. Half-time ended in a draw. 

Post lemon break, Osano tripped Taisuke Matsugae from behind, which earned a free kick at the top of the box and a caution from the referee. Eric Brown’s kick did not do any good for his team. 

It was all Bengaluru FC after the first few minutes in the second half. 

They lost an opportunity in the 58th minute from a constructive run from Seiminlen that went for Vineeth, the latter’s attempt on the goal was blocked by keeper, Kim on follow up set for Thoi and was blocked again. 

The ah-moment went on for few more minutes originating again from Seiminlen. Another chance went begging for Bengaluru as the combination of Seiminlen and Vineeth could not see the goal from the melee. 

Substitution by gaffer Ashley Westwood in quick succession gave Bengaluru the much-needed goal. An attacking Udanta scooped the ball inside the box for Vineeth, Mumbai FC keeper made the mistake of the match by letting the ball go, Vineeth pulls the ball for Daniel, who neatly places the ball to the back of the net. 

With today's win, Bengaluru FC leapfrogged Kingfisher East Bengal to the second spot in the league table with 25 points. Bengaluru FC have started sensing the title with Mohun Bagan going down to their arch rivals Kingfisher East Bengal in the other match today. Either of the two Kolkata outfits and Bengaluru FC, who are separated by only 2 points among them, can lift the coveted silverware at the end of the Hero I-League season.

Bengaluru seek vengeance over Mumbai FC

AIFF Media
I-League Media 

Keeping the focus to claim the top spot in the Hero I-League, Bengaluru FC meet Mumbai FC tomorrow at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. 

The encounter can be fairly termed as a high-stake match with Mumbai FC turning out Bengaluru’s nemesis, the later never defeated Mumbai in I-League. and the away match earlier this season turned out to be a 0-2 drub. 

Bengaluru FC preparation for tomorrow’s match is just like any other game, feels Gaffer Ashley Westwood. On the injury front, Eugeneson Lyngdoh is back to full fitness, both physically and mentally, and he is in contention for starting eleven. 

“We need to see where Eugene stands for the game. Sunil Chhetri had an injury before he went for the National Camp, that’s the reason he did not feature in the match against Turkmenistan. We’re assessing him on a day-to-day basis, it is not a long term injury, we’ll see how it is, if he stay enough focused, then he’ll play, if not, he won’t.” added Ashley. 

Mumbai FC, represented by Manager and Assistant Coach, Henry Picardo in the pre-match press conference stressed the importance of tomorrows match. Mumbai had a decent break, which helped in players’ recovery. 

Mumbai FC started their Hero I-League on a fantastic note but failed to carry on the momentum. 

“We got a very good team on paper, unfortunately we had a lot player injuries, which is quite obvious in a league. That was a major setback for us. But for tomorrow we have a full strength squad” mentioned Henry. Their key players Taisuke Matsugae, Min-chol Son, and Ijumi Arata suffered injuries. 

Gaffer termed the loss against Mumbai FC as freak, “Bengaluru played for the first time at Cooperage ground. Though we had the majority possession, we conceded to early goals, which made us difficult to come back to the game.” 

He looked content with the progress of the Hero I-League, “Several teams are coming up now and there will be lot of twists and turns. What we can do best is to win our next game.” Ashley sums up, “As long as we keep the season alive, I’ll be happy!”

Mumbai FC Manager is not ready to bask on the fantastic record his team enjoys against the Steelmen. He further added, “We barely keep statistics in our mind while playing a match. Whatever happened earlier is now behind us. We only focus on our next game, and the one that is important for us is the game against Bengaluru tomorrow. 

Talking about the new-found rivalry between Bengaluru and Mumbai, Henry sounded enthusiastic, “There has to be rivals - rivalry between clubs and their fans. This is needed to prosper football in our country. Since last year this has been a key point. We have come here, there will be loud Bengaluru fans, when we played at home, there were Mumbai FC fans.  

Mumbai FC hands first defeat to Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC crashed to their first defeat of the season after a pair of goals from Arata Izumi (5) and Minchol Son (11) gave Mumbai FC a 2-0 win at the Cooperage.

Bengaluru got off to the worst possible start when a stroke of luck saw Arata hand the hosts a lead in the 5th minute. A scramble in the box that the Bengaluru defence failed to get rid of allowed the ball to fall to Arata. The midfielder’s shot took a big deflection and rolled past a wrong-footed Lalthuammawia Ralte to make it 1-0.

It took only seven more minutes before the Blues conceded another freak goal, this time the ball catching defender Son’s outstretched leg and looping over Ralte, who was off his line, from 35 yards out.

Looking to wipe out the deficit, Bengaluru began stitching moves in the final third only to carelessly give away possession. Curtis Osano had a brilliant moment in the 17th minute when he set off on a run through the middle that saw the defender beat as many as four Mumbai players only to see his strong shot on target being saved by a diving Pawan Kumar.

Westwood, in a bid to swing things around, started the second half with two changes – Udanta Singh and Thoi Singh for Sunil Chhetri and Alwyn George. And both the substitutes had the best chances of the second half only to inexplicably fire wide from close after working themselves into good positions.

Bengaluru were forced into a change after Eugeneson Lyngdoh limped off following a rash tackle from Mumbai defender Shrikant Ramu. With 18-year-old Malsawmzuala partnering Shankar Sampingiraj, Bengaluru switched flanks to deliver some good crosses into the area but were unable to apply the finishing touch as Mumbai held on for a win.

The defeat does not change the way the table looks with Bengaluru still leading with 9 points from 4 games but Westwood’s boys would do well to shrug off the setback as they travel to Kolkata where they play East Bengal on Saturday.

Confident Bengaluru FC take on Mumbai

Bengaluru FC Media   

Bengaluru FC will look to build on a perfect start to the season and break a trend when they take on Mumbai FC at the Cooperage, in Mumbai, on Wednesday. The two teams have met four times in the League and have always ended up sharing the spoils – a habit the Blues will be keen to change.

Westwood couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new season as his boys made it three wins in as many games after beating Shillong Lajong 3-0 at the Kanteerava on Sunday, to go top of the table. While the defence was impregnable, Westwood’s strike combination of CK Vineeth and Kim Sing Yong justified the gaffer’s pairing of them, grabbing the goals against the team from the hills.

“Kim being physical and Vineeth being in good form and using his pace to link together is a good partnership. Udanta and Sunil can also play in those positions. At the minute, Vineeth and Kim are doing well but we definitely have more options in that respect,” said Westwood following his side’s victory.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Josimar da Silva were on target in a 1-1 draw between the two sides at the Cooperage Stadium last season and a good result on Wednesday will be the perfect injection for BFC who travel straight to Kolkata where they play East Bengal on Saturday. The gaffer maintained that the Blues will look to take on the hectic schedule with positivity.

“It’s important to win every game. We have a tough schedule ahead of us as we play six games in the next twenty days which is unheard of. We have four away fixtures in our first five games as well but we’re looking to stay positive and get good results,” said Westwood ahead of the game.

Mumbai, on the other hand, are coming off a win themselves, having downed Salgaocar 2-1 at home earlier on Sunday and with five points from three games, are yet to taste defeat this season.

The game kicks-off at 7 pm and will be telecast live on Ten Action. 

Bengaluru yet again fail to check Mumbai FC

Bengaluru FC failed to capitalize their domination against Mumbai FC, conceded a second half goal, finally salvaged their pride by Robin Singh's late equalizer goal, and the match ended in 1-1 draw.

Bengaluru gaffer Ashley Westwood deployed rotation today, which was understandable as his team was playing third game in the spate of eight days. He pitched Shankar in the starting eleven, also replaced a couple of players from the last match - Robin Singh and Lalchhuannmawia for Udanta Singh and Keegan Perreira respectively. 

BFC dominated the proceedings all through the first half. Mumbai FC without midfielder Taisuke Matsuage lacked creativity in the midfield; lone striker Joshimar Da Silva rarely poised any threat in Bengaluru defense. 

Bengaluru forced few set-pieces in quick succession, but couldn't make anything out of it.40’ almost scored from a goalmouth melee, Mumbai’s packed defense cleared the ball to the corner. One more in the 45th minute from a Eugenson looping freekick  

Second half started in a similar fashion, forced a couple of corners in the first minute but with goal scoring no luck. 

Much to everyone’s surprise, Mumbai FC took the lead in 69th minute via central defender Rahul Beke’s header from a corner. 

Minutes later, it was the same Beke in action when he handled the ball just outside the outside the box, however, Bengaluru failed to score again. 

Equalizer came from Robin Singh in the 88th minute, replacing Sunil Chhetri, he was at the right spot receiving Joshua Walker’s corner kick, which came to his way from John Johnson’s header. 

Few minutes and hero Robin got eliminated from the game by receiving marching order from referee Ranjit Bakshi. The tall striker fouled Mumbai FC defender Chika Wali in their box. 

Bengaluru keen to restore winning ways

AIFF and Bengaluru FC Media 

After a 6-0 drubbing in their last match against Shillong Lajong FC at home, Mumbai FC meet host Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium tomorrow. Bengaluru, missing three full points against Royal Wahingdoh at home are keen to restore winning ways. 

Would the big-margin loss help Bengaluru to rattle his opponent? 
Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood’s reply, “Not really, obviously that’s a big score line, we haven’t seen the match, but trust it must have been one of these odd days, else they are one of consistent side in this league.”

Asked about the expectation from tomorrow’s game considering the gap getting wider on the top with Mohun Bagan literally on a rampage. Gaffer Ashley’s reply was apparent, “We play every game and we try to win it, this would be no different!” He added, “We need to concentrate on ourselves, we are capable of winning the remaining eight games. We’ll be over there at the top. We need to keep going and see where it takes us. 

With I-League coming at Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai after many season, Mumbai FC have been a consistent team at home. The much improved Mumbai outfit held Bengaluru 1-1 at home thanks to some outstanding keeping from Nidhin Lal. 

Coming out from a bad game, Mumbai FC must need motivation. Coach Khalid Jamil has been a worried man with a big challenge ahead to keep the morale of the team high. 

Another worry for the visitors is in Japanese mid-fielder Taisuke Matsugae - injured and a doubtful starter for tomorrow's match.

Khalid sounded calm, “forgot the result of our last match, we need to start afresh.” He added up, “Be it one point or three points, we will play positive football!”

Mumbai 'Keeper Nidhin Lal denies Bengaluru an away win

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC played out a 1-1 draw in a match they deserved to win after a man of the match performance from Mumbai FC 'keeper Nidhin Lal denied the Blues victory at the Cooperage Stadium, in Mumbai. Eugeneson Lyngdoh gave Bengaluru FC a much-deserved lead with a peach of a strike in the 31^st minute but his goal was cancelled out by a header from Mumbai striker Josimar Da Silva on the other side of the break.

Bengaluru started from the word go with shots from Lyngdoh and Beikhokhei Beingaichho saved by the stubborn Lal in the opening stages of the game. Ashley Westwood's men had their best chance to break the deadlock when left-back Keegan Pereira's pass forward was controlled well by Sean Rooney in the box. The Australian, off the back of two-goal performance against Sporting Clube de Goa, managed to turn his marker and get a shot away, only to see it palmed away by Lal.

Just past the half hour mark, a touch of class from Lyngdoh was able to finally shake the Mumbai net. Getting on the end of a long ball, Rooney controlled well and passed back to Lyngdoh, who wrapped his foot around the ball to send it curling into the frame. In doing so, the 28-year-old added another spectacular goal to his kitty with a strike that even the on song Lal couldn't keep out.

Having claimed a well deserved lead, Bengaluru were relentless in their pursuit of a second goal. Moments later, Rino Anto's deflected cross fell to the path of BFC skipper Sunil Chhetri, whose pile-driver of an effort seemed destined to hit the net but for Lal's fingertips yet again.

The Blues started the second half with similar intensity but it was the home side that took the lead against the run of play. Mumbai defender Ashutosh Mehta curled a ball into the Blues area that was headed past a hapless BFC 'keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte.

Bengaluru, urged by their travelling support, sent in attack after attack only to see them thwarted away by Lal one after the other. Past the hour mark and looking healthy in possession once again, Beikhokhei sent a curling ball into a dangerous area but Chhetri's diving header was collected by the Mumbai custodian.

But, perhaps the Blues' best opportunity of the second half came in injury time when defender Curtis Osano ran out his half to win the visitors a free-kick in a dangerous area. With seconds left, Pereira sent in another searching ball that was met by a thumping header from Rooney. As was the case for most parts of the game, a diving save from Lal dented the Australian’s hopes of scoring the winner and with it denied the Blues a second consecutive win away from home.

BFC next travel to Indonesia where they face Warriors FC on March 10 in the second group game of the AFC Cup.

Improved Mumbai FC take on confident Bengaluru at home

AIFF Media 
 
Mumbai FC will be hoping to build on their winning run when they meet defending champions Bengaluru FC in a Round 9 match of the Hero I-League at Cooperage on Tuesday. 

Bengaluru, who come into this match with a morale-boosting 3-1 win over Sporting Clube de Goa, will be hoping to go to the top of the table for the first time this season with a win over Mumbai. Ashley Westwood’s side, however, will have their task cut-out against a rampaging Mumbai.

Mumbai have looked a completely different side since returning to Cooperage after five years. After a forgettable start to the season, they have stayed unbeaten in their last four games, climbing from the bottom place in the league to sixth right now.

It’s also the first time Mumbai FC have won three consecutive matches since 2010, when they beat Mohun Bagan, Air India and Pune FC. Back then, they notched up their fourth win in a row by defeating HAL and Mumbai would be hoping to repeat the feat they achieved five years ago.

But their opponents on Tuesday are no pushovers. In sharp contrast to their home form, Bengaluru have been confident travellers, scoring more goals and conceding fewer while on road as compared to while playing at home. To Westwood’s relief, their key man up front Sean Rooney scored twice in the win over Sporting Clube, signalling his return to form. Combined with Sunil Chhetri, Bengaluru’s attack will provide a tough test for Khalid Jamil’s side.

Westwood said he was not concerned of playing on the artificial turf at Cooperage. “We seem to be doing quite well on artificial pitches so that doesn’t matter. It’s one of the better pitches we have played on – soft and cushioned. We do not have any fitness concerns and will hopefully get the job done tomorrow,” Westwood said.

But the hosts are confident of another solid performance by their defence. Mumbai’s biggest strength has been their robust defence – central defenders Justin Stephen and Chika Wali have the most number of clean sheets amongst defenders and Nidhin Lal with the maximum clean sheets among the goalkeepers.

Midfielders Jayesh Rane, Taisuke Matsugae and the rest have controlled the proceedings with authority and striker Josimar da Silva has been impressive in the last two outings.

Khalid Jamil’s side has used their superior physicality to its advantage so far but they will be tested by an equally physical side that Bengaluru is. “They are a stronger side physically and mentally. We need to play better to beat them,” Jamil said.