Nishu Kumar, Semboi Haokip sign new two-year contracts for Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

Defender Nishu Kumar and striker Thongkhosiem Haokip have signed new two-year contracts, keeping them with Bengaluru FC till the end of the 2020 season, the club announced on Tuesday.

While the duo was used sparingly in the Indian Super League by former coach Albert Roca, they were key to Bengaluru’s AFC Cup campaign where the Blues made the knock-out stages for the fourth straight season.

Nishu, who joined the club in 2015, scored a vital 90th minute winner in the group stage game against New Radiant at the Kanteerava and finished the Blues’ season with a fantastic brace away to Abahani Dhaka where Roca’s boys sealed qualification to the next round of the Cup.

“I am delighted to extend my stay at a club where I have grown with every passing training session. I’ve had to fight for my chances this season and that’s always a good sign because you’re working harder than you would have. The management, coaching staff, dressing room and the fans have always been so supportive of me and I think this was an easy decision to make,” said Nishu who turns twenty-one later this year.

Haokip, who was picked in the ISL draft back in July 2017, played a key role in a season where Roca rotated his squad heavily owing the fixture pile up. Playing nine games in the Asian campaign of 2018, Haokip struck three goals in the qualifying stages, which included a match winning brace in the play-off stage game against TC Sports Club from Maldives as Bengaluru booked a berth in the group stages of the competition. 

[AFC Cup] Must win game for Bengaluru against Abahani; hoping for favor from Aizawl against New Radiant

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC will hope for the rub of the green to go their way at more than one venue on Wednesday, when they take on Abahani Limited Dhaka, at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, in Bangladesh, in their final Group E game of the 2018 AFC Cup.

Albert Roca’s men need a win while hoping Aizawl FC claim a point or more against New Radiant SC in Group E’s other fixture, if they are to stand a chance of qualifying for knock-out stages of the Cup for a fourth successive year. Meanwhile, the Maldivian side simply need to match Bengaluru FC’s result, as a better goal difference in the head-to-head comparison between the two sides will pull New Radiant through.

“It’s true that we are in a position where a win may not be enough to qualify, but it has been made clear to the players that we have to remain focused on the task ahead. We cannot take Abahani (Limited Dhaka) lightly, as they are a team with some good players and we have seen that in our travels here before,” said Roca, speaking to the press on the eve of the clash.

Bengaluru’s only previous visit to Dhaka ended in defeat to the Bangladeshi side in the group stages of last year’s AFC Cup campaign with late goals from Saad Uddin and Rubel Miya handing Roca’s men a 2-0 loss. In a more recent meeting between the sides, Daniel Lalhlimpuia scored a 72nd minute winner at the Kanteerava Stadium in March as the Blues began their continental campaign.

The Saiful Bari Titu-coached Abahani side are out of contention for the knockout stages and have won just one of their five games so far this campaign, a 3-0 away victory in Aizawl - their only win across all competitions in the last four months - but Roca believes there is no room for complacency.

“We have always had close games against Abahani Dhaka, as they are difficult to break down and play a different style of football. The conditions in Bangladesh are also quite different from what we are used to, so we will have to be wary if we are to do well and take anything away from this game,” the Spaniard said.

Bengaluru were dealt a late blow when winger Boithang Haokip suffered an injury that kept him out of the traveling squad while right-back Nishu Kumar has joined the team from Kolkata, where he was in action with the club’s reserve squad against Mohammedan Sporting in the 2nd Division League. Meanwhile, Abahani will be missing the services of midfielder Mohammad Fahad, along with the Nigerian duo of attacker Sunday Chizoba and defender Ndukaku Alison who are all suspended.

The game in Dhaka kicks off at 7.15 pm local time (6.45 pm IST) and can be streamed live on the AFC Cup Facebook page. 

Bengaluru squad for 2017 AFC Cup knockout stage

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced their 25-man list for the 2017 AFC Cup knockout rounds as Albert Roca’s men prepare to take on North Korean side April 25 SC, at the Kanteerava Stadium, in a week's time. The new-look squad sees as many as fourteen new faces following the Indian Super League draft, and features two graduates from the Blues’ residential youth academy in Bellary.

Australian midfielder Erik Paartalu, along with Spaniards Toni Dovale and Dimas Delgado join defender Juanan Gonzalez to make up the Blues’ foreign contingent for the knockout rounds and Roca believes his side is ready for the task ahead.

“We’ve had very little time to prepare but the trip to Spain has been good exposure for the boys. We’ve tested ourselves against good opposition and this is the squad that we’ve been able to put together. We have a week more to prepare and I believe the boys will be ready for the challenge,” said Roca.

However, defensive mainstay John Johnson is set to miss the rest of the Blues’ 2017 AFC Cup campaign owing to personal commitments. The Englishman had joined the Blues for pre-season in Spain and though his absence in the 2017 AFC Cup will be a blow, Roca believes that his players will step up to the occasion.

“Johnson’s absence is a massive blow for us, but we are aware of his situation and it was the right decision to make for us to let him be at home. It is unfortunate for us, but his return for the club’s ISL campaign will be a boost,” he added.

The squad also features BFC academy graduates Leon Augustine and Prashanth Kalinga, who impressed Roca in pre-season with the club, as they took on FC Cartagena, UCAM Murcia CF and Baniyas Club.

The first leg of the Blues’ Inter Zonal semifinal against April 25 SC is set to kick off at the Kanteerava Stadium, on August 23rd with the return leg slated to played at the May Day Stadium, in Pyongyang, on September 13th.

FULL SQUAD 

Goalkeeper: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Abhra Mondal, Calvin Abhishek.

Defense: Rahul Bheke, Subhasish Bose, Zohmingliana Ralte, Collin Abranches, Joyner Lourenco, Juanan Gonzalez, Nishu Kumar, Prashanth Kalinga.

Midfield: Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, Antonio Dovale, Boithang Haokip, Lenny Rodrigues, Alwyn George, Harmanjot Khabra, Malsawmzuala, Robinson Singh.

Forward: Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Leon Augustine.

Chhetri’s brilliance takes Bengaluru to AFC Cup knock-out stage

Bengaluru FC Media

A Sunil Chhetri moment of magic, one like he's produced ever so often in high-stake games, sent Bengaluru FC to the knock-out stages of the AFC Cup for a third straight season when the Blues beat Maziya S&RC 1-0 at the Kanteerava Stadium, on Wednesday.

Chhetri's goal in the 57th minute, an elegant free kick from 20 yards out after Juanan Gonzalez was brought down, took Bengaluru level on points (12) with Group E leaders Maziya but sent the Federation Cup champions through by virtue of a better head-to-head record over the Maldivian side.

The talismanic skipper, who had his Federation Cup campaign cut short in the group stages with a muscle injury, handed the Bengaluru camp a massive boost when he was announced fit to play by Roca at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday. And Chhetri showed the tricks he brings to parties like these with a sweetly hit take.

Earlier, the Blues had a lucky escape in the 17th minute when Aleksandar Rakic saw his header from an Ali Samooh cross crash into the post. But that chance apart, The Maldivian side didn’t care to venture into Bengaluru’s attacking third, choosing to firmly park the bus instead.

In what was a frustrating first half for Bengaluru, Roca’s men created a host of half chances but Maziya, defending in numbers, did just about enough to keep danger at bay and keep it goalless at half time.

Needing a goal to keep hopes of qualifying alive, Maziya threw numbers in attack and almost conceded on the counter from the Blues as Lyngdoh set up Daniel through with only the ’keeper to beat but the striker lost his footing and possession with it.

The Blues made sure to run the clock down by clinging onto the ball as much as possible, progressing from the group stages of the AFC Cup for a third consecutive season, this time to go on and take part in the South Zone Inter Zone Playoff Semifinal.

Bengaluru look to keep momentum going against DSK

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

The business end of the Hero I-League at the Garden City will witness the winner of the previous edition, Bengaluru FC hosting DSK Shivajians tomorrow at the Sree Kanterava Stadium, Bengaluru. 

While the primary focus will be on the hills at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl where the front-runners of Hero I-League, Aizwal FC and Mohun Bagan will be battling it out, and probably winner of the Hero I-League title will be decided, the significance of the Bengaluru versus DSK match would be to maintain the winning form - both teams won their respective last round I-League matches.  

After winning two I-League tiles and finishing another one by a whisker, this edition of I-League must have been a disappointing one for the Steelmen. Out of League contention, they are making amends of their poor start in the League. With a couple good wins in the previous two rounds of I-League complemented by top performance in AFC Cup Group league stage, they stand a bright chance of finishing among top three in the I-League. 

The Pune-based corporate team Shivajians increased East Bengal’s woes by defeating them at their home on last Sunday. Arguably, a top performance, considering they’ve won only three matches playing 15 games prior to that. With three teams in 17 points, they would definitely like garner away points and take the sixth spot in the points table. 

DSK’s Keeper and Indian national player Subrata Paul was brilliant under the bar as he thwarted several of East Bangal attacks. A form that he would like to carry tomorrow. 

The match is scheduled at 7:05 pm and will be telecast live on Ten2 television channel.

Bengaluru keen to turn corner with Minerva challenge

Bengaluru FC Media 
AIFF Media

Albert Roca said he was confident his Bengaluru FC side would dig deep and turn up with the goods as they begin a key month of football with a trip to Jalandhar to take on Minerva Punjab FC at the Guru Nanak Stadium, on Sunday. The Blues travel to Chennai next before hosting Mohun Bagan twice in a span of four days in the League and the AFC Cup and Roca felt that there was no better time than now to get what’s been a difficult season for Bengaluru, back on track.

“We can’t change results that have gone by. What we can do is work harder to make sure results ahead go our way. Minerva away from home will be a game that will require us to give everything if we are to change our fortunes. We play four games in nine days and it’s important that we start this phase well,” said Roca on the eve of the game.

Bringing some much-needed respite to a side that’s been hit with injury, a run of frustrating results and patches of poor form, is the return of John Johnson to the squad. The central defender, who has missed four games this season owing to a rib injury, has made the trip and could start alongside Juan Gonzalez.

Also grabbing focus will be new striker Marjan Jugovic who has put in a few training sessions with the team and it remains to be seen whether or not Roca chooses to start with the Serbian.

“It’s good to have John back in the squad as he’s always been a positive influence on the team and is one of the voices on the pitch and I’m certain he will have a key role to play tomorrow. We’re also glad to have Marjan who has showed more than just glimpses of his experience, in training. These inclusions give the squad the kind of strength we need at the moment,” said Roca.

The pitch conditions at the Guru Nanak Stadium haven’t been the best and Roca voiced his concern while admitting that his side would have to find a way around it. “I hope everyone realises that a pitch like this is bad for the show. They are the home team and will have a better understanding of the surface. So, it’s up to us to adapt as quickly as possible.”


Minerva put behind a shaky start to the League, steadied things and are now on an unbeaten run of six games. The side from Punjab managed to snatch a very lucky point when they came to the Fortress in February. A stray cross caught the foot of Sandesh Jhingan before looping over a wrong-footed Amrinder Singh in a game that Bengaluru dominated completely.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 04:30 PM and it’ll be aired live on Ten 2.

Bengaluru FC bow out of Hero Federation Cup

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

Relegated from Hero I-League, Aizawl FC, gave a reality check to the I-League Champion Bengaluru FC by defeating 3-2 at their fortress at Sree Kanteerava Stadium today, hereby ending Bengaluru’s Hero Federation Cup mission. Aizawl FC with an aggregate score of 5-3 moves to the Semi-final spot. 

A late kick-off ensured low turnout today, the crowd was nowhere close to the horde that turned up during the Aizawl FC’s Hero I-League away match against Bengaluru in late February. The overcast conditions ensured a pleasant weather to watch the match.  

Bengaluru showed confidence in fielding young mid-fielder Nishu Kumar again for today’s match. 

Nothing noticeable happened in the first quarter of the game other than exchanging few shots on both ends with one noticeable in the 15th minute - a good long ranger by Aizawl striker Joel Sunday, however Amrinder Singh was in the right position to collect the ball. Aizawl FC forced their first corner in the 25th minute of the game. 

Much to the surprise of the spectators, visitors took lead in the 26th minute of the game. An important away goal via Joel Sunday. The Nigerian, also the scorer of the 90th minute winning goal in their match at home took a pass from his striking partner Alfred Jayran, dribbled Nishu Kumar and blasts the ball to the goal. 

Bengaluru got an opportunity to equalize within a minute, but Kim Song’s shot failed to aim at the goal, the Korean was only few yards away from the keeper. 

The anguish of a missed opportunity barely lasted for a minute. CK Vineeth equalized for the host from a Keegan Perreira pass in middle of the box, a nice turn, and then he places the ball to the back of the net. 

It was the delightful combination of Sunday and Alfred, then Sunday’s scorcher gave the lead to the Mizoram team again, and probably taking Aizawl closer to the Semi-final spot. Jewel in the 38th minute. 

Luck seemed to stay away for the Blues even after changing ends. Central defender Curtis Osano quite innocuously brought down the Sunday at the top of the penalty box, referee Ramaswamy Srikrishna awarded a free kick from the dangerous position. An extremely neat chip from the captain David Lalrinmuana left Amrinder Singh stranded at the goal. 

That was that for Bengaluru as coming back with a 2-goal deficit looked impossible. They reduced the margin in the 74th minute from a penalty. Udanta Singh was brought down by an AFC defender and Chhetri making no mistake in placing the ball to the back of the net. 

Aizawl custodian, Soram Poirei Angamba, doing a tremendous job under the bar keep his opponents at bay. Also, the opponent of the Manupuri happens to be his former club, Poirei was in the Bengaluru’s roster for two seasons. 

Scoring a brace, Joel Sunday was adjudged the Hero of the Match.  

Confident Bengaluru face a tough Aizwal task

AIFF Media

Bengaluru FC Media 

In a literal do or die situation to stay afloat in the Hero Federation Cup, Bengaluru FC host Aizwal FC tomorrow at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The team from Mizoram stunned the newly-crowned Hero I-League Champions in their home match on last Saturday.

 

Aizwal FC’s existence thus far in the National scene might be for a short period of time, but Jahar Das’ boys are here to prove their mettle.  

Defeating teams from North-East at their home is proving thorn in flesh in the on-going Hero Federation Cup. Bengaluru FC and Kingfisher East Bengal, both high-ranked teams bite the dust against Aizwal FC and Shillong Lajong FC respectively. It is up to Ashley Westwood’s boys to make a comeback and get through to the next stage. 

With the away goal rule deployed in the Hero Federation Cup, it is advantage Bengaluru as they have managed to score one against Aizwal. So a 1-0 score is good enough for the Steelmen to qualify for the next round. 

Aizwal FC coach, Jahar Das, having years of experience working in Youth Development appeared realistic. 

Das said, “It is not ours, rather their advantage as they will be playing at home ground and a team like Bengaluru FC are unlikely to go out in the first round. Although they will be under pressure, they are a good team - I-League champion, but sometimes, results may go against your expectation.”

Das’ home game win two days back worked as per plan, he added “I told my boys, if we can manage to hold them for first 30 minutes, probably we can do something in the game, also, they were tad tired, which helped us.”

“Tomorrows match will be an equal fight” observes coach, “Both teams have pluses and minuses, but for us, we want to give the best performance.” 

Bengaluru gaffer seemed confident, after all his team has the reputation of coming back strongly at home. “We are at home and we got good records. Lads played very well for the first 30 minutes of the game, should have taken a 4-0 lead to be honest, but then fatigue kicked in, and we lost concentration”, said Ashley Westwood.

The journey to Aizwal has been long, will that play a major role tomorrow’s game? Gaffer’s quick response, “It is an 11 hours journey - end to end, which takes a toll on the players. But then the same is applicable for our opponents.” 

Westwood might look for few changes or re-load the same lineup, as he feels there wasn’t much wrong in the last game. 

“I am sure we will create more chances tomorrow and hopefully score a few,” signs-off the gaffer. 

Tomorrow’s game will start at 9 pm. 

Bengaluru sign three young talents from AIFF academy

Bengaluru FC Media 

Sticking true to its philosophy of investing in the future, Bengaluru FC, on Monday, announced the signing of three eighteen-year-olds in Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Nishu Kumar and Malsawmzuala on two-year deals with the club having the option to extend it by a year. The trio were part of the All India Football Federation’s Youth Academy for three years and will be donning the BFC blue for the 2015-16 season.

“We are pleased and proud in equal measure to announce the signing of these three youngsters. At Bengaluru FC, we pride ourselves in identifying and recruiting players who we feel, once given a platform and time to adapt to our training and system, can improve and become an asset to us and the national team,” said coach Ashley Westwood on the new acquisitions.

While Daniel (striker) and Malsawmzuala (midfielder) hail from Mizoram, wing-back Nishu comes from Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. The three boys even featured in the two friendlies between the India under-19 side and Bengaluru FC, in Bengaluru, earlier in August. Daniel has been part of the India under-16 and under-19 AFC Cup qualifiers and even captains the national under-19 team.