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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.
In the semifinal of the U-16 Youth League, Ozone boys beat the team from North-East, Shillong Lajong FC 4-1 and cruise to the final of U-16 Youth League. The Hosur-based academy boys will play the winner of previous edition (U-15), Minerva Punjab Football Club, who defeated other team from Bangalore, Bengaluru FC, in the second semifinal, 1-0.
Ozone scored two goals in each half - Ignatius John opened the account early in the 20th minute followed by Ajay Alex in 28th minute. Parvaj Bhuiya reduced one for SLFC in the first half. Ignatius John and Manvir Singh scored the other two goals in the later half.
The final will be played at the same venue, Cooperage Ground, on Friday, February 10.
AIFF Media
With a poster put up by the supporters urging team for the third star on the crest, Bengaluru FC sporting their new pink outfit thrashed Shillong Lagong FC 3-0 at the Kanteerava Stadium.
Bengaluru started in 4-3-3 formation, with an all-India attack comprising of Udanta, skipper Sunil Chhetri, and Daniel. They handed start to newcomers, Lenny Rodrigues, Harmanjot Khabra, Sena Ralte. Shillong started with eight U-22 players keeping Dipanda Dicka on the bench.
The first 20 minutes witnessed a lackluster show with both teams failing to make any intrusion in opponents’ defense.
A corner from Eugenson in the 26th minute opened the goal for the steelmen – the strikers failed connect to head from Eugenson’s delivery, went to the Daniel who was on the other end, the later tricked a Shillong defender and floated the ball on the box, which the strikers again failed to connect. Adding to the misery, SLFC defenders failed to clear the ball, and in the melee Udanta tapped the ball to the back of the net.
Post the goal, BENGALURU forayed into the opponents’ defense many times making them jittery, Vishal Kaith’s timely intervention, prevented them to score.
Bengaluru almost got their second goal in the last minute before the lemon break, Eugenson missing a one-on-one with the keeper, the follow up from Chhetri hit the post, while Vishal was not in the position.
Bengaluru continued pressing after changing ends, owing to some shabby defending by the highlanders.
They got the second goal again via Udanta in the 68th minute. Lajong barely looked threatening as the ball rarely crossed the half-line.
The best was kept till the 79th minute. Season’s first exciting goal came from debutant Sena Ralte with a 30-yard smasher.
Udanta’s brace gave him the man of the match.
AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media
Bengaluru FC (BFC) start defending the Hero I-League title when they host the highlanders Shillong Lajong FC (SLFC) tomorrow at the Kanteerava Stadium. It has been an astounding 2016 for the club from the Garden City - winning Hero I-League title, soaring at the Asian-level by reaching the AFC Cup final.
It is a beginning of a new I-League season and the Steelmen know the importance to start well. Coach Albert Roca made it clear, “We have to go for three points and you have to play tough from the very first minute if you want to achieve the title again”.
The former Barcelona assistant coach added, “There’s pressure, challenge - that’s football, and we are ready for the moment. The fact that we have achieved in the AFC Cup will help our self-esteem tomorrow. We have to go 100% as the difference between us and them (SLFC) are not that big.”
Mid-fielder, Cameron Watson who stuck a formidable combination with Álvaro Rubio in the AFC Cup, the later will be missed in I-League. “Álvaro brought so much to the game - his footballing knowledge prevailed in the field. It was a privilege to play alongside him”, said Watson.
Coming back to I-League, he added, “This (I-league) is a new experience for me, I haven’t seen any I-League teams playing other than the individual players playing in the ISL. Owing to the success the club achieved last year, it is going to be tougher this season. For now I’m concentrating on the Shillong game.”
BFC have strengthened their squad by signing top Indian players Harmanjot Khabra, Lenny Rodrigues, Mandar Rao Desai, and Arindam Bhattacharya. Roca sounded positive, “It is always difficult to settle down in a new team, but the new players have shown they are up for the challenge. They are experienced, played I-league for many years, and have already played with some of the teammates before. They know the other I-League teams and their style of playing, so it is time for them to show at the level that they deserve.”
Bengaluru FC have been tough for the team from North East, especially in the past three seasons. The only time SLFC won was at home that too a couple of years ago.
Head Coach Thangboi Singto, who has been with the team from the very beginning is appeared positive for tomorrow’s match, “It’s good to start with the best team, might be difficult for us, but helps you to know where you stand. We will come as the best we can.
Thangboi promised a good game and hopeful of taking points away from the home team.
Goals for SLFC came far and few in last season - that should be the primary concern for the SLFC coach. “This year we have strengthened in the scoring department, hopefully the players on board will do the needful. But it is not going to be easy, if you look around the teams, every team has toughened including the new entrants who will try to make a mark in the league.”
Other than their foreigners Dan Ignat, Yuta Kinowaki, Aser Pierrick Dipanda, Fábio Pena and keeper Vishal Kait, SLFC comprise of players from North-East with many U-23 players flourished from their football academy.
Policy of SLFC from the beginning is to promote talents from the North East region. They have done reasonably well in doing that. Players from SLFC have progressed well in the years including Lalthuammawia (GK), Eugeneson, and Chuaante who are in Bengaluru FC.
Keeping the optimism, Thangboi summed up, “At the end of the day, goals win matches, and we need to better that. Hopefully we’ll start doing that from our first match!”
The match is scheduled at 7 Pm tomorrow (January 7, 2017) and it’ll be telecast live on Ten 2.
AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media
An ambitious Bengaluru FC would look to settle for nothing less than a win when take on hosts Shillong Lajong FC in the reverse fixture at the JN Stadium tomorrow evening to ensure that they stay alive in the title hunt.
Placed second in the Hero I-League table, the Blues are breathing on the Mariners' neck, and coach Ashley Westwood is well aware that any let up at the moment would seriously dent his side’s title chances, “If we can come up with the right result, we can go at the top of the league tomorrow evening (depending on how Mohun Bagan play today).” The Bengaluru FC gaffer, however, added that it is no easy task to come and sweep all three points from Shillong, “The pitch is really hard and bouncy one, it acts as a leveler between the two sides.”
Talking about his side’s performance till now Westwood said, “We've won 6 out of 9 games. Not too realistic to have expected any better than that. We're on track even after a tough start to the season with 4 out of 5 away games.”
Shillong Lajong FC have done well to be on the fifth spot in the standings with a considerably young team and they are well aware of the huge challenge that awaits them tomorrow.
Bengaluru FC have beaten the Reds 3-0 in the first leg of the Hero I-League this season and coach Thangboi Singto admitted that it was always a tough ask to play a side like Bengaluru.
Singto, however, derived confidence from his side’s performance against the visitors in Shillong during the previous seasons. “We have done well against them at home and we are positive going into tomorrow’s encounter.”
It may be mentioned that Bengaluru FC are yet to beat the Reds at home. Lajong defender Yusuke Yamagata is still out even Fabio Pena and Uilliams are also doubtful tomorrow. The Reds coach, however, exuded confidence that the Indian players are well capable of filling up for their foreign
The match is slated to kick off at 7 pm and the Hero I-League encounter will be telecast live and exclusively on Ten Action.
AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media
First show of the Hero I-League season in the fortress- full of pomp and piety, the football lovers of the Garden City filled Sree Kanteerava Stadium in good numbers.
With Kolkata derby ending on a stalemate, Bengaluru FC’s 3-0 win today against Shillong Lajong FC ensured top position in the points table.
Shillong Lajong started the game from left to right. Before the spectators actually settled down, the hosts took the lead.
An error from the Lajong defense, enabled Bengaluru striker Vineet, carrying out the new striker role in perfection, pick a loose ball, and banged diagonally to the goal, out of keeper Vishal Kaith’s reach.
The match, just 37 seconds old, was the fastest goal of this season, arguably coming next to James Moga’s 14 second goal, which he scored for Pune FC against United Sikkim in the 2012-13 season.
Shillong Lajong is perhaps the youngest team in Hero I-League. The Brazilian striking duo for Lajong Uilliams and Fabio Pena, with poor touches barely proved any threat to Bengaluru.
CK Vineeth was again in action, assisting the second goal for Bengaluru FC in the 35th minute. Cutting in, Vineeth provides a square pass to Eugenson Lyngdoh, which the keeper fends off, following up, partner Kim Song Yong puts the ball back of the net.
Changing ends, Shillong Lajong started in a positive note. They forced a corner in the second minute followed by a set-piece in goal scoring vicinity, none offering any joy to the Lajong fans.
Changing ends, Shillong Lajong started in a positive note. They forced a corner in the second minute followed by a set-piece in goal scoring vicinity, none offering any joy to the Lajong fans.
Kim added another to his tally in 60th minute - a perfect thru ball from the right flank, he split Lajong defense, and slots to home. He could have been a worthy owner of hat-trick should his powerful low strike seen the back of the net instead of goal post.
It was Kim Song Youg who bagged the Hero of the Match award.
AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media
With a shortened league leaving very little margin for error, Ashley Westwood called on his side to build on a good start and fall back on their consistent performances as the Kanteerava Stadium gets set to host Bengaluru FC’s first home game on the new season with Shillong Lajong.
With away wins in the first two rounds, the Blues from the Garden City has made a perfect start in their Hero I-league campaign. Bengaluru FC are back in their fortress in Round 3 of Hero I-league.
Shillong Lajong failed to capitalize the home advantage in first round battle against Mumbai FC as the match ended in a stalemate. To the start of the Hero I-league season, Ashley Westwood’s team had a few injury concerns. Robin Singh, who suffered a knee injury during the SAFF Cup last month is still out and there is no news of him coming back anytime soon.
Medio Josh Walker, another knee-injury victim missed the first two games of the season. The latest from the Bengaluru FC camp is that he is out for the rest of the season. Englishman Michael Collins brings in loads of experience of playing in England and he will be filling Joshua Walker’s shoes.
With a good number of players from the North-Eastern region in Bengaluru FC’s roster might work in favor for the host. Also, young striker Seminlen Doungel joined the Blues from Shillong this season.
Shillong Lajong FC missed to register a win in the first round and haven’t played last week. “Bengaluru FC got the best group from the North East.” reckons Shillong coach, “We always get a good support here, I can say we will have half of the crowd supporting Lajong”, quips Thangboi.
In a league, where the championship will be decided in 16 rounds, it is extremely important to garner early points. Ashley Westwood shows faith in his players but doesn’t forget to mention that they could have scored more goals in their last two matches.
The game kicks off at 7.05 pm and will be live on Ten Action.
Less than a week after recording their first home win in the Hero I-League, the Blues from the Garden City are back at their Fortress when they meet Shillong Lajong FC tomorrow.
The team from Meghalaya did not have the best of the start - 3 losses and only a win after making the best finish (Sixth) in previous season!
Speaking to media, Shillong coach Thangboi Singto attributed the struggle to his foreign players, “Most of the time foreigners make difference in I-League, unfortunately for us, foreigners joined late. We've only 3 for now, fourth foreigner is yet to join us.”, said Thangboi.
With the motto of the promoting football in North-East, the team comprise of players only from North-East barring foreigners and goalkeepers.
The newly laid natural turf of the match venue has failed to impress Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood. The gaffer is not mincing words, “This pitch is perhaps the worst pitch in the country.” He adds, “Not a good surface - uneven and bumpy, deepened by the dew-factor of the night, which causes the ball to move fast.”
In keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte, defender Lalchhuan Mawia, and medio Eugeneson Lyngdoh Bengaluru have several players in their starting lineup who were once a part of Shillong Lajong FC. That would help the visitors as they are aware of their playing style. However, Thangboi overturned the theory, “tomorrow’s match is not about individuals, Bengaluru play as a unit.”, quipped coach.
Shillong defender Robing Gurung sprained his thigh muscle, he seems to be 50-50 for tomorrow's encounter.
The match between Bengaluru FC and Shillong Lajong FC is slated to start tomorrow, Saturday, 14 PM, Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.
