Bengaluru move to AFC Inter-Zone Final

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC kept their calm to hold on to a three-goal lead from the first leg to seal an aggregate win (3-0) after a goalless draw against 4.25 SC, at the May Day Stadium, in Pyongyang, on Wednesday. The result secures a place for the Blues in the Inter-zone final of the 2017 AFC Cup, where they are set to face Tajik side FC Istiklol in a two-legged affair. 

While the game lacked goals, it was custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who impressed with some brilliant work under the bar for the Blues. The Punjabi-lad pulled off a crucial second half penalty save, as Albert Roca’s side extended their clean-sheet streak to three games in the competition, the longest in four years.

Going into the second leg, Roca opted to field an unchanged XI from the first leg with skipper Sunil Chhetri, Antonio Dovale and Udanta Singh leading the front line while Spaniard Dimas Delgado marshalled midfield.

The game, played on the artificial turf of the massive May Day Stadium, was a contrast to the first leg, where the Blues had dominated proceedings for majority of the night. In Pyongyang, Bengaluru were edged out in terms of possession and chances, but made up for with a stubborn defense as Gurpreet, Juanan Gonzalez, Rahul Bheke, Harmanjot Khabra and Nishu Kumar, who was later replaced by Subhasish Bose kept the 4.25 SC attack at bay.   

While the first half saw Bengaluru create a few half chances, most notably through Toni Dovale, the hosts managed to control the game. With a sizeable turnout egging for the home side to attack, the Blues did well to arrive at the break with the scores unchanged.

Bengaluru were forced to sit deep and defend in the second half as tournament top-scorer Kim Yu Song almost gave 4.25 SC the lead in the 57th minute with a header, but it was Gurpreet once again who denied the striker. As the game progressed, Hwang Yong Song’s side continued to attack and substitute An Il-Bom who came on in the 61st minute, forced the Blues custodian into another brilliant diving save in the 70th.

The hosts continued to mount persistent attacks on the Blues' back-line, passing the ball well while switching play efficiently to keep the pressure on. For Bengaluru, it was Man-of-the-Match Gurpreet who did well to command his defenders and the rest of the team, who dropped deep to help thwart the Korean side’s attack.

Into the final quarter of the game, 4.25 had the best chance to break the deadlock as Rahul Bheke brought down Bom inside the box in the 77th minute, prompting referee Wang Di to point to the spot. However, Gurpreet dived to his right denying midfielder Ri Hyong Jin's effort from 12 yards.

The pressure culminated into another chance in the dying moments of the game, as midfielder Won Song hit the crossbar with an effort from 20-yards out but it wasn't to be for the home side.

"They dominated majority of the game and deserved to win. But at the same time, we defended very well as a team and managed to hold on to our lead from the first leg. We are happy to have made it through and now look to get back to Bengaluru and prepare for the big game against FC Istiklol," Roca said, speaking at the post-match press conference.

For their part, the Blues had to overcome numerous hurdles to get through - some on field, some off of it. While their travel plans were initially delayed due to Foundation Day Celebrations in DPR Korea, part of the luggage went missing in transit when they finally made it through to Pyongyang on Monday. With 15 bags of kits and equipment arriving just a day before the game, the Blues had to train in makeshift gear on the eve of the clash.

Up next in the Inter-zone final for Bengaluru FC will be Dushanbe-based Tajikistan side FC Istiklol who overcame Philippines’ Ceres Negros FC 5-1 (agg.) in the other two-legged Inter-zone semifinal. The first leg will be played away on September 27th, while the return leg at the Kanteerava Stadium is scheduled for October 18th.

Bengaluru blank 4.25 SC 3-0 in AFC inter-zone semifinal

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC showed absolutely no signs of rust or lack of time to prepare as Albert Roca’s side turned on the style to beat North Korean side 4.25 SC 3-0 and take a big step towards the Inter-zone final on a rain-soaked night at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday.

Goals on either side of the break by skipper Sunil Chhetri (32nd minute, Penalty) and Udanta Singh (51st) put the Blues 2-0 up before Lenny Rodrigues joined the party with a goal in the 77th minute to give the Blues a massive advantage ahead of the away leg on September 13 in Pyongyang.

Head Coach Albert Roca handed debuts to five new signings with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Rahul Bheke, Dimas Delgado, Erik Paartalu and Antonio Dovale all featuring in the starting XI.

The Blues went on attack mode right from the word go as Udanta Singh intercepted a pass in the rival half and attempted a shot in the first minute itself which was saved by the 4.25 SC custodian. Thereafter, visitors 4.25 SC had a spell of possession where they tried to make inroads into the Blues’ box, only to be thwarted by Roca’s boys.

Having had half-chances for most part of the first half, an intelligent move around the half-hour mark opened up the rival defence and handed Bengaluru their first goal. Juanan with a long diagonal ball found Harmanjot Khabra on the flank who headed it into box for Udanta whose pace was too much for the rival keeper to handle as he brought the youngster down. Chhetri then coolly chipped in the resultant penalty kick for his third goal of the competition to hand the Blues a 1-0 lead.

Bengaluru continued to push up and almost doubled their lead three minutes from the break. Chhetri timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap on a lobbed pass inside the box. The skipper controlled the ball and tried to chip an onrushing keeper who got a deft touch to divert it for a corner. The half ended with Bengaluru firmly in charge and a goal up.   

The Blues got off to the perfect start in the second half doubling their lead six minutes in. Udanta, once again, intelligently intercepted a pass on the right before running solo and making no mistake to slot home past Ri Kang in the rival goal.

The visitors created a few chances of their own, but the Blues’ backline led by ’keeper Gurpreet held firm under the torrential downpour. Midway through the half, Lenny Rodrigues almost pulled off a blinder. His pile driver from 30-yards out was headed for the roof of the goal, only for the keeper to palm it over.

With incessant rain pouring down, both sides were finding it difficult to control the game; however, the Blues adjusted to the water-logged pitch much better which translated into another goal. A quick release by Dovale down the left saw Chhetri run clear and float in a delightful cross to Lenny, who timed his run well at the far post to slide the ball home and seal the game.

Substitute Daniel Lalhlimpuia had a chance late on to get his name on the scoresheet, but he somehow scuffed his shot wide from inside the box as the game ended 3-0.

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.

Bengaluru FC keen on steadier show ahead of DSK challenge

Bengaluru FC Media 

Albert Roca called his Bengaluru FC side to iron out the creases and keep things tight as the Blues ready to take on DSK Shivajians in a Group B clash of the Federation Cup, at the Barabati Stadium, in Cuttack, on Wednesday.

Bengaluru got their campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 defeat of Shillong Lajong on Monday but made things harder than they needed be after coasting to a 2-0 lead. And Roca believes the margin for error will keep getting lesser as the tournament progresses. “We let our guard down after getting a two-goal lead and we were almost made to pay for it. We’re happy we could come away with a win and take a lesson back with us on not letting things slip when we are in control. We’re going to have to be very cautious against DSK because one small lapse can affect how your tournament pans out,” said Roca.

DSK suffered a 4-0 defeat to Mohun Bagan in their Cup opener and while they would be keen on their first points in the tournament, the Dave Rogers-coached side will also look to set right their 7-0 defeat at the hands of the Blues only a fortnight ago in the League.

“We cannot ride on the fact that we beat DSK by a heavy margin. I said in the press conference after that game that while the result was good, it’s not one that we will be talking about the next day. The slate is clean on Wednesday and we will have to earn our points.”

The Blues suffered a minor blip when John Johnson had to be substituted at the start of the second half with a thigh injury and Roca said he is in constant touch with the medical team with updates before he decides if the English defender will take the pitch against DSK or not. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh who sat out of the win over Lajong with fever will also be a late decision for selection.

Roca will have a lot of positives to take back from the win against Lajong. Midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh seems to be getting better with every passing game while Udanta Singh has forged a good understanding with Harmanjot Khabra down the right. 

The game kicks off at 4 pm and will be beamed live on the Ten 2 network.

Bengaluru survive late drama but do enough to see off Lajong

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. 

Abahani strike late to beat Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

Failure to put simple chances away came back to bite Bengaluru FC who were handed a 2-0 defeat to Abahani Limited Dhaka in a Group E game of the AFC Cup at the Bangabandhu Stadium, in Dhaka, on Tuesday. Late goals from substitute Saad Uddin (87) and Rubel Miya (90+2) saw the Blues suffer their first defeat in the competition this season and Roca’s men now have their task cut out if they are to make the knock-out stages of the competition.

Roca, having rested key players on the weekend, handed starts to Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Sunil Chhetri, CK Vineeth, Cameron Watson and John Johnson. With a 3-5-2 system that saw Harmanjot Khabra and Nishu Kumar deployed as wing-backs, the Blues looked to contain the Abahani attack while pressing for the opener.

The Blues went at the Abahani defence from the get go, winning a corner in the very first minute, while applying pressure on the home side throughout the first half. John Johnson’s early header went straight at Abahani ’keeper Sahidul Sohel before Nishu’s run and strike failed to hit the target at the half hour mark.

Bengaluru’s best chance of the half came when Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s corner met the head of skipper Sunil Chhetri but the effort, once again, was easy pickings for the Abahani custodian.

Abahani, for their part, looked far more comfortable than the nervous side that went down 2-0 to Bengaluru away from home. Rubel Miya left Nishu behind to send a cross in but Mohammad Nasir’s effort was wide of Amrinder’s frame. The sides went into the break with all to play for but it was the Blues that came out with more intent in the second half.

Roca sent on Alwyn George for Vineeth while Daniel Lalhlimpuia replaced Nishu in a tactical change. Switching to a back four to add to Bengaluru’s attack, Alwyn pulled the strings behind Lalhlimpuia and had his first shot moments after the restart.

Both substitutes had big chances but Alwyn was guilty of not putting away the easier of the two in the 72ndminute. Chhetri did well to keep the ball in play down the left and served the perfect cut-back from the tightest of angles only to see Alwyn blaze his shot over from close.

Bengaluru were handed a big advantage eleven minutes from time when Mohammad Nasir’s deliberate hand-ball earned the Abahani player his second booking of the game to reduce the hosts to ten men. Looking to make most of the extra man, Roca’s final substitution of the night saw the Spaniard throw in striker Len Doungel for Khabra.

But it was Abahani who landed the killer blow in the 87th minute when Saad Uddin tapped home a cross on the volley to give the hosts a lead that Bengaluru couldn’t do much to erase. The Blues then conceded a second in additional time when goalkeeper Amrinder Singh, high up on the pitch to put the ball back in play from a Bengaluru corner, was robbed off the ball by Rubel Miya who ran a few yards with it before chipping into an empty goal from distance.

Earlier, in the Group’s other game, Maziya S&RC knocked Mohun Bagan out of the completion with a 5-2 result in the Maldives to make the race to the knock-out stages one that goes down to the wire.

Bengaluru travel to Cuttack next, where they begin their Federation Cup campaign with a clash against Shillong Lajong at the Barabati Stadium, on Monday.

Bengaluru finish I-League campaign in style, takes fourth spot

AIFF Media
Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC finished off their Hero I-League campaign defeating Churchill Brothers 3-0, their sixth win (including AFC Cup) in as many matches. The result ensured they ended their campaign with 30 points from 18 matches at the 4th spot in the League table.

Churchill, on the other hand, finished with 20 points from 18 matches, their position in the table to be decided on the morrow.

Keeping an eye on the forthcoming Hero Federation Cup which kicks-off on May 7, BFC Coach Albert Roca preferred to rest a number of his star players. Goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte was handed his first I-League game with the Blues fielding just one foreigner — defender Juanan pairing up with Sandesh Jhingan in Central defence.

With the starting eleven boasting of five U-22 players, the hosts surged into the lead as early as the 5thminute – former AIFF Academy product Gursimrat Singh swaying an inch-perfect cross from the right flank for another former AIFF Academy product Daniel Lalhlimpuia to tap it in.

A minute before conceding the goal, Churchill, however, had bagged the first corner of the match which they failed to capitalise.

The visitors missed an easy chance to equalise a few minutes later when Anthony D’souza despite finding himself in a 1v1 with Goalkeeper Ralte failed to make the most of it.

Meanwhile, some silky touches from the talented Udanta Singh puzzled Churchill defence. And it was the slippery Manipuri who doubled the lead in the 35th minute.

Grabbing a through pass, he cut in past the onrushing rival keeper Naveen Kumar, controlled it, and slotted it home as BFC headed to the interval with a two-goal cushion.

Changing over, Churchill brought in striker Kromah, in an effort to add more thrust to attack. Both Kromah and his captain Anton Wolfe raided Bengaluru with solo efforts but an alert Bengaluru defence wasn’t to be broken.

The final goal for the Blues came in the 84th minute – winger Mandar Rao Dessai curling it in off a pass from Salam Ranjan Singh.

Mandar was adjudged the Hero of the Match.

Minerva steal a point from Blues’ fortress

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media

In an attempt to mend their mid-season decline, the Blues from the Garden City returned to their fortress to take on Minerva Punjab FC in the Hero I-League. However, they failed to maintain an all-win home record for this season and played a 1-1 draw. 

Captain Sunil Chettri gave them the lead in the 50th minute, the joy was curtailed when a defensive mistake from Sandesh Jhingan equalized the score.  

Bengaluru came in the game with a lone foreigner in Cameroon Watson. They brought in Sandesh Jhingan and Salam Ranjan Singh in the central defense for their original choice of John Johnson and Juanan, who are out of suspension. 

BFC in their trademark way was building attack from the back. Visitors could not damage much to the hosts’ defense.  

In the 9th minute, Vineeth was fouled by the Minerva left stopper back, which earned his team a free-kick. The free-kick couldn’t harm much to Minerva, but there was a follow-up that witnessed the first positive attack.   
BFC earned their first corner in the 11th minute, a quick snapshot by Captain Chettri from Cameroon was efficiently blocked by keeper Arnab Das Sharma. 

Few minutes later Vineeth came up hurriedly, latched the ball, and shot it diagonally, but couldn’t find his teammate in the second post. 

BFC came close again in the 33rd minute from a free kick from Sena Ralte, which was won from an infringement on Udanta Singh, but the strikers could not tap the ball inside the box. 

The only mentionable strike from the visitors in the first half came in 35th minute, when left back Sena Ralte brought down Minerva’s Suouvik Das. Kareem Omolaja Nurain’s free-kick almost took a dip to the BFC goal after the ball got deflected from a defender. 

Minerva did well to keep the scoreboard blank at the lemon break. 

Bengaluru barged a series of attack at the beginning of the second half and kept pressure in opponent’s half. The goal came in the 50th minute - Udanta ran down from the right flank and delivered a precise cross, Minerva defense failed to clear the ball, and Sunil Chhetri comes in, his half volley finds the ball at the back of net. 

Minerva Punjab FC equalized in the 79th minute from a rather harmless cross from Germanpreet Singh. The ball bounced in front of a sliding Sandesh Jhingan, taking a touch went into the goal, leaving keeper Amrinder completely off guarded. 

Keeping the Bengaluru attack on check, Minerva defense committed too many infringements, inviting free-kicks near the 18 yard box, which BFC failed to convert.

Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chettri was declared the Hero of the Match!

Bengaluru set off their title defence in style

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. 

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 go down fighting to Johor Darul Ta’zim

Bengaluru FC Media 

A young and resilient Bengaluru FC side battled hard but were unlucky to go down 1-0 to a full strength Johor Darul Ta’zim team in an AFC Cup Group H game at the Kanteerava, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday. Skipper Safiq Rahim scored with a contentiously awarded second-half freekick to leave the Blues feeling hard done given the way they refused to give anything for most of the game.

Hit with a slew of injuries and playing what was their fifth game in 14 days, the Bengaluru FC line-up was always going to be an interesting one. And Ashley Westwood threw in more than just a few surprises in the starting XI, handing defender Ranjan Salam Singh his BFC debut while Bengaluru boy Vishal Kumar got his first minutes on the pitch this season as part of a five-man defence that included Keegan Pereira, Lalchhuanmawia and Chhuantea.

Curtis Osano and CK Vineeth, who Westwood said would be doubtful starters, didn’t make the squad as Udanta Singh had Len Doungel for a partner in attack.

The reigning AFC Cup champions’ opener came in the 55^th minute after Keegan was harshly adjudged to have brought down Mohammed Amirulhadi on the edge of the box even as Bengaluru protests of a dive fell on deaf ears. Safiq stepped up and sent his take beyond Lalthuammawia Ralte’s right to finally break Bengaluru’s resistance.

Only minutes earlier, the Blues could have had a goal of their own when an unmarked Johnson headed wide from Udanta’s freekick. But Bengaluru’s best chance came in the 85^th minute when Udanta’s cross from the right was palmed away by ’keeper Mohammed Izham only to fall to Alwyn George. With Izham on the floor, George beat his marker but inexplicably fired wide from close as the Bengaluru bench threw their arms up in disbelief.

Bengaluru next travel to Myanmar where Westwood’s side take on Ayeyawady on the 16^th in what will be a must-win game if the Blues are to keep hope of getting out of the group alive. 

Bengaluru take on Johor Darul Ta'zim tomorrow at Kanteerava

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC will be up against reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim of Malaysia when AFC Cup action returns to the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday night but Blues gaffer Ashley Westwood said his side will play without the burden of pressure and look to give a good account of themselves.  “It’s going to be a good game. They are a good team and are champions of the AFC Cup with right reason. We’ve played them last season and know what to expect from them. They have made a couple of changes from last year and I believe they are stronger,” said Westwood of the opposition that is coached by Argentine Mario Gomez.  The two sides met in the AFC Champions League qualifier last season at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium – a dramatic game that Eugeneson Lyngdoh took to extra-time swinging home directly from a corner in the 90th minute before Chanturu Suppiah’s winner in the 98th minute quelled what was more than a valiant show on Bengaluru's Asian debut.  Injuries have hampered Bengaluru’s season and with the Blues set to play their fifth game in 14 days, a packed schedule hasn’t helped either. “We’ve traveled away to Laos, played at home before traveling to Shillong and then Goa with most of these trips being 3 am starts. There is fatigue from all the travel but we’ll see who looks fresh at training and pick a team that will give us the best chance to qualify out of the group." said Westwood.  Striker CK Vineeth and central defender Curtis Osano, both recovering from groin strains, are doubtful starters while Lyngdoh is yet to completely recover from a fracture. Midfielder Shankar Sampingiraj, meanwhile, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate.  JDT began their title defence in emphatic fashion, beating Myanmar club Ayeyawady United 8-1 with their Argentine striking pair of Pereyra Diaz and Juan Lucero among the goals while club and national team skipper Mohd. Safiq bagged a hat-trick. “They (JDT) are a very good side technically. They play with a lot of quick touches and have good players. They have a good set of strikers, a good defence and good foreigners. They have spent good money in the transfer market and that has let them buy the best out there. They are a good side but not unbeatable. We aren’t going into this game to make up the numbers but to give a good account of ourselves. We are playing a decent Asian side and we believe we are one as well,” said Westwood.  Echoing the gaffer’s sentiments was skipper Sunil Chhetri who said the team was motivated to do well, given the manner things ended up the last time they played JDT. “We backed ourselves there and did well and when we play at home, we back ourselves even more. As players we are going to look the other way in terms of fatigue and hectic travel and go out there and give nothing less than 100%.” 

Bengaluru fail to earn full-points against 10-men Sporting

I-League Media  

AIFF Media  

Bengaluru FC came back from two goals down but couldn’t do enough to eke out a win against a ten-man Sporting Clube de Goa at the Fatorda Stadium, in Goa, on Sunday. The game ended 2-2 after skipper Sunil Chhetri struck once in each half after a freak Mascarenhas goal and an Odafa Okolie strike gave the hosts a lead.

Bengaluru were dealt with an early blow after defender Curtis Osano had to be replaced by Keegan Pereira after the former pulled his groin just fifteen minutes into the game. The home side took the lead with a freak goal just two minutes later after Lalthuammawia Ralte’s clearance from a Lalchhuanmawia back-pass rebounded off an onrushing Marcus Mascarenhas and bounced into the Bengaluru goal.

The Blues tried their best to reduce the deficit recycling well in midfield to let Udanta and Chhetri attack the flanks. Striker Kim Song Yong came close to scoring the Blues equalizer but a cross into the box from Udanta was inches away from the diving North Korean.

Against the run of play, Sporting extended their lead through a long-range shot from Odafa Okolie. The Nigerian striker collected a pass from Mahmoud Al-Amna before taking a shot that found its way past a diving Ralte in the Blues’ goal.

But Bengaluru clawed right back into the tie at the death of the first half when Loveday Okechukwu brought down John Johnson in the box and referee Santosh Kumar promptly pointed to the spot where Chhetri found the Blues’ opener from. Booked for the foul, Loveday received marching orders only a minute later when he hacked down Udanta while the winger was charging down the right.

Starting the second half with a goal to show for and a man more than Sporting, Bengaluru switched gears, leaving the hosts to defend deep. Michael Collins came close to getting Bengaluru an equaliser and what could have been his first goal for the Blues only to see his goal-bound low drive pushed out by Arindam Bhattacharya.

Bengaluru eventually did find their equaliser when Chhetri tapped into an empty goal after Daniel Lalhlimpuia’s cross fell perfectly for the skipper. The Blues ventured forward with intent and came close to finding a winner when a strike from inside the area by Lalchhuanmawia went inches high of the Sporting frame.

The result leaves Bengaluru second on the table, level on points with Mohun Bagan, who have a game in hand over the Blues. Westwood’s men return to AFC Cup duties as they face defending Champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at the Kanteerava Stadium, on Wednesday. 

Udanta, Kim rule as Bengaluru register their first win in Shillong

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC broke the jinx beating Shillong Lajong FC by unassailable margin of 2-0 in the Hero I-League encounter at the JN Stadium tonight. Goals by Udanta Singh (36') and Kim Song Yong (82') in either half summed up the first win for the Steelmen over the Reds in Shillong.

Placed second in the standings now behind the league leaders Mohun Bagan, Bengaluru FC are certainly on course to stake a claim on their second Hero I-League title.

Earlier, youngster Udanta Singh started on a high note for Bengaluru FC to make a breakthrough in the fifth minute when he smashed just wide of the nets. Bengaluru continued to press hard but the efforts by John Johnson and Kim Song Yong were unable to bear results. 

Udanta, meanwhile, had another unsuccessful shy at the nets in the 20th minute. He was finally rewarded 6 minutes after the half-hour mark when he found the back of the net from close range in the second attempt. The free kick by Osano was received calmly by Kim Song Yong and delivered towards the youngster who did no mistake to net his maiden goal of the season. 

The scores remained 1-0 at half time in the favour of the away team.

Luck was surely not with Lajong today, two minutes into the second half, the Reds were deprived of a certain goal when Samuel Lalmuanpuia's screamer rattled the crossbar. 

Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, balanced out their tasks by then and were doing well on both fronts. After being turned down for an offside in the 80th minute, Kim Song Yong made sure he features in the scorers' list with a thudding header a couple of minutes later. 

A well-directed corner kick by Udanta was flicked into the net by the North Korean striker as Vishal Kaiht was completely off his position.

The score remained at 2-0 till the full time, even as Uilliams Silva was guilty of squandering an opportunity for the hosts in the stoppage time.

Bengaluru FC have the monkey off their back now and they are travelling to Goa to settle the score with Sporting Clube de Goa on 6th March. 

Udanta trains with Oxford United

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have sent young winger Udanta Singh on a developmental training stint with English League Two side, Oxford United FC. The fleet footed 19-year-old has been training with the over-century-old club under the watchful eye of manager Michael Appleton, for a little over a week now.

Blessed with abundant pace and touted as a bright prospect, the club felt that Udanta would benefit much from this chance. “We all know the kind of talent Udanta possesses and as a club, we need to make sure he’s given the best chance to keep improving. We are glad that Oxford United FC accepted our request to have him over and we have no doubt whatsoever that the boy will make the most of his stay there. He will be under the guidance of a seasoned manager like Appleton and will return not only an asset to the club but to the country even,” said Parth Jindal, CEO Bengaluru FC.

Blues’ coach Ashley Westwood, who has worked with Appleton at Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers, felt the chance to train at Oxford will leave Udanta richer. “We are delighted that Oxford United have given Udanta a chance to train and improve at such a well-run and organised football club with some really good facilities as theirs. I personally went to meet the staff whom I know very well and I am pleased that he is in good hands with an exceptional coach who has worked with some of the best in the country in Roy Hodgson, Roberto Di Matteo and Bryan Robson. I am certain that Udanta will excel under the mentoring of Michael Appleton,” opined Westwood.

Udanta signed with Bengaluru at the start of the second season but an injury during a pre-season game meant he took a while to recoup before knocking on Westwood’s door for a place in the squad. He also became Bengaluru FC’s youngest ever goal scorer when he shot the Blues to the lead against Persipura Jayapura in an AFC Cup group fixture.

“The facilities are really good here and there are a lot of similarities between methods here and at Bengaluru FC which makes me feel at home. It did take a bit to get used to the pitch but I’m comfortable now,” said the youngster over phone from the UK.

Appleton too, saw this as a good chance for Udanta to test his potential. “Oxford United are delighted to give Udanta the opportunity to keep progressing along his development path by coming and training with us and hopefully he will fulfill his potential,” said Appleton who, like Westwood, came through the ranks at the Manchester United academy.