Bengaluru take on Maziya in must-win AFC Cup clash

Bengaluru FC Media 

Less than two weeks after being crowned Federation Cup champions, Bengaluru FC will be competing in a second ‘final’ when Albert Roca’s side takes on Maziya S&RC in the AFC Cup at the Kanteerava Stadium, on Wednesday. In a group that’s tantalizingly poised, one of either Bengaluru or Maziya will make it through to the next stage in what is the last round of group stage fixtures.

While Maziya can get the job done with a draw, only victory will punch Bengaluru’s ticket to the next round and Roca says his boys are up to the task. “The game against Maziya is another final, just that there’s no trophy or medal at the end of it. And while we don’t dwell too much on success that we’ve tasted, the team will look to draw inspiration from our Federation Cup triumph. We’ve left things late but we need to back ourselves,” said the Spaniard who famously guided the Blues to a historic AFC Cup final last season.

While a Bengaluru win will take them level with leaders Maziya (12 points), a better head head-to-head record against the Maldivian side will take the Blues through to the next round.

In what is a massive fillip for Bengaluru, skipper Sunil Chhetri has recovered from a muscle injury that saw him miss the semifinal and final of the Federation Cup. However Roca will be without Udanta Singh who limped out of the title clash in Cuttack against Bagan. “Sunil has been working hard with our medical team and will be available for the game. However, Udanta is still recovering from his injury,” said Roca.

While the sole injury is a blip for Bengaluru, the Federation Cup champions have no suspensions to deal with as Harmanjot Khabra and John Johnson make a return to the squad after having sat out of the AFC Cup game against Bagan.

Maziya are not an unknown foe, with the Blues having played the Maldivian champions three times, coming out winners in every one of those clashes. “We have a 100% win record against Maziya and while the numbers do give us confidence, the record isn’t something we will make too much of when we step on the pitch,” added Roca.

Bengaluru go down to Mohun Bagan in AFC Cup

Bengaluru FC Media 

A heavily-rested and young Bengaluru FC squad went down fighting 3-1 to Mohun Bagan in a Group E fixture of the AFC Cup, at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, in Kolkata, on Wednesday. With only one team progressing to the knock-out stages, the Blues will need nothing but a win against Maziya S&RC when the two sides meet on May 31st after the Maldivian side beat Abahani Dhaka 2-0 in the group’s other fixture on the day.

Group E had new leaders after Maziya’s win over Abahani took them to 12 points, while the Blues dropped to second (9 points). But while a win at the Kanteerava on the 31st will leave both teams tied on points, Bengaluru FC’s superior head to head record against Maziya, will mean passage for Albert Roca’s men to the next round. Earlier in April, the Blues traveled to Maldives and came away with a 1-0 win.

With an eye on Sunday’s Federation Cup final against Bagan, Bengaluru made the trip to Kolkata without Amrinder Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Juanan Gonzalez, Lenny Rodrigues, Cameron Watson and Udanta Singh. Defenders John Johnson and Harmanjot Khabra meanwhile, missed the fixture owing to suspensions as Keegan Pereira captained a side that had an average age of just twenty three.

Despite a bright Bengaluru start where Daniel Lalhlimpuia heaved his shot woefully high from close early on, the Blues fell behind in the 10th minute when Raynier Fernandes’ chip over the defence met Jeje Lalpekhlua’s run before the striker calmly slotted past Lalthuammawia Ralte.

Doungel then had a fantastic chance in the 24th minute when he picked Vineeth’s headed pass, shook off two Bagan defenders only to see his shot on target kept out by Shilton Paul.

But the Blues striker made amends seven minutes into the second half. Collecting the ball ten yards outside the box, Doungel sent in a rasping drive that Paul couldn’t do anything about, to make it 1-1. Vineeth then had the chance to hand the Blues a lead in the 55th minute when he found himself through on goal with a fantastic pass, but his shot to beat Paul was weak and straight at the ’keeper.

Bengaluru went behind for a second time in the game although with a hint of bad luck. Kean Lewis’ shot at Ralte took a heavy deflection, off Gursimrat Singh’s heel, before bouncing and looping over a stranded ’keeper on its way in. The hosts then had a strike from outside the box of their own when Bikramjit Singh Sr. connected cleanly to make it 3-1 to the hosts. Bengaluru's final chance of the evening came when substitute Rino Anto’s cross in the last minute of regulation time was tipped over off the crossbar by Paul.

Roca’s second half changes included Anto and Lalchhuanmawia who played their first minutes for the Blues this season after having recovered from injuries.

Bengaluru now make the trip back to Cuttack, where they face Sanjoy Sen’s side a sixth time this season, in the summit clash of the Federation Cup, on Sunday.

Bengaluru FC face Bagan in AFC ahead of Sunday’s Fed Cup final

Bengaluru FC Media 

In what will be a precursor of the Federation Cup final, a rested Bengaluru FC side will take on Mohun Bagan in a Group E game of the AFC Cup at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, in Kolkata, on Wednesday. While both Bengaluru and Maziya S&RC are level on points 9 points from 4 games, Albert Roca’s side continue to lead the group owing to a better head-to-head record over the team from the Maldives who host Abahani Dhaka Limited in the group’s earlier kick-off.

With the battle for who makes it out of the group set to go down to the last round where Bengaluru host Maziya on May 31, Roca chose to hand a fair number of players some much needed rest. “This will be our fifth game in 8 days and it’s a situation we have to manage. The heat in Cuttack has taken a lot out of the squad and it was only fair that some of the boys get time to recover before the final.Wednesday’s AFC Cup game is a great chance for the other boys on the squad who have been thorough professionals and have put their hand up whenever the team has needed them,” said Roca on the eve of the game.

While John Johnson and Harmanjot Khabra miss the fixture with suspensions, Cameron Watson hasn’t traveled after taking ill. Amrinder Singh and Juanan Gonzalez are among the other players who haven’t traveled. Skipper Sunil Chhetri has, meanwhile, made the trip back to Bengaluru to have his injury assessed by the club’s medical team.

Mohun Bagan are out of contention in the AFC Cup and given the Federation Cup final scheduled in four days from now, manager Sanjoy Sen too could hand his key players some much-needed rest.

“No matter what squad Mohun Bagan or we decide to go with, I have no illusions of this game being one where we can afford to take our foot off the pedal. The conditions will be tougher for us and I’m confident that the boys will make the most of the experience,” added Roca.

The Blues came back from a goal down to beat Bagan 2-1 in the home leg of this fixture and Roca has told his young side to draw inspiration from that night. “Bagan have always been tough competitors and both the clubs are always fighting for titles. The younger players on the team have a point to prove to me and I’m looking forward to a good show.”

The game kicks off at 7 pm.

Bengaluru take on Chennai, look to keep momentum going

Bengaluru FC Media

Buoyed by a tough win away from home on Sunday, Bengaluru FC will look to keep the momentum going when Albert Roca’s side take on Chennai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Chennai, on Wednesday. Lenny Rodrigues headed home the Blues’ winner at Minerva on a pitch far from fit to play on and Roca believes it will take more such grit if his side are to get past Chennai City and build on the win.

“The circumstances we find ourselves in demand that we fight harder than we have ever needed to. The boys showed that in Punjab where the conditions were far from the best to play football in. Chennai are going to be tough opponents given their position on the table,” said Roca on the eve of the game.

Chennai, sitting only above Mumbai FC on the table, were denied three points on Sunday against DSK Shivajians when they conceded an equaliser in the last minute to share points with the Pune side.

Bengaluru have looked a more composed side since the return of John Johnsons from injury. The arrival of striker Marjan Jugovic too has added strength in attack and the Serbian, who was pulled off around the hour mark against Minerva, could get a longer look in on Wednesday.

The Blues won the home leg of this fixture in January when goals from CK Vineeth and Roby Norales broke down a stubborn resistance from Chennai and Roca said it’s vital that his team does justice to the chances they create. “In most games we are the team that is playing the football but we come undone because we don’t finish off the good work we do up until the attacking third. We’ve been working on these aspects in training and I’m sure it will show in the games ahead.”

Chennai meanwhile, are winless in four games after stalemates against Churchill Brothers and DSK Shivajians and losses to Shillong Lajong and Aizawl FC. The V. Soundararajan-coached side are buoyed by the addition of centre-back Celestine Anyichie, who missed the club’s visit to the Kanteerava, and will look to the Nigerian’s aerial presence to keep the Blues’ attack at bay.

The game kicks off at 7.05 pm and will be telecast live on Ten 2.

Bengaluru look to hurl on disorganized East Bengal

AIFF Media 
JSW Media

In a fight between the arch-rivals from Bangalore and Kolkata in Hero I-League, reigning champions Bengaluru FC take on the table-topper Kingfisher East Bengal tomorrow at the Shree Kanterava Stadium.

Though Bengaluru have defeated the Red & Golds at home convincingly in past two seasons, they have tasted a 1-2 defeat in their away game this season.

In what may be termed as a mid-season slump, which seems to be far from over, the Blues are winless in last 6 rounds, and yet to win an away match.

East Bengal’s recent drop in form after six consecutive wins witnessed them picking only 2 points from last three matches. Their woe compounded when they lost the previous match to Aizawl FC. East Bengal still manage to stay at the top with a better goal difference than Mohun Bagan, the later, having played a match less.

Talking to the media, Bengaluru FC coach Roca termed it as a tough game, “We have a lot of positives from the last three games, the way we have played, creating more chances, we were on our way to winning, unfortunately, we were not so lucky!”

More than a month ago, Bengaluru’s fall started against the same team, which coach terms as ‘Pain’.

“We expect East Bengal coming hard on us. From three bad results, I am sure even for them this is an important game.” said the Spaniard.

Goals have eluded Bengaluru and Roca is wary of this, “It (goal) is the most important thing in football, we are creating chances but not efficient enough to score a goal, we are working on it.”

The visitors will be without their injured striker Willis Plaza and Didika Ralte, who is out owing to the automatic yellow card suspension. Bengaluru will go out without John Johnson.

East Bengal Coach, Trevor James Morgan realizes a ‘tough game’ is awaiting his troop. “Bengaluru is a good side with good players. I think we have to we have to perform well and get a result.

He added, “We are quite disappointed with the last two games we played against Shillong Lajong and Aizawl FC. We need to start winning and tomorrow’s game will be a tough one!”

As Harmanjot Singh Khabra set to cut loose against his former teammates tomorrow, so is Robin Singh who’s gearing up to take on Sunils and Eugenes, his ex-co-players.

The match is scheduled at 07:00 pm and it’ll be telecast live on Ten 2.

Bengaluru look to bounce back to winning ways

AIFF Media 
Bengaluru FC Media 

Churchill Brothers, who finally opened their account after a hard-fought draw against DSK Shivajians, will be cautiously optimistic against title favorites Bengaluru FC, whose air of invincibility and high flying run was cut short by a 2-1 defeat against Kingfisher East Bengal.

The respective results saw Bengaluru FC in the fourth position behind Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Aizawl FC while Churchill Brothers move up to the eighth position above Chennai City and Minerva Punjab. 

Bengaluru are still the team to beat and a defeat after three straight wins means that the defending champions would be desperate to put things right as they take on the Red Machines.

Roca, the former Barcelona assistant coach wants his team to continue playing their game even though East Bengal managed to outsmart them.

“Obviously I can’t disclose how we are going to play tomorrow. But the way that we play, we cannot change a lot. We cannot play long balls and we have tried always more or less to play our game. We don’t want to think too much or cry about the last result and I will adjust to see how my team reacts,” he concluded.

As far as the Goan side are concerned, they will be looking to build on the positive performance against DSK Shivajians which saw them walk away with a precious point. However, they find themselves up against a star-studded team like Bengaluru FC but Alfred suggested that his team will not be intimidated by the big names.

The kick-off is at 07:05 pm at the Tilak Maidan in Goa and the match will be telecast live on Ten 2.

Bengaluru suffer first defeat of the season, fails to overcome East Bengal hurdle

Bengaluru Media 
AIFF Media

Bengaluru FC’s flawless start to the I-League campaign was dented when the Blues went down 2-1 to East Bengal in a high-voltage clash that saw tempers flare at the Barasat Stadium, in Kolkata, on Sunday. CK Vineeth’s opener for Bengaluru was matched with an Ivan Bukenya tap in before second-half substitute Robin Singh did the star turn for the hosts with a goal in the 79th minute to take the Kolkata club to second on the points table, with Aizawl FC set to play Mumbai FC later in the day.

Albert Roca rang in just the one change from the side that beat Mumbai FC on Wednesday, replacing Nishu Kumar with Sena Ralte in the left-back position as the youngster occupied an injured Sandesh Jhingan’s place on the Bengaluru bench.

With his sheen refusing to rub off, Vineeth shot Bengaluru to the lead in the 23rd minute after Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s run down the left was perfectly cut back into the path of the striker who put it past TP Rehenesh with a firm strike to silence the home fans at Barasat.

But East Bengal needed just five minutes to draw level when Bukenya caught the Blues’ defence off-guard and turned in a low corner to make it 1-1. Tempers flared when Sunil Chhetri was brought down by Mehtab Hossain as both sides went into the tunnel with the scores level and everything to play for.

Trevor Morgan started the second half throwing in striker Robin Singh for a rather ineffective Ildar Amirov and the change seemed to work as the former Bengaluru man drew Amrinder Singh into a save, hit the crossbar and slid in a delightful cross that Plaza, with an open goal at his mercy, missed completely.

But for all his individual brilliance, it was a lapse in defence that Robin capitalized on to make it 2-1 in the 79th minute. A rare error in judgment saw the ball skim off John Johnson’s head and fall on to the path of Robin’s run. With only Amrinder to beat, the striker made no mistake as he slotted calmly past the ’keeper to give the home side a late lead.

The Blues threw everything they had at a stubborn East Bengal defence as shots from Chhetri and Vineeth were saved by Rehenesh. A Lyngdoh effort sailed high of the East Bengal frame in the dying minutes as Morgan’s side held on for their third consecutive win of the season.

The Blues next travel to Goa where they will face Churchill Brothers, at the Fatorda Stadium, on Friday.

Bengaluru braced for Tampines fight with semis berth at stake

Bengaluru FC Media 

Albert Roca said his side would not be making much of their one goal advantage as he expects Tampines Rovers to come all guns blazing at Bengaluru FC when the two teams clash at the Jalan Besar Stadium, in Singapore, on Wednesday with a place in the semifinal of the AFC Cup at stake.

The Blues traveled to Singapore on the back of a CK Vineeth goal in the first leg of the quarterfinal last week to give Roca’s side a slight edge. But the Spaniard believes Bengaluru have their task cut out. “The second leg is always a big challenge. It isn’t going to be easy given we have only the one goal to show for and Tampines will look to make things difficult in a bid to reverse the situation. But we have to be prepared for that,” said Roca while addressing the press in the team hotel, on Tuesday.

In what was the club’s first competitive game since winning the League in May, Bengaluru put on a fluent display at the Kanteerava last week, leaving Tampines to do the chasing for most of the game. In fact the Blues created enough chances to kill the tie at home but for some wasteful finishing which gives both sides everything to play for on Wednesday.

“I am happy because after six weeks we have tried to create a new style of play, which is not easy. We have good players and they have been really involved in trying to adapt to the new concepts. The players have shown in the first leg that they can adjust to the new style of play and I hope they can do the same here in Singapore,” said the Spaniard.

Meanwhile Tampines coach, Akbar Nawas said his side would be under pressure but urged his squad to give a good account of themselves. “The pressure is always there, no matter how much we say it isn’t. We need to step things up from the start and should not make the mistake of taking Bengaluru lightly,” he said. History too isn’t making things easier on the hosts who attempt to be the first side from Singapore to make the last four of AFC Cup since 2004.

The Blues landed in the country on Sunday and put in a session at the Jalan Besar on Monday. Much has been made about the rather hard surface at the Stadium but Roca chose to play it down when asked whether the pitch would have a role to play. “The surface is the same for both teams so there will be no excuses. We will have to adapt as quickly as possible. The climate is a little too humid for our liking but we have players experienced enough to manage the situation.”  

Bengaluru beat Tampines in AFC Cup, inch towards AFC semi-finals berth

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC took a vital step towards their AFC Cup semifinal aspirations with a first-leg1-0 win over Singapore side Tampines Rovers at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday. A CK Vineeth tap-in from close in the 7th minute was enough to get coach Albert Roca’s reign off to a winning start and give the Blues an edge when they travel to Singapore for the away leg to be played on September 21.

Bengaluru were swift to put away the disappointment of playing behind closed doors, owing to the political situation in the city, when CK Vineeth landed an early blow to the visitors. The move began after Sunil Chhetri stole the ball off a Tampines player in the midfield and picked Alwyn George’s run perfectly. George was tackled just before he could pull the trigger in the box but the ball fell rather kindly to Vineeth whose tap in took a bit off the post before going in.

Earlier, Roca, playing a 4-4-2, chose to partner Vineeth with Chhetri while Nishu Kumar started in the left-back position alongside Juan Gonzalez, John Johnson and Rino Anto. Joining Gonzalez on the debutants list were midfielders Cameron Watson and Alvaro Rubio who showed more than just flashes of class.

Playing with a sense of assuredness, Bengaluru came close to doubling their lead in the 31st minute when Chhetri nodded down a cross in Eugeneson Lyngdoh’s path but Tampines shot stopper Mohamad Izwan was quick to steal it off the midfielder’s feet.

Sensing the need to nick a goal away from home, Rovers switched gears in the second half but Bengaluru had done enough to dig their heels in and take control of the game. In fact the home side will be disappointed at the number of chances they squandered, most, which if taken, could have effectively killed the tie for Tampines.

CK Vineeth made an error in judgement when, from a breakaway move in 72nd minute, he decided to shoot from in the box instead of picking an unmarked Chhetri on his left. 

The Bengaluru defence didn’t give much joy to Jordan Webb, Billy Mehmet and Jermaine Pennant, constantly winning the ball and patiently building up play from the back. The Blues leave for Singapore on Sunday for the away leg.

Bengaluru FC notch key win, beat Ayeyawady 5-3

Bengaluru FC Media 

An Alwyn George brace and goals from CK Vineeth, Len Doungel and substitute Beikhokhei Beingaichho saw Bengaluru FC beat Myanmar’s Ayeyawady United FC 5-3 in a high-scoring AFC Cup Group H fixture at the Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday.

With this result, Bengaluru FC occupy second position in group H with six points from four games.  Defending Champions Johor Darul Ta’zim are in pole position with 12 points from their four games.

In a heavily altered starting XI, one having no foreigners and with Sunday’s big game against Salgaocar gaining rightful precedence, Ashley Westwood handed 18-year-old Nishu Kumar his club debut while Lalthuammawia Ralte started in goal. In fact, the squad did not feature Sunil Chhetri, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, John Johnson, Rino Anto and Curtis Osano while Michael Collins missed the fixture with a suspension.

But the young side showed no signs of pressure and put Ayeyawady on the back foot with a flurry of attacks from the first minute on. Daniel Lalhlimpuia was set up smartly by Vineeth in the box and the youngster’s dragged attempt from close ricocheted off the crossbar. Alwyn George, Len Doungel and Vineeth then all came close with chances they should have finished off.

Bengaluru eventually got the lead in the 20^th minute when Vineeth made the most of a poor back pass, got a touch to put the ball beyond an onrushing Ayeyawady ’keeper before regain his shape and slotting into an empty net.

But for all their domination, Bengaluru’s failure to take their chances – some of them more than gilt-edged – saw them pay the price a minute before half-time. Christopher Chizoba forced Manju to commit and then set Zaw whose strike beat Ralte past his right as the half ended 1-1.

Westwood didn’t press any changes to start the second half with and Bengaluru shot into the lead when George tapped home his first goal in a Blues shirt in the 61^st minute. Meeting a low cross from Vishal Kumar, George saw his first take saved by Vanlal only to get a second chance that he put away.

Vineeth then set up Doungel in the 66^th minute to make it 3-1. Picking the ball on the left, Doungel powered his way past his marker before shooting past Vanlal with his left.

Just when Bengaluru felt they had a lead that would let them breathe easy, an impressive display from Chizoba seemed to throw a spanner in their works. Picking up the ball 20 yards from goal, the Nigerian striker cut past a covering Vishal Kumar and then lashed a fierce grounder which beat Ralte’s flailing hands and gave the side from Myanmar a glimmer of hope.

Just nine minutes later, an optimistic effort from the edge of the box along the carpet, something which Ralte should have gobbled up, inexplicably evaded the Bengaluru ‘keeper’s grasp, deflecting off his hands and into the goal, restoring parity for Ayeyawady.

It was easy for heads to drop in the hosts’ camp but an inspired run from Vineeth down the left saw him power past his marker and put in another rapid, low cross which a sliding Beikhokhei Beingaichho bundled in.

Having regained the lead and with just a minute of regulation time remaining, the Blues went for the kill as Udanta Singh, substituted in for Doungel, left two Ayeyawady central defenders trailing in his wake. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Udanta hammered his shot into the body of the keeper but Alwyn George reprieved the youngster, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to give his side a 5-3 lead and the three valuable points. 

Kim on song - Bengaluru FC prove too strong for Lajong

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.

Bengaluru overcome Salgaocar to start the season with a bang

Bengaluru FC Media  
AIFF Media  

Bengaluru got their I-League campaign to a winning start beating Salgaocar FC 1-2 at the Tilak Maidan, Goa, on Saturday. 

A 5th minute tap in from CK Vineeth and a freekick in the 61st from skipper Sunil Chhetri meant the Blues kept their 100% win record over Salgaocar in the League, intact. A penalty from Darryl Duffy had helped Salgaocar pull level late in the first half.

The game began with Bengaluru FC largely dictating the state of affairs and penetrating the Bengaluru defense in the final third. The hosts however looked to missing the much needed creative spark in their ranks as their attacks failed repeatedly.

Eugeneson Lyngdoh came close to making it 2-0 to Bengaluru after eventual man of the match Thoi Singh’s cross found him in the box. The midfielder took a touch to bring it onto his right foot but his effort was saved well by Karanjit Singh.

Salgaocar FC looked to be getting back into the game at the end of the half with Jackichand Singh in the thick of things. The winger won a penalty after being tackled by Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Darryl Duffy calmly slotted the dead ball into the back of the net.

It remained 1-1 at the end of the first half.

The second half began in calm fashion with both sides looking to be patient on the ball. Bengaluru FC looked to mark Jackichand Singh more closely and neutralize his impact on the game from the onset.

Sunil Chhetri made it 2-1 to Bengaluru FC with a well taken free-kick from close range. The Blues skipper stepped up and got the ball to go up and down from 20 yards to score spectacularly.

The remainder of the game was played at similar pace with chances falling to either side.

At the end of the 90, it finished 2-1 to Bengaluru FC with the hosts starting the I-League on a positive note.

BDFA Super Division - Bengaluru register 1-0 win over ASC

Bengaluru FC Media

A second half strike from CK Vineeth secured three points as Bengaluru FC started their BDFA Super Division League campaign with a 1-0 win over ASC at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Thursday.

Blues gaffer Ashley Westwood handed starts to summer signings Alwyn George, Nishu Kumar and Salam Ranjan Singh as the Blues started well, dominating possession. Alwyn was in the thick of the action from the start, linking up with Udanta, who did well to pick out Kim in the 36th minute, but his header went inches wide of the far post.

Blues striker CK Vineeth had the best chance of the first half, connecting well with Udanta’s cross to send a rasping strike on target but ASC ’keeper AK Balwant was at hand to make the save. Despite consistent spurts at the opposition defence, it was all square the break as both teams headed into the tunnel.

Bengaluru started the second half with the gaffer making three changes, sending on Seiminlen Doungel, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Curtis Osano for Udanta, Kim Song Yong and John Johnson. The Blues found the net on the hour mark with Alwyn setting Nishu free down the right, the India U19 international picking out CK Vineeth to smash home past Balwant.

ASC had a rare chance in the 77th minute when midfielder Dawa found himself at the end of a cross from Deepak, but Blues’ ’keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte came off his line to deny the equalizer. Bengaluru had a chance to double their lead when Nishu’s lobbed pass found Daniel through on goal, but the striker’s shot was inches high of Balwant’s crossbar.

Balwant was in the thick of the action once again, after Daniel did well to find Doungel free inside the box. Bengaluru face Income Tax in their second clash of the BDFA Super Division League on Sunday.

Bengaluru prevail over plucky Bharat FC

BengaluruFC & AIFF Media 

Eugeneson Lyngdoh and CK Vineeth scored on either side of the half as Bengaluru FC wrapped up their Pune tour with two wins from as many matches and joined Mohun Bagan at the top of the table with 28 points. 

The Blues, who only two days earlier churned out a near-flawless performance in the 2-0 defeat of Pune FC, picked up from where they left as an answer to coach Ashley Westwood’s call to reproduce a similar show if three points were to be taken.

Lyngdoh’s strike in the 29th minute came when Sean Rooney intercepted a poor pass from Surajit Bose before teeing up the ball for the midfielder, who placed a peach of a strike past ’keeper Shahinlal Meloli from 20-yards out. The goal was a striking replica of the one Lyngdoh scored in the home tie that Bengaluru won 1-0.  

Westwood started with an unchanged XI that took field in the 2-0 win against Pune FC on Tuesday while the only change on the bench was the inclusion of Robin Singh, back from serving a one-game suspension. Bharat, meanwhile, had a string of absentees owing to a combination of suspensions, injuries and a family emergency. But despite the goal, the half was an absorbing one where possession and attacks swapped hands swiftly. However, post the break was a different tale.

Ten minutes into the second half and Bengaluru struck again when CK Vineeth scored his second goal in as many games. Receiving the ball on the break and down the left, Rooney made a run before passing to Lyngdoh, in the box. Skipping the option to shoot, Lyngdoh squared the ball to Vineeth who drew Meloli out before turning and placing his shot calmly, making it 2-0.

With a two-goal cushion and Bengaluru completely in control, Westwood pulled off his goal scorers within a few minutes after the hour mark, replacing Lyngdoh and Vineeth with Robin and Sunil Chhetri. The changes added a fresh impetus to Bengaluru’s attacks and Robin came close to grabbing a brace of headers.

Midfielder Joshua Walker threw in a fantastic shift in his role ahead of the defence while the back four were clinical in stuffing out every half chance to make it two clean sheets in as many games.

Bengaluru next travel to Maldives on Sunday where they take on Maziya S&RC in a game, if they won, would send them to the pre-quarterfinal stages of the AFC Champions League. 

Shankar's record 15-second goal ensure Bengaluru's first win in Pune

AIFF & Bengaluru FC Media 

An opening goal that came in 15 seconds from the start of the match told the entire story as Bengaluru FC romped to 2-0 win against host Pune FC in the Round 18 match of the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Tuesday.

Shankar Sampingiraj opened the scoring when Pune FC defence was still napping and then CK Vineeth scored two minutes from half-time as the defending champions showed they are still not out of contention.

Pune FC would rue playing sloppy game in the first half and though much of attack changed after resumption, luck deserted the home team all through the match.

The win boosted Bengaluru FC to No 3 position with 25 points from 14 matches, while Pune FC dropped one place to No 4 having 22 points 23 points from 15 matches.

Bengaluru FC came with a plan and they executed to the point without making much fuss about it.

Shankar Sampingi Raj etched his name in the record books when he scored the second fastest goal of the I-League leaving the Pune FC defence stunned.

Shankar fired the ball into the nettings in 15 seconds from the start waking up Pune FC from slumber.

Incidentally, the fastest goal of the I-League was scored by James Moga for Pune FC against United Skikkim FC in the 2012 season.

Bengaluru made astonishing start to the match, intent of avenging 1-3 home defeat at the start of the season.

Soon after the whistle the ball was swept to the right where Eugeneson Lyngdoh collected it and crossed into the Pune FC box with a left-footed shot. The ball hit the underside of the bar from the right and Shankar just tapped in to complete the goal.

Stung by the early goal Pune FC went on the counterattack but the waiting Lalramluaha Hmar chased the ball in vain to head in.

Then it was Thongkhomsiem Haokip who made a neat runand drew Lalchhuanmawia into a foul. But the free-kick taken by Nikhil Kadam was collected safely by Lalthuammawia Ralte.

On the counter, Sean Rooney chased down a CK Vineeth flick to earn a corner, but Pune FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh tried to push the ball but failed to clear it cleanly.

Rooney again saw a chance, but his shot came in for a rebound which was blasted over the crossbar by Shankar from about 30 yards.

Hmar again missed a golden chance in the 16th minute when Bengaluru defence seemingly switched off. Munmun Lugun sent in a great cross and Hmar just had to get his head in place, but the Pune FC midfielder miscues as the ball goes out of play.

Bengaluru went 2-0 up when Vineeth scored one of the classiest goal of the season in the 43rd minute.

He gathered the ball and held Pune FC defender at bay and then made exchanges with Beikhokhei Beingaichho, who set him up with a fantastic through ball from outside the box.

Beikhokhei still ran with the ball surprising the Pune FC centre-backs, who were left out of play before striker Vineeth grabbed the ball and smashed it past Amrinder into the roof of the nettings.

Second half was a lost cause for Pune FC as Bengaluru kept a tight grip over the proceedings. The home side got several chances, but it was poor finishing that did them in. 

Bengaluru open their winning account in Hero I-League

A brace from Thoi Singh with nicely complemented one goal each by Eugeneson Lyngdoh and CK Vineeth helped Bengaluru FC (BFC) to get their Hero I-League campaign going. 

Ashley Westwood handed starts to Vineeth, Thoi and Lalchhuanmawia and the trio vindicated the gaffer’s decision. While Vineeth rose to nod home a Rino Anto cross, Lalchhuanmawia picked out Lyngdoh with a peach of a ball which the midfielder brought down with class before calmly placing the ball on ’keeper Nikhil Bernard’s right. Thoi’s brace included a poacher’s goal and a cultured finish after running with the ball from the half line.

CK Vineeth scored his first goal for the BFC – a perfectly placed header in the 34^th minute before an impeccable Eugeneson Lyngdoh finish. Thoi Singh then helped himself to an eight minute brace as BFC picked their first win in the hill city. 

While the BFC would take a one-nil win as happily, the big score and clean sheet will work as the perfect injection of confidence before the key trip to Malaysia where they play Johor Darul Ta’zim on February 4. 

Coming into the game on the back of three consecutive wins, Wahingdoh had chances of their own but were denied by either resolute defending or the woodwork on three occasions. Striker Kim Yong Song was in the thick of things often but John Johnson and Curtis Osano did enough to keep him at bay. Johnson had a header of his own kept out brilliantly by Bernard in the first half.

Westwood had denied a presence of pressure in his pre-match press conference and the boys gave enough advertisement of the fact. The win takes BFC to sixth position on the table and Westwood will be keen to keep the momentum going when the team returns from Malaysia to host Bharat FC (February 8) and Shillong Lajong (February 14) in Bengaluru.

Bengaluru FC sign Versatile Midfielder Vineeth

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC on Thursday announced the signing of versatile midfielder CK Vineeth from United Sports Club on a deal that runs through the end of the season. Dubbed as serious title contenders after an impressive debut season that sees them atop the table, Bengaluru’s shoring up of their midfield with the signing is a statement of intent. The youngster trained with the team at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Thursday. 

Twenty-five-year-old Vineeth’s first tryst with the I-League was in the 2010-11 season where he scored on debut for Viva Kerala. In the League’s 2012-13 edition, he ended up as highest Indian scorer with seven goals. 

“I am absolutely pleased to sign for Bengaluru FC. Everyone is seeing what the club is doing and the chance to be a part of something this exciting was difficult to turn down. I spoke to a lot of people before taking the decision and all of them had only nice things to say. I also dropped by and had a small run down of the way things at the club are done and I was totally impressed. I also had managed a word with Sunil Chhetri and he spoke highly of the club,” said the Kannur-born lad who started his football with stints at Chennai Customs and Kerala State Electricity Board. 

Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood was pleased with the club’s latest acquisition. “We are very happy and pleased to have Vineeth on board. He is a player we have been tracking for a while now and someone who had a good last season in the I-League. I’m sure he will be a good addition to the squad and will give us genuine competition for places as he can cover a number of roles. Hopefully, with our methods and standards, we will improve him as an individual and get him back in the national squad,” said Westwood.