[BDFA League] BFC Reserves go down 0-1 to Ozone

Bengaluru FC Media 

Ten-man Bengaluru FC ‘B’ suffered their second defeat of the campaign going down 0-1 to Ozone FC in their seventh game of the BDFA Super Division League at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Thursday.

In the first half that lacked real chances, a freak goal from Anup Theresraj handed Ozone all three points. The attacker chased down a long ball from Anto Xavier on the right flank, and managed to somehow connect with it on the slide just ahead of BFC ‘B’ custodian Shainkhan C. who had rushed out to punch it away. The effort was on target and the ball rolled in into an empty net to put Ozone up 1-0 in the 42nd minute. Meanwhile, the Blues had shout for a penalty turned away early in the half after Leon Augustine was brought down inside the box.

The second half saw Coach Naushad Moosa make a double change brining in Robinson Singh and Bidyananda Singh to add more creativity in attack. While the Blues began pushing up, left-back Parag Shrivas was shown a straight red for a high-foot challenge on an opponent reducing BFC ‘B’ to ten-men in the 57th minute.

The Blues continued to push forward in search of the equalizer, but Ozone capitalized on their one-man advantage to hold on to their narrow lead and seal a win. The result meant that BFC ‘B’ stay second in the standings with 13 points from seven games as Ozone clinched the title with 30 points.

Bengaluru go down 2-1 to Students Union

Bengaluru FC Media 

A host of controversial decisions marred Bengaluru FC’s 2-1 loss to Students Union FC in a round four match in the BDFA Super Division League, at the Bengaluru Football Stadium.

After over an hour of football that saw long spells of possession and battles in midfield, a strike from over 25 yards out by BFC skipper Myron Mendes saw stand-in coach Sandesh Boithe’s boys take the lead in the 68th minute.

However, Student’s Union equalized late on in the game through a header from Amoes, though replays showed that the ball had been cleared off the line by defender Prashanth Kalinga.

A defensive lapse late in the game allowed South United score the winner deep into extra time as Amoes latched onto a pass from midfield and placed it past a hapless Shainkhan CP in the BFC goal.

The Blues’ reserve side dropped down to fourth position on the table, as the win took South United to nine points from three games.

Bengaluru reserves gear up for Fukuoka clash

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC’s reserve side will look to put on a good show when they take on Japan’s Avispa Fukuoka U18s in an Asian Football Confederation approved friendly game at the Bengaluru Football Stadium, on Saturday.

U18s Head Coach John Kenneth Raj stressed at the importance of the clash, saying his boys will be looking to put on a show. “Many of our players are new and come into the side wanting to prove a point. Avispa are a strong team and we’ll have to be at our best,” he said.

Speaking at the pre-match Press Conference, Avispa Fukuoka Head Coach, Yusuke Ogura said, “We are very glad to be here for this game. We are looking forward to it and want to win. We haven’t seen Bengaluru FC play but we want to focus on our game and try to do our best.”

“The weather is very nice and cool and we’re comfortable here. It will be very good for the game. Back in Japan it’s summer, so we’re happy to be here. For the players, it’s (to play against foreign teams) a very good experience and will help them a lot,” added Ogura.

Meanwhile, the Blues’ Head of Youth Development John Kila was excited ahead of BFC Academy’s first ever game against an international opponent.

“This is an exciting opportunity for these youngsters. After a year of establishing our academy, we have had the chance to improve our scouting and strengthen the team. A few players have made the progress through from the U16 squad which is a positive sign. Since the season has just started we haven’t had much time to prepare for this game, however, we’re happy with this opportunity as it gives us a chance to assess our squad,” he said.