Lalnuntluanga’s Second Half Strike, Jithin Own Goal Hands Bengaluru Full Points In Opener

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC got their BDFA Super Division League campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 2-0 win over Bangalore Dream United, at the Bangalore Football Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Wednesday. An own goal from BDU defender Jithin (11′) and substitute Lalnuntluanga’s penalty (89′) late on secured the three points for the Blue Colts as they ended BDU’s three-game unbeaten run in the competition.

Coach Naushad Moosa fielded a squad with five first team players in Asheer Akhtar, Altamash Sayed, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Myron Mendes and Sairuat Kima, who made his first appearance in a BFC shirt, following a long injury layoff.

Having soaked a bit of pressure early on, the Blue Colts broke the deadlock in the 11th minute as Myron’s lob into the box found Asheer, whose cut back into the box went in off BDU defender Jithin.

The Blues had chances to increase their lead, as striker Naorem Roshan Singh’s attempt in a one-on-one situation went inches wide after a deflection off the goalkeeper. Moments later it was Lalengzama whose first-time effort was saved by the rival custodian Anandu.

The second period was a similar story with Bengaluru dominating the proceedings and Moosa’s boys almost got their second when their full-backs combined ten minutes into the half. Asheer’s darting run on the right ended with a low cross into the area that found Parag clear on the left. The latter attempted a powerful left footer which was palmed onto the woodwork by the ‘keeper.

Midway through the second half the Blue Colts suffered a setback when goalkeeper Shainkhan CP had to be rushed to the hospital after he clashed with BDU’s Aditya Rautela. Defender Namgyal Bhutia was sent on to play as a stand-in ’keeper, with Moosa’s second choice Aditya Patra unable to make the bench owing to an injury sustained in training earlier.

The Blue Colts’ persistence paid off in the final minutes of the game, as Lalnuntluanga was brought down in the area by Jithin. On for skipper Lalengzama Vangchhia, Lalnuntluanga sent the ’keeper the wrong way to double the Blue Colts’ lead.

Bengaluru could have had another goal minutes later when Roshan found himself in space just outside the box. However, the striker’s rasping strike came off the upright as the game ended 2-0.

The Blue Colts now play MEG & Centre in Round Two on Sunday, November 11th.