Fanai On Target As Sachin Badadhe’s Side Go Down 3-1 At JSW Township

Bengaluru FC’s U18s began their U18 JSW Youth Cup campaign with a 3-1 loss to Goan side Dempo SC at the JSW Township, in Toranagallu, on Tuesday. First half strikes from Clarence Savio Fernandes (15’), Aryan Pundalik Poll (26’) and Shreyash Gajanan Naik (40’) gave the visitors a commanding lead at the break, as Fanai’s strike in the second period proved a consolation.

The game commenced with Dempo putting pressure on the Blue Colts and the Goan side took just 15 minutes to make the breakthrough. Attacking with intent, Clarence towered high in the box to send a corner goalward and past Manik Baliyan in the BFC goal.

Dempo found their second under fortuitous circumstances after a deflection in the box saw the ball fall kindly for Aryan, who slotted home to double their lead with less than half an hour on the clock.

Bengaluru picked up the pace and found their rhythm on the ball, but Sachin Badadhe’s side failed to capitalize. Shreyash’s strike, Dempo’s third of the day, gave the visitors a commanding lead heading into the break.

Into the second period, Bengaluru began to find composure on the box and had a few efforts that were saved by Dempo custodian Myrick Hilario. After picking a pocket of space outside the 18-yard box, Fanai’s effort was parried away.

The Blue Colts continued to make inroads into goal-scoring positions, but failed to convert and had two free-kicks go wayward. The pressure would pay off just five minutes from regulation time when Fanai’s header found the back of the net but it was too late for Badadhe’s side to mount a comeback.

Bengaluru FC next face Reliance Foundation Young Champs at the same venue, on March 17th.