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Bengaluru FC Under-18 boys played out a goalless draw against Ozone Football Academy at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Sunday, January 1 ending their U-18 I-League Rest of India Zone Group A campaign unbeaten. Having scored 17 goals and conceded just one, the Blue Colts qualify to the final rounds with 10 points from their four games.
Head Coach John Kila chose to rest Sourav T.P. as Lalrinzuala, Lalbiaknia and Arun Suresh returned to the starting eleven. The Blues started on the offence, claiming a penalty in just the third minute after striker Leon Augustine was brought down in the area. Skipper Prashanth Kalinga’s take was denied by the upright as Ozone Football Academy kept the Blue Colts at bay.
Leon came closest to opening the scoring for the Blue Colts in the first half as his lobbed effort was pushed away by the Ozone Football Academy keeper. Kila’s introduction of Lalrintluanga Chawnglut and Sourav T.P. gave the Blues an added impetus in the second half as they went in search of the goal that would keep their perfect run in the competition intact.
The best chance of the game fell to midfielder Ajay Chettri deep in the second half. The 18-year-old did well to make space for himself but the cross from Leon went over the bar following a miscued shot from 7 yards. Despite their frequent forays into the Ozone penalty area, the finishing touch was found wanting as the Blue Colts settled for a point to end their Rest of India Group A qualifying campaign.
“We came here to qualify for the final rounds and we have achieved that, so I am happy. The players have performed exceptionally well and I must give credit to them and the coaching staff for keeping their fitness levels high over the last few weeks. There are many areas for improvement that we will be looking to address in the weeks leading up to the final round,” said Kila following the result.
