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An inspired Bengaluru FC claimed a convincing comeback 2-1 win over Mohun Bagan to begin their 2017 AFC Cup campaign with a bang at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday. After conceding first from a Katsumi Yusa penalty, Sandesh Jhingan and Sunil Chhetri scored a goal each to pick up all three points in the opening match of the 2017 AFC Cup.
Roca’s two changes from the I-League game against the same opponent on Saturday included starts for C.K. Vineeth and Salam Ranjan Singh ahead of Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Nishu Kumar as Bengaluru FC started out in what looked like a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Blues had an early scare when Arindam Bhattacharya under pressure to get rid of a back pass, could clear only as far as Katsumi Yusa. It took the defence to rush back in numbers and stuff the danger out.
But just when it seemed like the teams would hit the showers without anything to show for in the first half, Mohun Bagan were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute when Jhingan’s trailing leg caught Sony Norde in the box. Arindam picked the right side but Yusa’s take was hit with enough power to fly beyond and give the Kolkata club the lead.
Finding themselves down by a goal, Bengaluru FC decided to dig deep and own the second half like a team possessed. Eugeneson Lyngdoh came on for Lenny Rodrigues as the Blues began pegging the Mohun Bagan defence back. And in what was poetic justice, Jhingan hit home Bengaluru FC’s equaliser from a well-worked set-piece in the 51st minute. Making a late run into the box, the defender met Watson’s corner with a sweet hit that flew past the defence and Shilton Paul as the Kanteerava erupted.
With their tails up and sensing fear in the Mohun Bagan ranks, Bengaluru FC constantly invaded the Mariners’ box with darting runs from either flank. In the 57th minute, Shilton stepped out of the box with the ball in his hand, giving the Blues a freekick in a dangerous position. Chhetri made no mistake with his effort, which pried through the Mohun Bagan wall and found the net to send the Blues faithful into frenzy.
Bengaluru FC had numerous chances to extend their lead. Vineeth’s cross for Lyngdoh was inches away from the midfielder’s diving header before a miscued effort from Daniel Lalhlimpuia saw the ball fizz past Paul’s frame. A free-kick from Juanan seemed like the icing on the cake for the Blues but his take was inches away from the Bagan crossbar.
Bengaluru FC now head into the international break before returning to face the Mariners for a third time, this time again in the I-League at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in Kolkata on April 1.
