The Blues travel to Kolkata to take on Mohammedan SC for their first away game of the season, on March 7, at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) Stadium at 5 pm. Both teams arrive at the KBK on the back of unfavourable results last week against Punjab FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), respectively, and will look to return to winning ways on Saturday.
Renedy Singh’s side suffered their first defeat of the season, at home, against a stubborn Punjab FC, who virtually ended the tie in the first half, with two goals from Effiong Nsungusi before the break. Meanwhile the Black Panthers, who are yet to win in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season, were hammered for five goals at the Salt Lake Stadium against a dominant MBSG, who came from behind to win 5-1, after midfielder Lalthankima’s strike was cancelled out by a brace from Robinho and goals from Jamie Maclaren, Dimitri Petratos and Manvir Singh.
Mohammedan SC are the only team to play with an all – Indian squad in the ISL and were also the first team to break through the Bagan backline this season and hand them their first non-clean sheet result.
“They created some good chances against Mohun Bagan and FC Goa, and they will put up a fight against us”, said Renedy Singh at the Pre-Match Press Conference in Bengaluru, on Friday, March 6.
Midfielder Vinith Venkatesh was in high spirits ahead of the fixture. “I am ready to play wherever the coach wants me to. I am always ready to do my part for the team”, said the youngster.
Vinith has mainly come off the bench for Bengaluru FC to play in the midfield, but is raring to go whenever called upon by the coach. Describing the atmosphere this week, he said, “Everyone is motivated and ready to give it our all tomorrow.”
A positive update for Bengaluru FC is that Rahul Bheke is back and fully fit to play tomorrow. His presence in the backline will be a vital factor as a crucial game awaits Bengaluru FC in Kolkata tomorrow.