Bengaluru FC have progressed to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup after defeating Singaporean side Tampines Rovers 1-0 on aggregate after two games. Vineeth’s strike in the first leg was enough to separate the two teams and send Bengaluru FC through. Chhetri and co. had a good game, with the better chances falling to them. When they didn’t have the ball, they managed to frustrate Tampines with good, organised defending.
Here’s a quick look at how each Bengaluru FC player fared during the game.
Amrinder - 7/10
The shot-stopper was clearly trying to waste time right from the start, and rightfully picked up a booking in the first half for time wasting. He made some courageous saves and blocks, putting his body on the line as any good goalkeeper would. The keeper was also not afraid to come off his line. It resulted in one awkward moment for him when he left his goal exposed, but most of his movements were well-timed.
Also Read: SK Exclusive: 'The journey from the first line of defence to the last' with Amrinder Singh
Juan Antonio - 6/10
Antonio didn’t have a great game, but it wasn’t a bad day for him either. He was quite average. He was part of a well organised and tidy back four which communicated with each other really well and played the offside trap brilliantly. There was one pathetic attempt at a clearance from the defender, but the ball barely made it out of his own six-yard box. Luckily nothing came of it.
John Johnson - 4/10
John Johnson was poor today. He gave away possession quite cheaply sometimes. A few poor clearances and passes. He also conceded a very silly free-kick in a very dangerous position, putting his team under unnecessary pressure.
Alvaro Rubio - 6.5/10
Rubio controlled the game from midfield in the second half with good passes and decent vision. He was less effective in the first half, because every backward pass, which should have been to the defenders, was played all the way back to the keeper, who thumped it forward.
Sunil Chhetri - 7.5/10
Chhetri had a decent game. The captain mishit a free header to waste a good chance. He did well to beat his man with the ball and get into good positions, but his final ball was poor. He had a few good efforts and created some nice chances.
Rino Anto - 4/10
Anto put on a below average display today. He appeared rather lazy and lethargic, letting his man get past him without too much effort, and didn’t chase down the player after being beaten. He did make a good tackle or two, but his performance left more to be desired.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh - 6.5/10
Lyngdoh was rather quiet and somewhat ineffective in the game. That’s probably down to the fact that the central midfielder was played on the left flank, where his hold-up play and distribution couldn’t be used to full effect.
Nonetheless, he gave it his all and ran himself into the ground. He missed a great chance to put the tie to bed late in the game. The 30-year-old also made some good tackles to win possession back. He was taken off at 94 minutes.
Alwyn George - 4/10
George was invisible for most parts of the match today. The most memorable moment of his night was an attempted cross that was terribly mishit and went straight into the stands. He was substituted off in the 89th minute.
Nishu Kumar - 7.5/10
Nishu Kumar performed quite well today. He was smart, strong, and quite calm and collected. He showed good vision with his passing, and strength to hold his man off. He came off the field at 80 minutes.
Cameron Watson - 6.5/10
Watson played alongside Rubio in the centre of the park, and had a similar game. He was unable to have much impact in the first half because of the constant long balls played out of defence, but was much better in the second half.
Vineeth - 7.5/10
Vineeth was bright and energetic throughout the game. He tirelessly pressed the opponents when they were on the ball, trying to force an error. He also contributed with some intelligent and quick passing. The forward played an excellent ball across the face of goal to create a golden chance for Sunil Chhetri, but the captain couldn’t get there in time.
Substitutes
Salam Ranjan - N/A
On at 80 minutes.
Vishal - N/A
On at 89 minutes.
Sawmtea - N/A
On at 94 minutes.
