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Bengaluru FC returned to continental footballing action as they took on Maldivian champions New Radiant SC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
The two sides are at the top of the AFC Cup Group E and went into the game in search of their third win on the trot in the group. New Radiant won their first two fixtures in the group when they defeated Aizawl FC and Abahani Dhaka. Bengaluru FC also won against the two sides with their last match being the 3-1 win over Aizawl FC in Guwahati, Assam.
Bengaluru FC won the match courtesy a late strike from Nishu Kumar in a game that was pretty evenly matched. New Radiant SC were in control for much of the match but were undone by an added-time goal that saw Bengaluru rise to the top in the Group E standings.
#1 New Radiant SC took control of the game from the start
The side from the Maldives that won the Dhivehi Premier League, the top division of Maldivian football system began on a strong note as they produced the first chance of the match in the first minute itself.
Bengaluru FC were playing with three men at the back but that did not deter the away side. They kept finding the holes in the defence and were effective in the midfield. They did not allow Bengaluru any free time on the ball and closed them down very well.
Ashfaq and Hamzath Mohammed were the major sources of attacking danger for the New Radiant SC as they kept making good runs into the box and kept the home side's defence on their toes throughout the first half asserting control over the game.
#2 Bengaluru FC played on the counter in the first half
With New Radiant SC taking control of proceedings in the middle of the pitch, Bengaluru FC had no option but to put men on the ball and attack on the counter.
Bengaluru FC were made to work hard at the back by the Maldivian champions as they had very rare attacks. Whenever Bengaluru FC managed to quell any attacking move by the New Radiant SC side, they did so through the pacey Zuala and Alwyn George.
Harmanjot Khabra, who spent most of the time in his own half defending against the attacks had created one good opportunity when he crossed in from the right flank for Semboi Haokip. The striker did well to jump and get to the ball but could not direct the ball goalwards and the shot went way over the goal. Semboi was called into action again when he got Bengaluru's only shot on target in the first half that was cleared off the line by Amiri.
#3 Bengaluru began the second half on a better note
The Blues went into the halftime break with what was a sub-par performance considering that they were the home team.
However, Alber Roca's halftime talk must have surely prepped up the players as they came out with renewed confidence. They looked to attack the away side and did not just resort to defending in large numbers. Nishu Kumar, Malsawmzuala were involved on the flanks as they aimed to catch the New Radiant defence with their pace.
Bengaluru were more efficient with their attacks in the second period as they created chances with intent. Daniel Segovia looked confident in his movement and used his physicality well in the attack to trouble the New Radiant SC defenders. Semboi was also involved heavily as Bengaluru tried to assert their presence after a disappointing first half showing.
#4 Sunil Chhetri came on and almost won a penalty
Albert Roca realized that he would have to put on his star man on the pitch as the game was headed for a stalemate with twenty minutes to go.
His introduction was long due as Bengaluru FC, despite looking the better side in the second half were not able to breach the New Radiant SC defence. They had a couple of close chances but could not get the elusive goal.
Sunil Chhetri's introduction sparked a much-needed energy into the attacking and he almost made an immediate impact when he ran into the box from the right side and was brought down. However, the referee didn't award the penalty, much to the Bengaluru skipper's disappointment. Bengaluru coach Roca also expressed his dissent towards the referee and was sent off to the stands by the man in the middle.
#5 Nishu Kumar wins it at the death for Bengaluru
Bengaluru FC were on the hunt for the winning goal as they stepped up their attacking moves. They were rewarded handsomely in the added three minutes of time when left full-back Nishu Kumar scored from close range to clinch the win and three points for the home side.
Boithang Haokip found the key pass through to Chhetri who beat the offside trap and shrugged off a challenge from the defender to get into the box. He saw the New Radiant SC keeper rush off his line and squared the ball unselfishly for Kumar, who had made the run inside the box. He had the empty goal at his disposal and slotted it in as New Radiant hopes were dashed at the death.
