AFC Cup 2018: New Radiant SC vs Bengaluru FC - 5 Talking Points

Chhetri providing the momentary spark

Sunil Chhetri gave Bengaluru some hope, but it was not enough in the end.

Unlike their previous AFC Cup games, Sunil Chhetri was not rested for the away tie against New Radiant.And indeed, there was no apparent reason to rest him. The Super Cup final was on Friday, which gave their captain four days to recover. To add to that, there are no more domestic fixtures left.

Playing on the left wing, Chhetri made intelligent runs up the flank, always looking to make entries intothe dangerous areas. However, he was thwarted time and again by a determined New Radiant defence. The 33-year-old had a golden chance to score one goal in the first half, when he borke into the box from the left side, turned and tried to slip the ball between keeper Imran Mohamed’s legs. However, the Maldives custodian managed to get something on the shot, and deflected it away.