AFC Cup: Bengaluru FC 1-3 Persipura Jayapura - Match Report

Persipura beat Bengaluru FC 3-1 to top the group

Bengaluru FC went down 1-3 against a superior Persipura Jayapura side at Bengaluru to finish the AFC Cup group stage as runners up. Bengaluru’s young forward Udanta Singh scored the opening goal of the match in the 23rd minute. But Persipura’s Argentine forward Robertino Pugliara restored parity within 6 minutes. Immanuel Wanggai scored the second goal for the visiting side int the 73rd minute and Boaz Solossa increased the lead in the 77th minute.

Bengaluru FC gaffer Ashley Westwood opted to field a second string side as their berth in the knock-out round had already been confirmed. Captain Sunil Chhetri and in-form striker CK Vineeth were demoted to the bench and young forward Udanta Singh was handed a start.

Persipura were naturally dominant from the beginning of the game. The away side could have gone up by a goal in the 18th minute when Zulham Zamrun found himself unmarked inside the Bengaluru FC penalty box. Zamrun headed a ball towards the goal, but it went straight to Ralte’s safe hands.

Udanta scores debut goal

Somewhat against the run of play, Udanta Singh scored his debut goal for Bengaluru FC in the 24th minute. Robin Singh floated a cross from the right flank which fell into the feet of Udanta. The young Indian striker took full advantage and blasted a shot to open the scorer’s tally.

Persipura’s Robertino Pugliara equalised within 6 minutes as he whipped a piledriver shot at goal which easily beat Ralte.

Bengaluru FC looked a better side in the second half and got several opportunities to go ahead. Unfortunately, the away side took the lead in the 73rd minute from Immanuel Wanggai’s long range shot.

Boaz Solossa made it 3 goals for the visiting side with 5 minutes on the clock, as he scored from a free header. The defeat means Bengaluru FC will finish the group as runners-up and are scheduled to meet South China FC in the round of 16.