FC Bengaluru are back to their winning ways – the two-time Super Division champions asserted their dominance in a convincing 4-0 victory over Chhattisgarh-based RKMFC, in their second match of the HERO 2nd Division I-League qualifiers, on a sultry afternoon at the Bangalore Football Stadium. This was FCBU’s first win of the campaign, with goals from Irfan Yadwad (3’), Sushil Meitei (20’, 90+8’) and Shajan Franklin (26’) leaving them in good stead for the remainder of the tournament. They currently occupy third place in the Group D table of the tournament, with three points in two matches, with Bengaluru FC and Golden Threads FC ahead of them.
FCBU dominated the game from the beginning with an unrelenting press that RKMFC failed to answer. An early offensive resulted in a corner, giving FCBU the early lead, following a stinging volley in the box from striker Irfan Yadwad. FCBU continued to reap rewards for their offensive zeal when Selwyn Miranda on a threatening run was brought down on the right flank, earning FCBU a free kick. Selwyn stepped up to take a precise free kick; a teasing floater that was headed into the net by skipper Sushil Meitei, to make it 2-0. Soon after, FCBU tripled their lead when a feigned long shot, was played through to Shajan Franklin, who buried it with composure in the box, to ensure FCBU walked away in the first half with a massive three-goal advantage
In the second half, FCBU continued the assault, frequently penetrating the RKMFC defence. FCBU often found themselves in promising situations but the fourth goal evaded them until the final minutes of stoppage time game skipper Sushil finished a long ball from the midfield with style and grace, a well-guided volley to increase their already unassailable lead to four goals.
Despite a number of chances, a goalless second half ensued for RKMFC. Their best opportunity of the match came late in the second half when Abhijit Pramanik broke through on the left flank and found himself in a one-on-one against the FCBU keeper, however, the attempt was made redundant by the outstretched hands of Khalid Taufiq. Sayif Ali Mullick and Hafiz Ur Rehman also took shots from scoring positions as well, but neither was able to dampen FCBU’s clean sheet.
FC Bengaluru United will take on Golden Threads in their next game on the 27th of March, where they will be determined to overtake them on the points table.
