Federation Cup: Bengaluru puts it past Shillong

Mohun Bagan has it easy against DSK Shivajians

Barging through: Balwant Singh, who scored two of Mohun Bagan’s four goals, powers his way past DSK Shivajians defenders in their Group B match on Monday.

Despite missing plenty of chances, Bengaluru FC rode on its luck to beat Shillong Lajong FC 3-2 in an energy-sapping Group B contest of the Federation Cup at the Barabati Stadium here on Monday. Mohun Bagan blanked DSK Shivajians 4-0 in the evening match.

The first half was a story of Bengaluru’s complete domination with the former I-League champion controlling possession and maintaining good pace despite the muggy weather.

Bengaluru was unlucky not to score off a second minute John Watson corner. Sandesh Jihngan’s well-directed header hit the crosspiece and landed on the line.

Udanta in full flow

The ever-active Udanta Singh looked unstoppable on the right flank as he picked Daniel Lyngdoha and Sunil Chhetri to torment Shillong back line.

After missing some chances, Udanta stunned the Shillong defence with a long ranger that got deflected off Nimdorjee Tamang into the goal in the 35th minute.

BFC doubled the lead soon after resumption when Harmanjot Khabra crossed from right and Lyngdoh rose to guide the ball in.

Shillong opened its account soon after ace striker Aser Dipanda had spoilt a penalty. Yuta Kinowaki hit the target off a Fabio Pena pass in the 72nd minute.

Shillong captain Aiborland Khongjee’s poor clearance resulted in an own goal, but the team showed resilience to score from a penalty through Samuel Lalmuanpuia in the closing minutes.

In the second match, Bagan overcame a slow start to tame Shivajians.

With Sony Norde playing a crucial role upfront, Bagan went ahead through a spectacular goal by a diving Balwant Singh in the 24th minute.

Bagan’s string of attacks sank Shivajians. Daryl Duffy finished a Norde corner, Balwant completed his brace shooting low from 18 yards and Jeje Lalpekhlua joined the party in the end to fetch full points for Bagan.

Too hot for comfort

With the mercury hovering around 40 degree Celsius, players are facing the toughest challenge here.

Humidity and the tight schedule, in which each team plays three group matches in five days, make the 90-minute affair, especially the ones starting at 4 p.m., a real test of physical fitness.

The results: Group B: Bengaluru FC 3 (Udanta 35, Lyngdoh 46, Aiborland Khongjee (OG) 74) bt Shillong Lajong FC 2 (Yuta Kinowaki 72, Samuel Lalmuanpuia 85); Mohun Bagan 4 (Balwant 24, 71, Duffy 65, Jeje 90+2) bt DSK Shivajians 0 .

Tuesday’s matches: Chennai City FC v East Bengal, 4 p.m.; Churchill Brothers v Aizwal FC, 7 p.m.