A John Johnson goal deep into injury-time gave Bengaluru FC (BFC) three points against Maziya Sports and Recreation Club, in a AFC Cup Group E clash at Male (Maldives) on Tuesday.
Through the majority of the match, BFC created multiple chances without a goal to show for it. It what would turn out to be the last piece of action in the encounter, BFC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh sent a long punt forward off a free-kick. Maziya custodian Pavel Matiash punched the attempt, and the ball fell to Marjan Jugovic, who hooked it back towards the goal. Johnson timed his run well to make contact, giving his side a 1-0 win.
BFC has now won both its group matches, and sits on top of the table.
Four changes were made to the BFC side which took on Mohun Bagan at the weekend. Skipper Sunil Chhetri, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Lenny Rodrigues were handed starts, while Salam Ranjan Singh replaced Nishu Kumar in defence.
The Blues started well from kick-off, with Udanta’s early swipe sailing over the bar before another shot from the 21-year-old — this time set up by skipper Sunil Chhetri — went over.
Udanta was in the thick of things once again when, when in the 17th minute, his shot from the edge of the area was saved by Maziya ’keeper Matiash. Defender Juanan then took a shot on the volley, but it was wayward.
The visitor continued to dominate proceedings, even as Maziya began to fall back in an attempt to nullify BFC’s constant attacks. Just when the outing seemed destined for a goalless draw, Johnson found the target.
BFC next returns to I-League duties at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, where it takes on Aizawl FC on Sunday.
The result: Maziya Sports and Recreation Club 0 lost to BFC 1 (John Johnson 90+3) .
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