Bengaluru FC loses 2-1 to Lao Toyota FC

Sans its captain and star striker Sunil Chhetri, Bengaluru FC began its campaign at the AFC Cup football tournament on a disappointing note, losing 2-1 to Lao Toyota FC, here on Wednesday.

Bengaluru FC badly missed the services of Chhetri, who skipped the trip owing to a strained groin, and livewire midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh, who is recuperation from a fracture, as its attacking force lacked the guile and penetration.

The visitor witnessed a disastrous start as Japanse striker Kazuo Homma gave Lao Toyota FC the lead as early as in the third minute of the game, at the New Laos National Stadium.

The host doubled its lead in the 35th minute through a strike from midfielder Phatthana Syvilay to take a 2-0 lead at half time.

Bengaluru FC tried hard to forge a comeback but in the absence of Chettri and Lyngdoh, the I-League side lacked firepower in its strike force.

After a series of half chances and misses, BFC finally managed to breach the opposition defence when C. K. Vineeth scored in the 90th minute.

But by then it was too late for the visiting team as Lao Toyata FC registered its first victory in the AFC Cup.