Federation Cup: BFC, Mohun Bagan win opening matches

Strikes by Udanta Singh (35’), Eugeneson Lyngdoh (46’) and an own-goal by skipper Aibrolang Khongjee proved enough for BFC to register its first win of the Federation Cup.

BFC held on to a goal’s advantage and saw off the match to record its first win of the Hero Federation Cup as the full-time score-line read 3-2 in its favour. 

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.

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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 a goal off a second minute John Watson corner. Sandesh Jihngan's well-directed header hit the crosspiece and landed on the line.

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 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.

Mohun 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.

The results:

Group B: Bengaluru FC 3 (Udanta 35, Lyngdoh 46, Aiborland Khongjee (OG) 74) beat Shillong Lajong FC 2 (Yuta Kinowaki 72, Samuel Lalmuanpuia 85);

Mohun Bagan 4 (Balwant 24, 71, Duffy 65, Jeje 90+2) beatt DSK Shivajians 0.

Tuesday's fixtures: Group A: Chennai City FC vs East Bengal (4 p.m.), Churchill Brothers vs Aizawl FC (7 p.m.).