I-League Football: BFC one win away from title

Action from the I-League match between Bengaluru FC and East Bengal in Bengaluru on Sunday. The hosts won 3-1. (Photo: R. Samuel )

Bengaluru FC did a league double over East Bengal as they took a giant step towards winning the I-League crown at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Sunday. Goals from Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Kim Song-Yong and A. Malsawmzuala propelled the hosts to a 3-1 win. Do Dong-Hyun scored for the Kolkata side.

With the win, Bengaluru FC vaulted to the top of the table, two points ahead of Mohun Bagan and still have a match in hand. The 2014 champions can claim the title at home if they are to beat Salgaocar on April 17.

It was evident right from the off that there was little love lost between the two sides as they pressed, hustled and harried each other setting a frantic pace that would last the whole 90 minutes.

The early chances came BFC’s way with Kim, a mighty presence and a constant thorn for East Bengal defence all day, escaping Bernard Mendy’s attention and firing just wide before Lyngdoh’s awkward volley was blocked by the defence within the first 10 minutes.

The home side continued to create half chances while Biswajit Bhattacharjee’s side looked a threat on the break as they showed in the 23rd minute when Sanju Pradhan set up Ranti Martins after a blistering run only to see the Nigerian head it over the bar.

The away side broke the deadlock just five minutes later as Dong-Hyun latched onto a poor touch from Malsawmzuala near the halfway line and blazed past two defenders and smashed the ball into the net.

The hosts responded in spectacular fashion, drawing parity just two minutes later. While EB defenders were guilty of switching off, Lyngdoh showed courage by throwing himself between the boots and heading in Kim’s lofted cross to put his side level. Kim then forced a spectacular save from goalkeeper Rehenesh T.P. with a strong header before Sunil Chhetri directed his effort high from close range in the last meaningful action of the half.

PTI adds, Sporting Clube de Goa finished their home leg encounters with an impressive 5-2 win over Shillong Lajong in Margao.

Sporting scored through Mehrajuddin Wadoo (2nd minute), Sumeet Passi (21st, 33rd), Subhasish Bose (65th) and Mahmoud Al Amna (89th) to take their tally to 18 points from 14 matches. While Pen Orji scored twice for Shillong Lajong to remain on 15 points from 14 matches.