35th Federation Cup: Rangdajied United hold high flying Bengaluru FC to a draw

Bengaluru FC missed chances galore to avert a last day drama and qualify for the semifinals of the 35th Federation Cup when they conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 with Rangdajied United FC at the MDSC Stadium, in Manjeri on Saturday evening. The result meant Group B is still wide open after Sporting Clube de Goa beat East Bengal 2-1 in an earlier fixture.

Rangdajied United defender Lamine Tamba headed home in the 80th minute to cancel out Thoi Singh’s early opener. Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood started with the same team that beat Sporting Clube de Goa 5-3 three days back.

Like in the game against Sporting Clube de Goa, Bengaluru FC blitzed off to a dream start, only this time, much sooner. Siam Hanghal slid one through the centre that Thoi, with his pace, reached and latched on to before slotting past goalkeeper Surjay Pariyar’s right.

Bengaluru FC kept stringing good, swift moves but the effort was often blanked in the attacking third. Rangdajied United, on their part, didn’t do much to warranty an equaliser. Their best chance came in the 13th minute when John Menyongar lost possession to Edmar Figueira in a dangerous position but John Johnson stepped up with a timely challenge to avert danger.

The second half didn’t see either side looking to do anything that would change the game as Bengaluru FC were keener to own possession and kill the tie off. However, the absence of a second goal came to haunt the Blues when Tamba jumped high to head home Rangdajied United’s goal from a free-kick.

At the end of two rounds, Bengaluru FC lead the table with four points, Sporting Clube de Goa have three, Rangdajied have two and East Bengal have one. Bengaluru FC play their last league game against the Kolkata side on January 21, the same day as Sporting Goa take on Rangdajied United.